Here's What Happens When Real People Recreate Iconic Fashion Ads

"I don't identify with models."

Most people don't see themselves in the models staring back at them from magazine pages or TV. In fashion ads especially, models who are of color, transgender or plus size are notably underrepresented.

Buzzfeed recreated iconic fashion ads using non-models to more accurately reflect consumers. In the five original ads -- from Victoria's Secret, Calvin Klein, Abercrombie & Fitch, Guess and Chanel -- the majority of the models featured are white and thin.

The people who participated in the new ads said they enjoyed their experiences, though at times felt uncomfortable.

Buzzfeed Video

"It’s interesting being basically naked with people walking around, but it’s kind of empowering as time goes on, because it’s just a body," said a participant named Daysha, who was recreating a Victoria's Secret ad.

Buzzfeed Video

"I now feel so much more confident in my skin, and this experience has really allowed me to embrace my skin color," said Michelle, who recreated a Guess ad. Michelle said her father is Indian and her mom is Caucasian.

French stylish Nathalie Croquet also recreated iconic fashion looks earlier this year. Working with a team, Croquet created "Spoof," a photo series of eleven ads that showed her mimicking iconic poses and models, including Gisele Bündchen and Kate Moss, with her own wrinkles and imperfections on display.

Nathalie Croquet

As model Ashley Graham, who stars in a Lane Bryant campaign celebrating diversity, recently said to the Huffington Post: "Everyone deserves to see themselves being represented equally."

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