Although now known around the world as a model and Activist, Emily Ratajkowski wasn’t always a household name. In fact, it was her controversial appearance in the music video for Robin Thicke’s song “Blurred Lines” that launched her into the public eye. Since then, Emily Ratajkowski has taken over the fashion world, appeared in multiple films, and has been a champion for women and body positivity. Here’s a closer look at Emily Ratajkowski’s career and the impact she’s had on redefining beauty standards.
Early Life and Career
Emily O’Hara Ratajkowski was born on June 7th, 1991 in London and grew up in San Diego, California. From a young age, her interest in fashion and modeling was apparent and she was signed with a modeling agency at 14. She continued to take small jobs throughout her high school years.
In 2012, she landed the prominent role in Robin Thicke’s “Blurred Lines” music video which gained widespread fame and attention on a global level. As a result of her powerful presence in the video, her social media accounts instantly gained a large number of followers and she was propelled into the public sphere as a model and public figure.
Rise to Fame
Following the success of the music video, Emily Ratajkowski moved to New York City to pursue a career in modeling further. After signing with IMG Models, she graced the covers of numerous magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar, GQ, and Vogue. She also became the face of brands such as DKNY, Gucci and appeared in campaigns for Versace and Accessorize. She strutted the runway for designers such as Marc Jacobs, Tom Ford and Dolce & Gabbana.
Emily also transitioned into the film industry and made her debut in the thriller Gone Girl starring Ben Affleck. She also acted in films such as We Are Your Friends, Welcome Home and In Darkness. In 2020, Emily joined the cast of the Amazon Prime crime series, The Boys.
Emily Ratajkowski and Body Positivity
As Emily rose to fame, she seemed to become even more aware and passionate about challenging conventional beauty standards. The model has been outspoken about her beliefs regarding body inclusivity, feminism, and consent.
Emily has used her own body as a statement of power by posting stunning photographs online, that would not meet conventional beauty standards. Despite being a thin, conventionally ‘beautiful’ model, Emily makes sure to frequently post photos that represent other body types and even glasses and braces that are often featured in her pictures.
In her fight against unattainable beauty standards, Emily has also criticized those she felt had a lack of body positivity acceptance. Through her social media, she’s taken a stance against Victoria’s Secret and their alleged exclusion of various body shapes, seemingly missing the opportunity to make their fashion ‘inclusive’.
Emily Ratajkowski and Women Empowerment
Emily is a strong advocate of women’s rights. She was an ambassador for the charity I AM THAT GIRL, and also partners with Planned Parenthood and The Women’s March. She posted an inspiring video on Instagram discussing the importance of women’s autonomy and the message that when “women are in control of their sexual choices, there is power.”
The model has taken her activism a step further by creating her own feminist website called ALDA. Here, Emily poses and researches the topics closest to her heart, including; body positivity, politics, and culture.
Emily’s Controversy
As much as Emily Ratajkowski is applauded for her strong voice and her inability to back down from challenges, she still has some controversy surrounding her. Despite Emily’s activism, some have called out her apparent hypocrisy, as she is photographed in some lingerie campaigns, seemingly expressing taking a stand against depleting women’s autonomy and their bodies in the same breath.
In a 2018 interview the model discussed her controversial views saying “I don’t think feminist today should be data points of what women can and can’t wear” and that “There’s so much variety and choice, and I don’t think anything should be frowned upon as long as it’s a choice.”
Emily Ratajkowski has built up a strong yet empowering presence in the beauty and fashion industry. Her statements and bold statements have enabled other young women to express themselves through their clothing and hair, both confidently and openly. Emily Ratajkowski has undeniably created an impact that is necessary and remarkable, and has proven that true beauty comes from within.
