Hot Topics: Some magazines airbrush models to look fatter

Here’s a trend that took us by surprise: Magazines are evidently airbrushing models to look fatter.

It’s called “reverse retouching,” and more Photoshop pros are adding a little extra padding to arms, waists, thighs and hips.

Models who have worked their way up through the business feeling that thin is always better – often at the expense of their own well-being – are getting healthier curves via editing.

Here’s what a couple of magazine insiders told Fox 411’s “Pop Tarts” column:

“I have to airbrush clients’ to make them appear bigger and more womanly before I submit photographs,” a talent manager told the blog. “Skinny doesn’t sell.”

Celebrity stylist Phillip Bloch added, “The bootylicious-ness of the Beyonce, the J-Lo, and the Kim Kardashian effect is contagious, and Hollywood runs things more than models nowadays. It is definitely not about make-me-look skinny, it is make me look sexy and curvy. And we’re also seeing a trend in cleavage. (Airbrushing) is happening in several other parts of the body too. They want toned arms and fuller faces.”

What SheSays: This shows that some in society see skinny as unseemly, a worthwhile venture after decades of using Twiggy and Kate Moss as fashion role models.

Tags: hot topics, fashion, health, shesays