Aerie gets real with trio of new 'Role Models'

What do the actress Yara Shahidi, gold medal gymnast Aly Raisman and singer-songwriter Rachel Platten have in common? They have just been revealed as the latest #AerieREAL Role Models.

Lingerie and fashion giant Aerie has recruited the stars to front its upcoming spring campaign alongside the brand's existing ‘Aerie Role Model,' body positive activist Iskra Lawrence. The women will also be collaborating with the brand to create their own fashion pieces set to launch in March, with sales benefiting charities of their choices.

The role models were selected by the brand for their "influential voices," which they will put to good use via a series of "Real Talk" speaking engagements set to take place in Aerie stores, encouraging female empowerment.

"I love supporting causes and movements that help perpetuate this idea of people rising together," said Shahidi in a statement, with Platten adding: "In being more vulnerable and having the courage to share my truths even more, I've learned that more people feel like that gives them permission to do the same." Gymnast Raisman, who has recently been in the headlines after testifying against disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar, said: "We've all been through something that, in the end, will make you a stronger person."

"Yara, Aly, Rachel, and Iskra truly embody AerieREAL and what it means to be strong, confident, and happy in your own skin," said Jennifer Foyle, Aerie Global Brand President. "At Aerie, we believe in authentic, real beauty and never airbrush our models. Now, more than ever, we want to encourage women everywhere to feel empowered to embrace their own unique qualities and beautiful REAL selves."