A new, limited edition line of underwear by fashion brand Monki is patterned with a written message for wearers: "Only I define myself. I am smart, I am strong, I am brave. My body is beautiful. I love the skin I'm in. I am worthy of love. I deserve to feel happy. I am confident. I am unique. I love ME."
The sentences are printed in reverse, so the wearer can read them when looking in a mirror. While those positive affirmations can be powerful for anyone to absorb, Monki is specifically considering those with — or at risk of developing — body dysmorphic disorder. People with BDD become highly preoccupied with what they perceive as flaws in their physical appearance. That fixation can become so intense and all-consuming that it interferes with relationships, social life, education and work.
Monki's BDD line was developed in partnership with the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Foundation to raise awareness about the disorder, which is underdiagnosed and often overlooked. In 2021, the H&M-owned brand successfully worked with BDDF to petition the EU Parliament for transparency on altered images on social media. Companies and influencers are now legally required to disclose that photos have been manipulated for paid content online.
