While hundreds of retailers launch new campaigns each year, some of which get buried, Aerie's #AerieREAL Role Model (opens in new tab) campaign continues to resonate with fans of the brand. The women in the ads are not the usual crew of agency models, but are "real" in the sense that they have diverse careers and a strong mission to empower other women and make the world a better place.

This year, Beanie Feldstein and Ali Stroker, activists Hari Nef and Manuela Baron, Smile on Me founder Dre Thomas, wellness advocate Tiff McFierce, and scientist Keiana Kaveh, along with actress Lana Condor ( You may know her as the lead actress in Netflix's "To All the Boys I've Loved Before" (opens in new tab)). (They join current role models Aly Raisman, Iskra Lawrence, Brenna Huckabee, Molly Burke, and Jenna Kutcher in the Spring 2020 campaign.)

When I stepped into the showroom space above the Aerie store in midtown Manhattan for my interview with Condor, I was greeted by bright lights, the smell of French fries, and chatter. Role model Allie Reisman casually walked by me and complimented, "I love that denim jumpsuit." I had to refrain from shouting back, "I love YOU."

A few minutes later, the Condor showed up and gave me a big hug as if we were old friends. As we chatted about Aerie, kindness, and the Oscars, Condor pointed out how broad her shoulders were. I nodded in solidarity and told her that a guy had said that to me once in high school and I had never forgotten what he said. Condor jumped to the defense of us broad-shouldered people. Michelle Obama has the strongest, broadest shoulders, so you should [proudly] think you have Michelle Obama's shoulders to yourself."

In that moment, I knew why Airy wanted the condor: at 22, she has a level of self-assurance that most people don't achieve until they are in their late 20s or 30s. She is grounded, energetic, and honest.

"Listen, it's tea. I wear Aerie all the time in real life. This is not a campaign I just do and leave. I wore Aerie on the plane [to New York] without even knowing it. I wear it to all kinds of meetings. I love the brand, I find it very comfortable, colorful, and wearable."

As I heard her say that, I believed her. She's the real deal. And she shared many of her more candid thoughts about what matters most to her. Read more

"It is rare to find a brand that not only promotes such goodness and body positivity, but actually lives up to their word. When they asked me to be a role model, I thought, 'Really.' It's a great honor. Especially when I see so many amazing women. They all create a positive space for themselves by being themselves. We live in a pretty cynical world, but you would be shocked how people respond to it so well. People respond well to kindness and being themselves. You don't need a lot to be kind." [It was] very refreshing and wholesome on the set. I had no idea how much I needed it. There is an incredibly diverse group of women, and I think we all share the same values. We all try our best to speak loudly and proudly about [the initiatives] that we care about."

"Aerie has given me the space to speak my truth. I talk about diversity all the time (opens in new tab). I was heartbroken when no women were nominated for the Academy Award for Best Director (opens in new tab). It was a shock and I am a typical optimist. But it was a reminder that we still have a long way to go before we are truly equal and celebrate all. But with films like 'Separation' and 'Parasite' (open in new tab), I am excited because 'Parasite' (open in new tab) has a fighting chance (to win Best Picture at the Academy Awards)."

"Be confident in yourself and radiate your truth. Don't be afraid to take up space. I've said it before and I'll say it again: the only people you need in your life are those who love you and your [true] self. You must also be gentle and kind to your own heart. Talk to yourself as you would talk to your best friend, and change [any negative] stories and voices in your head. I want you to be kind to yourself and to others. It's not hard.

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