Reebok and brand ambassador Gigi Hadid last week hosted the #PerfectNever Revolution, an empowering event that challenged hundreds of women from all walks of life to come together and confront the unattainable notions and standards of perfection.
A series of activities including a workout class, a panel discussion with prolific female trailblazers and an immersive, artistic installation brought to life Reebok’s underpinning brand spirit, “Be More Human,” and showcased the global fitness leader’s unwavering commitment to identifying and meeting the demands of women worldwide.
“A lot of people expect us to be perfect, and it’s often the times when we haven’t been perfect that have made us more human and more relatable,” said Hadid.
“My mom always talked about growing in different areas, and I think that’s really important. I think that’s where sports became a really big part of my life, and I learned many ways that you learn from your mistakes that I use in every aspect of my life now.”
Gigi united with a group of inspiring women who are redefining perceptions in their respective industries and challenging norms. Here, the women formed a dynamic panel where they spoke to their own experiences of the pressures of perfection and gave insight into how they combat these impossible standards. Panelists included:
• Aly Raisman – Reebok athlete and medal-winning gymnast
• Lena Dunham – Actor, writer, director, creator and star of HBO’s “GIRLS” and co-founder LennyLetter.com
• Jessica Mendoza – ESPN broadcaster; former medal winning softball player
• Ruby Rose – Actress
• Zoe Kravitz – Actress and musician
The panel was live-streamed at: reebok.com/perfectneverpanel. It can be viewed now.
Lena Dunham said, “The reason that I started doing my job was to connect with other women, with other people, and to let them know that their flaws, their complexities and their darkness were an important part of who they are. So any time I can engage with something that busts open narratives, traditional narratives, about who women are supposed to be, I’m there.”
Ruby Rose said, “The #PerfectNever campaign resonated with me because I think that it embodies female empowerment and it’s about being authentic to yourself, being true to yourself and being the best that you can be. We are all so unique and if you can’t be true to that and be authentic to who you were born to be, then you are not living the life you deserve.”
Zoe Kravitz said, “The #PerfectNever campaign is important to me because I think it’s something we don’t see enough in the world. I think it’s important for women to embrace the fact that we’re not perfect and celebrate that.”
Commenting on the panel discussion, Jessica Mendoza said, “Just listening to the other women, powerful women, talk about their own strengths and weaknesses and how they’ve gotten to where they’re at was one of the most powerful panels I’ve been on.”
Hannah Jeter, Olivia Culpo and Shanina Shaik also joined the inspired audience at the #PerfectNever Revolution, representing SIX:02 who currently carries the Reebok Women’s Collection.
Continuing the #PerfectNever story which debuted worldwide in early 2016, Gigi also participated with guests in an immersive workout experience alongside longtime trainer and Gotham Gym owner, Rob Piela. Showcasing her love for boxing, Hadid sparred with guests during the combat master class, which took the women through moves that strengthen and empower.
The event culminated in powerful and uplifting style as Reebok and Gigi invited guests to take part in an interactive installation. A sea of balloons featuring phrases reflecting negative notions and unrealistic expectations women face in their daily lives transformed into positive and inspiring words that brought the #PerfectNever philosophy to life. Engaging with women around the world in real time, the installation featured social commentary posted via #PerfectNever, reflecting the campaign’s truly universal message.
Commenting on the #PerfectNever Revolution, Inga Stenta, Senior Director at Reebok shared, “The #PerfectNever Revolution is a powerful expression of our Be More Human rallying cry. Reebok’s mission is to empower people to be the best versions of themselves not just physically, but mentally and socially. Each moment in today’s #PerfectNever experience combined these beliefs with Gigi’s personal fight against the pressures of perfection. Our aim is to unite and inspire women of all ages all over the world to flip this conventional notion on its head. Potential is perpetual and limitless. Why stop at perfect?”
The #PerfectNever Revolution and Reebok’s partnership with Gigi marks the second phase in the #PerfectNever movement’s chapter. Its debut was led by a compelling campaign video featuring athlete and champion of empowerment, Ronda Rousey. The #PerfectNever campaign is a continuation of the Reebok ‘Be More Human’ marketing platform, a rallying cry for people to live up to their full potential, and continues the global fitness brand’s mission to change how people perceive and experience fitness. Hadid and Reebok will work together to further champion this message.
The Reebok Women’s collection, as worn by Gigi throughout the event and campaign is available at: SIX:02 and Reebok.com
