Erin Heatherton

Celebrity Fashion & Style - Erin Heatherton thinks using Photoshop in Victoria's Secret campaigns is ''essential'' to creating a fatasy photo that is just right for the brand.

The lingerie brand has come under fire for digitally-altering its advertising images but the 23-year-old model doesn't see anything wrong with the practice because they are ''creating a fantasy''.

She said: ''We're not selling reality, we're selling a story. It's all about creating this fantasy.

''I don't think people should confuse fantasy and reality because no one is perfect - we all know that.

''This is what happens when you do a photo shoot; retouching is an essential part of our job.

''I think it's people's own prerogative to be able to look at something and know the difference between 'this is what someone looks like with make-up on' and 'this is what they look like in real life.'''

Although Erin agrees altering a model's body to appear slimmer or taller is ''not a fair message'', she thinks most people understand that images are changed.

She told Fashionista: ''At the same time I think we're all intelligent enough to know the difference between what's real and what's not. I think that's something that children should be taught by their parents - it should be taught in schools.

''Photoshop makes things look beautiful just as you have special effects in movies. It's just a part of life.''

© Bang Showbiz