Aerie Built A $2 Billion Brand By Rejecting Victoria’s Secret’s Old Playbook. Now It Wants to Win the AI Backlash

Headshot of a person wearing glasses and seated on a sofa, surrounded by lush indoor plants and a vibrant green wall mural.In 2014, Jennifer Foyle made a defining move with Aerie’s “Aerie Real” pledge, committing the brand to stop retouching photos and positioning it as an early leader in body positivity and authentic representation. This differentiated Aerie from competitors by focusing on comfort, realism, and emotional connection rather than idealized beauty standards, helping it stand out in a crowded lingerie market. Under her leadership, Aerie has grown into a nearly $2 billion brand and the main growth driver for American Eagle Outfitters, expanding successfully into categories like bralettes, activewear, and fleece. Foyle’s strategy blends instinct and cultural observation, often pushing into new categories before customers explicitly ask for them. She believes Aerie still has significant room to grow, including into areas like personal care and skincare, as long as they align with the brand’s ethos.

 

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