We all have a story.
We all have a struggle.
We all have a body that we may or may not have a complicated relationship with.
In fashion it is all too easy to scrutinize, compare and stare way too hard into the mirror analyzing angles and diameters like physiological analysts instead of simply enjoying the adornment process of dressing and styling our bodies as we wish. But, maybe that’s the easy part. The hard part is often coming to terms with what lies underneath the sartorial elegance of our OOTDs.
I often make social justice-esque statements about the advertising industry in fashion, and how “I never see anyone that looks like me,” when I am a slim, white woman. But it’s true. The acne scars, the stretch marks, the little hairs, THE BIG HAIRS… none of the bits and bobs on my body that make me, me ever seem to make an appearance on any other photographed woman in fashion. It’s this void in the imagery, this lack of representation… a multitude of blank spaces that are not being filled. The problem is not what we do see, but what we don’t.
Representation in fashion is extremely important. Celebrating diversity among bodies and identities- finding love and acceptance for our own- is something that Shop Undone has accomplished with great strides. The Toronto-based company sells high quality underwear and basics that reflect progressive thinking and design. Their models are what attracted me to the brand. Their Instagram and online shop are filled with beautiful, real bodies that do not simply focus on size difference.
Shop Undone represents REAL. Seeing models like this (re: images I curated for this post) make me more confident in what lies beneath my own layers of fabric and notions. I want to embrace my realness and remind others that empowered bodies are liberated bodies. Join me in supporting brands that support body diversity and promote body love and acceptance. Body equity is something we can only accomplish together.
