When I met Anita Bellamy at Plus London this year I was so excited to hear about the fantastic exhibition she was working on. Hearing her thoughts about the plus size community and our daily struggles really made me address some issues that I had buried in the back of my mind. I myself have suffered from a variety of confidence issues such as not wanting to be seen in certain clothes, not wanting to show my naked body to a partner without seriously dim lighting etc. and she really got me thinking. Why am I allowing other people's ideals get into my head and make me hide behind certain defence mechanisms?!
Those who meet me find me to be a bubbly, outspoken and somewhat confident person but in all honesty I'm not quite as confident as I could be. I am happy to say that I have come on in leaps and bounds but I have a fair way to go. I see other plus size women showcasing their curves and wobbly bits in swim suits, daring cuts and wild prints and I wish I could push my own limits that little bit more!
What all my soul searching and experimentation has led me to believe is that confidence is key, one of the things that Anita is really trying to instil in everyone; not just the plus size community. The truth is the better you feel about yourself the better you live your life! It sounds pretty simple but for some people it's a lot harder than it sounds. In truth when you start to put value into yourself you make better personal choices, carry yourself with more pride and in turn become a lot happier! There really isn't enough emphasis put on how important it is to be confident and this is why when I heard about the 'Definition Of Size Art Exhibition' I knew I had to go and see what it was all about!
Me and my beautiful friends Sarah and Chiara
Photo By Irena Vondrasova
When I arrived I was greeted by the smiles of many friends I have made since my entry into the plus size and blogging community. Friends I had met online and at recent events were there, and even before the exhibition had begun the atmosphere in the room was fantastic! Beautifully covered canvases were waiting to be unveiled, drinks were flowing and everyone was anxious to see what was about to happen! Even with an ankle injury Anita was up and about making sure everyone felt more than welcome and that the days' events were set to run perfectly. The itinerary for the day included a fantastic speech about the project, live music entertainment, buffet lunch, beauty treatments and a raffle containing amazing prizes! It was clear to me that a lot of time, effort and work had gone into making the day happen and I was really pleased to have been invited to come down and be a part of it all!
Photo By Irena Vondrasova
Anita took the stage and shared her vision for the project with us all and I have to say even before I saw the gorgeous photographs on the canvases I was very inspired and really wanted to be a part of the project. I have seen so many people crushed and hindered by their lack of confidence and it's a problem that I really think needs to be addressed especially within the plus size community! I believe that everyone has a right to look and feel beautiful no matter who they are, what their background is or the size of their waist!
What was showcased to us were stunning photographs of both experienced and inexperienced models and to be honest, you wouldn't know who was used to being in front of the camera and who wasn't! Different styles of fashion and different types of women were in the pictures. What really excited me was to see that no matter what your look, size, style or ethnicity, beauty is one of the most diverse things out there! Unfortunately we only get to see one kind of beauty on a regular basis in our print magazines and television shows and I really think this kind of project will most definitely make many critics take off their blinders and see things from a new and fresh perspective!
Terri and her stunning portraits! Doesn't she look amazing?!
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After seeing such great photography we had some live music from X Factor contestants Brick City and had a fantastic time getting henna tattoos, facials and talking all things fashion until the end of the evening. I can't wait to see what else comes from this fantastic project and I'll be sure to keep you all posted about it!
Brick City
Photo By Irena Vondrasova
Me and the girls!
Photos By Irena Vondrasova
Myself and the lovely Anita
It's really great to see things moving in the right direction. Plus size fashion brands, tv shows, blogs, magazines and various projects being held in our community are slowly making it happen. Hopefully things continue on in this way because so far it feels good to be a part of the transition.
Finally people are starting to see that we have a right to look and feel just as attractive as our smaller counter parts and I believe functions like this one can only speed up the changing process.
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