Keep Calm and Embrace Your Curves

Dear curvy woman, I know it’s hard to hear that you are too large to be a chief of your department, to have happy, fulfilling relationships, to shine on TV, or be a movie star, a model, or a chef. I can't even count how many times I've been told my weight would be the reason I fail.

This design was presented during Fendi Streetstyle before the show, and was inspired by Portrait of Queen Victoria (1819- 1901) - Franz Xaver Winterhalter.

It is hard not to be discouraged, especially if we have heard these horrible and delusional prophecies before, in our childhood, making them seem even truer. I am sorry if someone made you believe that you are less than and not deserving of the life you want because of your appearance.

Yes, I have heard of pretty privileges and how beauty standards can be obstacles to getting things done. But at the moment, the cards are dealt, and we play with them. We are not ashamed to play smart. Instead of submitting to the sick belief that we are worthy only if we are of a particular size, have noses according to the trend, or long fine legs we can shrug it off and keep calm, doing what fulfils us and contributes to our prosperity.

So I persisted. I went to Milan Fashion Week, knowing full well that I wouldn’t see many people of my size there. On my first day at Fashion Week, I got a photo in Vogue. I was so inspired by the beauty of the moment during Alberta Feretti’s street style before the show, and I glowed, loving the moment.

Street style photographer Phil Oh (bless your heart) told me in a DM that he took that picture because “you were so chic and confident <…> /” I was shocked in the jolliest way, and this moment gave me the bravery to continue my styling, attend Fashion Weeks, and evolve my skills.

It was hard proof that even in the fashion world, you can be appreciated for your energy and skills, not for conforming to beauty standards.

This experience, along with therapy, work, and the support of kind souls around me, heals. I am building my business, and I am getting healthier, happier, and manifesting myself more and more. My latest project Taking Up My Space with sweatshirts, inspired by larger women portrayed in artworks, was created to encourage women to live their best lives no matter what size tag says.

And I want to encourage you here too: Let them gossip, let them live with their assumptions about the world. But you—keep calm and embrace your curves.

Sweatshirts are available in my store in sizes S-5XL, buying them you make a statement and support my future projects, thank you!

photos: Phil Oh @mrstreetpeeper

Aleksandra Lansoni @aleksandralansoni