Julie Khan is one of the most prominent and outspoken Pakistani trans-rights activists who is primarily known for her web series, Naked Truth, where she dissects and uncovers any and every subject matter that is considered taboo within Pakistani society. Despite being raised in the heavily paternalistic society of Rawalpindi, as a transgender woman, Julie has always tirelessly championed self-love and acceptance.
While countries like Germany have acknowledged their trans-community by offering the “third gender” option on birth certificates, Pakistan’s transgender population continues to fight battles to obtain basic civil rights. Pakistan's transgender community, known as khawaja seras, has faced abuse and isolation for decades - with the passage of time, their social status has diminished significantly. Transgender people now live on the margins of society as entertainers, beggars, and sex workers. Often denied access to education and healthcare, they face extreme discrimination, poverty, abuse, and other violations of basic human rights.
In the midst of such turbulent times, I had the opportunity of sitting down with Julie Khan to reflect on the state of trans-rights in Pakistan, following the #JusticeForJulie movement.
Since the #JusticeForJulie movement, have there been any differences in the communities around you?
There’s definitely a big difference. Before the movement, our identities were not acknowledged - let alone our rights. Following the movement, we were finally acknowledged as human beings for the first time. Despite this being the bare minimum, it was a big milestone for my community.
Do you believe that social media movements have contributed to shine a light on the issues surrounding trans-rights, or are they mere trends?
I am of the belief that, in this day and age, we are living two kinds of lives - our physical lives and our social media lives. We can not deny that social media has brought forth change and reform. For the most part, if people choose to positively use their social media accounts, I don’t see why it can’t create the change that we so desperately wish to witness in the world around us.
If there is one thing that you wish the world could understand about the transgender community, what would that be?
I wish, rather yearn, for nothing more than a world where people would stop imposing their opinions on the trans-community based on one or two controversial transgender figures. I hope that people can grow to understand that, just like in any other community, a single transgender person isn’t representative of an enormous group of people. We are individuals, not just headlines. We are not solely the subjects of your fancy documentaries, we have feelings and aspirations.
You have openly talked about the fact that the transgender women and men of Pakistan have been caged into doing sex work due to the fact that society doesn’t allow them to exist in workplaces. Could you elaborate on what this means?
I have a million things that I want to say about this. Firstly, by what logic does society judge trans women and men for partaking in sex work when it is the sole reason why so many of us are forced into this profession? When you don’t give us jobs in your big firms simply because we are transgender, do you not realize that, by one way or another, we need to put food on our tables?
Secondly, just because you don’t see transgender people working at big companies, doesn’t mean we lack potential or skill - it simply means that the CEOs of big companies have small, narrow mindsets. It overfills my heart with joy to witness transgender women like Nisha Rao overcome countless adversities to accomplish astronomical milestones. Her journey, which started from the streets of Pakistan, led her to working at one of the biggest law firms in the country. Her story is one of resilience, and I believe it sets a beautiful example for the youth of my community.
It is no secret that stigma surrounding the trans-community trickles down into schools and other educational facilities, causing many transgender students to back away from attaining their basic right to education. In an attempt to combat this, the Pakistani government has created separate institutions to accommodate transgender children - do you believe this is a productive initiative?
While I acknowledge that the government has done this to bring forth positive change, I believe such initiatives end up doing more harm than good. Wherever you create a division between transgender and cisgender people, even if it is done with the right intentions, you contribute to the existing social divide that continues to haunt my community. Why must we be separated from them? Why don’t you teach them to detach themselves from their toxic mindsets?
Even if the government successfully separates trans and cisgender children at a school level, how long will they be able to keep up this division? Will they create separate law firms to employ transgender people? Will they create separate hospitals for transgender doctors? The divide must end, and the time for that is now.
Your story of grit and resilience undoubtedly inspires trans youth from every corner of the globe. What is one piece of advice you would give to them?
My advice is simple, but, unfortunately, it is one that many aren’t delighted to hear - be patient. Being part of a minority group, you have weathered big storms throughout your life. A good future awaits you, but the path to it requires your utmost patience. We have fought for our rights, and we will continue to do so until it isn’t considered a sin to be ‘one of us’. Instill faith within yourself and champion for the causes that you hold dear to your heart.
I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking out the time to do this interview. I wholeheartedly believe that your words will greatly touch and inspire not only the trans community but all those who have faced adversities for reasons beyond their control.
Thank you for giving me this platform - without young people like you raising your voice in the fight for trans-rights, stories like mine would’ve been swept under the rug.
Written by Manahil Naveed
]]>When and why did you start making music? Is there a moment in time where you can remember thinking ‘this is what I’m supposed to do’?
My major ‘aha’ moment was when I first heard Britney Spears I'm A Slave 4 U, I was at a sleepover at my cousin Tracey’s and I woke her up like “omg listen to this.” Hearing that song ignited a dangerous fire in me, I remember daydreaming into the future thinking “if I ever make music, it has to be some next level stuff like this.” She’s definitely one of the reasons why I’m not afraid to push the boundaries on my sound.
In a few short years you’ve amassed a devoted fan base and cult following using social media, would you say this has impacted and/or helped your career? Tell us about your fans - who are they?
Social media has been the GREATEST help in launching my career, I’ve used it to my advantage by dropping covers and achieving viral successes. From then to now I’ve achieved this crazy online buzz from my own original material, and I have to thank my AMAZING runwayz who really run shit and make it their duty to make my name circulate. They blow my mind all the time. It’s like my little internet family, and I’m really thankful for each and every one of them.
It seems your collaboration with Yung Baby Tate was destiny, the stans asked and you guys delivered! Tell us about yours and Tate’s friendship and how damn Daniel blossomed?
Funnily enough I knew about Yung Baby Tate from 2018. I was really impressed by her attention to detail, her creative on her projects are bomb, and her music is fire. So I downloaded all her stuff, and then when I dropped 2ON she found her way to me and we fell in love and our sisterhood was born from there.
How have you been keeping creative during lockdown?
At first when lockdown began, I was trying to do everything, trying to exercise every talent I have all at once. I almost began learning these mind wrecking TikTok challenges, but as I started to fully adjust to this pandemic, my focus adjusted with it. So I’ve just been focusing on creating mood boards for music videos as I did with Damn Daniel of course, as well as making mood boards for looks cause I’m planning to SLAY when I’m free from jail. I’ve been writing great music too.
DD is giving me such summer of 2000 and something vibes! What were some of the inspirations behind the song?
DD was birthed in such a funny way, I arrived in Sweden last year to write and for some reason was hooked on 90's TV shows. I was binge watching Fresh Prince, Gina, Moesha... you name it. And there was something amazing about the song selections for these shows. I had a funny thought, I said to myself before I went to sleep “what would your contribution be to one of these shows if you were asked to feature on a soundtrack?” The next morning Damn Daniel was born.
It’s so crazy to think you shot the Damn Daniel video during the peak of quarantine! What was the biggest obstacle you faced when it came to the DD video?
Looooooooool really annoying actually. I was actually supposed to shoot the video in LA and was about to get flown out, or I was going to fly to ATL for the shoot instead. Miss Rona said NOPE, and all of those plans got cancelled. BUT God works in mysterious ways, even with the obstacles we faced we still managed to get a smashing video that really captures the spirit of the song.
Give us a run-down of a shoot day during lockdown… How challenging was it to create something that didn’t remind people we weren’t allowed to leave our house?
Luckily, I had proper equipment dropped to me, so I was able to get the best quality for the Damn Daniel video. It was challenging not having a Director of Photography, and not having someone to talk me through the best shots to get, but I did my best and my brother was a big help!
What would your advice be to girls who have their own Damn Daniel fuckboy in their lives?
LEAVE HIM OUT! No boy is worthy enough to get in between two hot girls.
I know you have a very eclectic musical taste spanning from the likes of Freddie Mercury to Phil Collins, what draws you to an artist and how does it influence your process?
What draws me to an artist firstly is how they perform. I love carefree, BOLD artists who just really go for it, and artists who aren’t afraid to push the edge with production! It’s so inspiring to me.
Being an alternative black girl is only now becoming acceptable to the mainstream, what was it like for you growing up?
Uncomfortable as hell. I stuck out everywhere like a sore thumb without even trying, but it’s given me such a thick skin. Every bad and hateful comment about my style, my skin, or towards the way I express myself has made me stronger, as cheesy as it sounds.
Who would be your dream musical collaboration (we are still rooting for Paul McCartney to jump on that Christmas bop!)?
Omg Paul would be a dream; I’d love to work with Gaga as well - I think the song and video would be insane.
If you had to think of a phrase or sign off for the end of the Bree Runway talk show that is your life, what would it be?
It would have to be, “first they hate, then it pops off and they congratulate.”
It’s hard to believe that Bree’s music and passion all started in a bedroom in Hackney, London. After talking with Bree, it seems clear that maybe being the weird black girl isn’t so bad after all. Fighting back against the haters, making fun of society prejudices and stereotypes, and embracing her rebellious spirit have given us the feisty artist we’ve come to know and love. Miss Bree is a bold musician who doesn’t do things by halves, just what the world needs right now!
Watch the Damn Daniel video here.
Written by Leomie Anderson & J'Nae Phillips
Follow J'Nae on Twitter & Instagram
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The post Redefining Galentines Day: Yasmin Benoit and Venus Libido appeared first on LAPP..
]]>I interview two women who are change makers in their fields, Yasmin Benoit an Asexual and Aromantic model and activist, and Venus Libido an illustrator, model, and presenter of Private Parts a chat show exploring all things inclusive dating and relationships. These ladies are trying to overturn our perception of Valentine’s Day, and are using Galentines Day to do just that.
JP: What does Valentine’s Day mean to you?
VL: Over the years I’ve never really celebrated Valentine’s Day. I’ve just come out of a 9 year relationship and both me and my partner where never fond of the day itself. However this year Valentine’s Day will mean celebrating the family and friends I love. Celebrating other relationships I have in my life and really focusing on being thankful for those who truly love me back.
YB: For me, Valentine’s is just a commercial occasion that signals a few things – that chocolate will be on sale soon, there’s more possibilities for lingerie modelling work, and an excuse to drew attention to the fact that there’s a lot of aromantic people out there who aren’t about that life.
JP: How are you trying to change the Valentine’s Day stereotype and confront the bias?
VL: For me it’s about tackling the kind of relationships we are traditionally celebrating, focusing less on romantic relationships as a way of feeling loved and more on Platonic relationships as well. We are all loved and appreciated by at least one person and that doesn’t have to be someone from a romantic relationship. I don’t want this day to make people feel alone just because they aren’t celebrating it with a partner but to celebrate all forms of love we receive.
YB: At this time of year, I’m asked to speak about aromanticism and asexuality more, whether it’s an events or in the media. I try to add a different perspective to the discussions that surround Valentine’s Day – which obviously place a lot of emphasis on sexuality and romance – and challenge those existing ideas.
JP: Challenging the societal norms and emphasis society places on Valentine’s Day is a battle many of us would like to conquer – do you think it’s possible?
VL: Yes absolutely! This is why I wanted to create Rosé Before Broséé. We forget that this is a celebration of love from all perspectives but of course that’s down to the way society markets it to us. Valentine’s Day isn’t about a dinner for two and a bunch of roses anymore it’s about coming together with friends and family who uplift you and remind you that you are loved.
YB: Valentine’s Day is just a symptom of a wider culture that places more value on romantic relationships and romantic love above other forms of interpersonal connection. In the grand scheme of things, I think Valentine’s Day is quite harmless. It’s just one day, one that I think most people find cheesy, forced and overly commercialised, even if they are in romantic relationships. What needs to be changed is the way our society understands and appreciates love.
JP: How will you be celebrating Valentine’s Day, if your celebrating it at all?
VL: I will be waking up next to my best friend Natalie in an air bnb. Most likely with a hangover from the night before as we would have been celebrating Galentines day and Rosé Before Brosé.
YB: I don’t think I’ll be doing anything to celebrate Valentine’s Day, aside from maybe eating some chocolate, but I would have done that anyway!
JP: In contrast, what relationships will you be celebrating this Galentines Day?
VL: Im going to start the day celebrating it with my mum and showing her how much I love and appreciate her. She’s taught me that loving myself first is the most important factor in life and I want to show her how much she means to me. Then in the evening I will be celebrating the relationships I have with my friends. I have so many amazing people in my life who help me through the good and the bad and I want to show them how much that means to me.
YB: Galentine’s Day is about celebrating platonic love, especially in relationships between women. I’m going to spend it at a positive, supportive space with women who I find supportive and inspiring!
JP: How much emphasis and importance do you place on platonic love? How important are your friendships to you?
VL: It’s most certainly the most important thing to me. The people in my life shape me and encourage me to keep going. The last two years since being on Instagram and surrounding myself with strong and empowered people I’ve really learnt to love myself more. Putting myself, my body, my mental health first has truly changed me for the better and that’s all thanks to the friends I chose to surround myself with. Without them I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t be here.
YB: Romantic love isn’t the goal for me, so I place that same importance on platonic relationships. Platonic love isn’t secondary, it isn’t primary. It isn’t ‘just friendship,’ that’s as good as it’ll get, and that can be great too. I put the same amount of energy into it, I value my friendships the same way. They only occur when I truly vibe with someone, and it’s something I intend to be in long-term. I can see myself being in what aromantic people call a queerplatonic relationship someday, and even forming some kind of family that way – it’s like a platonic relationship, but a more serious one that blurs the traditional lines.
JP: What does love mean to you? What does it look like?
VL: To me love is a text from a friend asking if I’m ok. Love is being touched by someone who makes you feel safe. Love is touching myself and making myself feel good. Love is being around my family on a Sunday afternoon round the table. Love is knowing that no matter what someone does loves me.
YB: Love means the same thing to me as it does to everyone else. I’m just inclined towards specific types, i.e. the type that isn’t romantic, but love doesn’t manifest the same way in every relationship. It isn’t something you can define or visualise, it’s a feeling. It just is, and it looks however it looks in that moment.
JP: Does love look any different to you as a feminist/activist?
VL: I doesn’t look different but it’s definitely changed from how I viewed it maybe 2 years ago. I thought I could only be loved if that meant being in a relationship with someone else but now it’s the total opposite. It’s super cheesy but love really does have to start from within first and then that energy will just gravitate towards others.
YB: think the main difference is that I’m seeing and experiencing love from a perspective that isn’t reliant on something heteronormative. It’s also something that I have to analyse more as a phenomenon because I’m asked about it more than the average person.
JP: You both challenge the importance society places on sexuality and love, how would you say you’re doing this?
VL: I’m doing it by breaking down taboos and addressing social norms because love is so different for everyone. I’ve recently made a huge leap in my personal life and come out as pansexual to my friends and family and now I feel like I can truly be myself. I’m 28 and I was almost willing to never tell anyone because I thought what’s the point now. But no we need to remind each other that things are changing and people are becoming more educated and open about sexuality and love. It’s never to late is my motto and I want to keep spreading that kind of attitude to others.
YB: I’ve been involved in activism for the past year, just trying to raise awareness for aromantic and asexual people, increase our visibility and dispel misconceptions. I try to spread a message of inclusion across as many areas as I can, intersecting with different communities that are already having progressive conversations about sexuality and love, but are lacking in a perspective like mine. I’ve written articles, appeared in documentaries, spoken at workplaces, universities and Pride events, consulted on projects, participated in charity and pride campaigns, and tried to create safe spaces that are inclusive of aromantic and asexual people in real life.
In celebration of Galentines Day, Venus Libido has launched a wine Rosé Before Brosé in collaboration with Vagabond Wines, a limited edition provence rosé celebrating friendship and the realness of platonic love – available in all of their stores or you can buy online here. The bottle will be available as part of a month of feminist celebrations leading up to International Women’s Day. Time to treat yourself and your bestie, get popping!
Interview by J’Nae Phillips
Follow J’Nae on Twitter & Instagram
The post Redefining Galentines Day: Yasmin Benoit and Venus Libido appeared first on LAPP..
]]>Tskenya-Sarah Frazer: Thanks for joining us Dalia. There are so many things for us to discuss, but before we get on, could you share what “feminism” means to you?
Dalia Dias: Feminism to me means to be female and for everything that comes with being female, to be accepted. It means to shine and succeed regardless of our gender or appearance. It means to not be judged or have to act a certain way just to fit in spaces that we “stereotypically” are “not supposed” to be in – sports, media production, music for example.
Feminism to me is creating a strong message and letting the world know that to be woman, is to be golden and our strength should not be underestimated at any point. My long term goal is to create opportunities for more women to achieve and reach heights in their desired areas of interest within the creative industry.
As women, we need to stick together and join forces and push as a unit! Collaboration is the greatest gift and the key to achieving anything ultimately.
TSF: That is beautiful, personal and thoughtful definition. So, how does feminism guide your creativity and direction on set?
DD: Being very focused on female representation I constantly think about this when working. I allow it to guide my direction and decisions to the tiniest of details. When a client has a brief, I always find a way to incorporate their wants and needs with my values – making sure I’m giving them what they asked for but also not losing myself or what I believe, in the process of doing so.
TSF: The Twerk video currently stands at just over 20 million views, which is just wild! What inspired you when putting the direction for the video together?
DD: The Twerk video was a challenge – but all challenges are great because this is where you grow as an artist and a creative. I honestly was afraid to do a video where the client specifically wanted so many butt cheeks on camera – but my way of flipping this on it’s head was to push for a “No Boys Allowed” narrative and it worked. We gave them Jay-Z’s ‘Big Pimpin’ vibes, however without the men and without the pimping. I made the video a Girls Only Zone and that was my driving force for the entire Creative Direction. Knowing that this video is about femininity, women coming together and having a good time, celebrating, dancing, embracing the culture and just having fun! That is what makes it different to any other twerk video and puts it on a whole new level.
No preying eyes, no exploitation, no degrading. The Twerk video is pretty much a visual representation of a girls trip and probably what most girls do at home whilst getting ready in the mirror…. Just on steroids perhaps! I mean, I know if a City Girls or Cardi B song comes on when I’m doing my make up, I’m for sure twerking. It’s like the warm up before you step out.
But we had to go hard, it was either that or for me to fly back home for 10 hours from Miami, which I wasn’t about to do. I got “flewed out” so I had to go hard – #PERIOD, as Yung Miami would say.
TSF: I think it is refreshing that the video is free from the male gaze, which is so important considering the ways in which Black women are so heavily over-sexualised and often degraded in the process. Was it a conscious decision to only include Black women in the video?
DD: It was a real life competition and that’s how we came about the contestants – who are the girls in the video. Each of the girls submitted their entry to the City Girls $25k Twerk Challenge and the ones that made it to Miami were the strongest candidates. They worked for it!
With that being said, I didn’t deal with the casting on this occasion but I usually do push for women of colour because I am a WOC myself. Black is beautiful and we need to see more of it. I’m all for changing the narrative and stigma around WOC in the video world and that’s why I fight for it, ensuring that where possible we are represented as well as being represented in the right way and creating something groundbreaking.
People may disagree and say “how is twerking being represented in the right way?” but there’s levels to this – These women are athletes! And if twerking was a sport they would all be in the finals! At this stage, they are showing us something that requires a skill, just like any other form of dance and it’s not to be underestimated. Furthermore, to my previous point – we created a Girls Only Zone, to be free and have fun amongst ourselves! This is for us, women!
TSF: And that is what I appreciate the video most, as it is lead and made for fierce women . Did you always know you wanted to get into Creative direction?
DD: I always knew I wanted to work in film and photography. So I pursued it from young. Starting out as a music video director and later on moving into photography and creative direction as I progressed throughout my career, I managed to build and grow my skill set and earn the several hats that I wear. I got into it by studying design and photography at university in London and working my socks off! Reading and researching endlessly and finding opportunities as well as networking and getting gigs of my own.
TSF: Is creative direction a difficult space to navigate as a Woman of Colour?
DD: Of course it’s been hard at times to navigate as a WOC but I never see this as a burden or a crutch! As a matter of fact it’s my power, it’s what makes me stand out because being a woman in a male dominated industry makes you stand out, you now add being black on top of that and there you have a niche that is special and comes with a unique perspective to the game. But there are more and more of us emerging today and that’s what makes me excited and happy. I love walking on to set and people assuming I’m a model or the make up artist and I’m like, actually I’m the Director/Creative Director! That cracks me up every single time because instantly the dynamics change – it’s “yes boss” straight away. And at that point, being a WOC goes out the window. We are all here to work, you have to listen to the director if you want to get the job done. As simple as that!
TSF: You have worked with the likes of Quavo, Tyga and now Cardi B, what is next for you? What are your plans for the future?
DD: I have big plans and big dreams. With Twerk being the first video I’ve done this year I’m very excited for what’s to come. The tone has been set now, all I can say is watch this space! I won’t mention who I would like to work with from the UK because that would be telling! Lol, but keep your eyes peeled.
TSF: Any artists from the US that you have in mind?
DD: From the US, I would love to work with a J Cole or a Kendrick Lamar, just because I feel like I’d be able to offer them something different and out of the box. On the female front, Queen B of course! And her sister too, Solange – they are very versatile and dynamic… I reckon we will be able to create something out of this world!
I might be reaching, but if you aim for the stars then at worst you’ll land amongst the clouds and that’s not a bad place for a 24-year-old, I’m only getting started in my eyes.
TSF: Genuinely, we cannot wait to see where else you go at LAPP. Finally, what advice would you give to other young women wanting to get into the creative industry?
DD: Collaboration is your best tool – use it. Network, build trustworthy contacts and teams, meet and work with people that share your vision. Save your money and travel the world, seek inspiration from various sources. Learn and master your craft, study and grow your knowledge base. Research is everything. Most importantly, be humble!
We are all students of life.
TSF: Thank you, Dalia.
Be sure to check out Dalia’s work on her upcoming website and follow her journey on Instagram.
Written by Tskenya-Sarah Frazer
]]>The post Fashion Forward: A Conversation Between Charli and Leomie appeared first on LAPP..
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Leomie: So Charli, I know you’re a London girl like me, tell me about where you grew up and how you were scouted?
Charli: My dad is from South London and my mum the north [of England] and because of my Dad’s job, we had to move around a lot. When I was 12, I went to boarding school which was really tough for me, but I began getting scouted a lot by agencies from the age of about 15 in places like Topshop in Oxford St or in Camden. Whenever I’d go to agencies, I was always told I needed to lose weight to get signed. I didn’t get signed properly until I was 21 (quite old in model land!!).
Leomie: I’m from South London to, I knew I liked you! Everyone’s signing stories are so different. When I was scouted at 14, I knew nothing about the modelling industry, just had an interest in fashion; what did you think of the fashion industry before you were scouted?
Charli: I began to learn what fashion was after the older girls stuck photos of Kate Moss on their wall. And honestly, that’s what I thought fashion was – Kate Moss and partying and no rules, which appealed to a rebel-like me. When I finally signed and experienced the industry, I saw it as this untouchable, wonderful fantasy land and was obsessed with trying to fit in with it. Social media didn’t exist in the way it does now, so in order to be successful, you had to be thin – no exceptions. As much as I started to see faults within it like late payments, horrible bookers, creepy men, I really wanted to be accepted by it.
Leomie: The industry is definitely not what it seems from the outside, no one really prepares you for darker side of things. But I’ll definitely say that things have improved from when we both started, I don’t even think we would’ve worked together even five years ago.
Charli: I think it’s becoming healthier because there’s a more diverse range of women in it nowadays, but I wouldn’t recommend joining it if you’re easily misled or feel like you have something to prove. You have to work on yourself first!
Leomie: This is definitely not an industry for the faint hearted mate. I’ve experienced so many crazy situations as a young model that I’ve spoken about a lot. It’s like people forget that most of us are young women. What was the most poignant experiences you had?
Charli: I’ve had a few, but I think the main issue I had throughout the early years was the fact that no matter how much weight I lost, I could never be small enough. Even at my lowest weight (7 stone) I didn’t have this magical 34 inch hip everyone wanted. I abused myself in every way possible wondering why my body just wouldn’t become what I wanted it to. When I got dropped for being “too big,” I think it was the first time I really asked myself if I wanted to do it anymore. I’m glad I didn’t quit though because to cut a long story short, I got picked up by a US agency and became a curve model instead.
Leomie: I hate the fact you went through that, but I’m so happy that you managed to turn that negative experience. I’ve read your book, Misfit and love how honest it is when it came to discussing your mental health and body issues. How did the process of writing help you?
Charli: It’s helped me become stronger and not feel as alone. I thought admitting to my mental health issues would destroy my career, but actually it’s strengthened it. The fact that my book has helped other people makes me feel so proud too. I believe that most eating disorders develop from childhood and teen issues, yet there are no books available for these people struggling. So I wanted to write one that explains the path and reasons behind getting them, in a light hearted and funny way!
Leomie: The fashion industry has definitely become more conscious when it comes to body positivity and diversity, how has it been being part of this change? Do you think it’s enough?
Charli: I’ve seen it change DRAMATICALLY the last few years, especially in New York. Nowadays, when I see campaigns that don’t feature models of colour, for example, it seems so archaic and odd – you just think, “wow.” A few years ago, it was an oddity to see a person of colour in campaigns, so that goes to show how far we’ve come in that sense. I love seeing curvy women in campaigns too because it’s so important for young girls to go see different sizes!
It’s clear that Charli is a female force to be reckoned with, and the fashion industry knows it. With a newly released Agent Provocateur campaign under her belt and a Podcast coming soon, it’s only up from here for this queen is owning her curves!
Written by Leomie Anderson
All looks worn by Charli and Leomie available here
Purchase Charli’s other book, Splash It’s a classic underdog story that displays the importance of friendship, body positivity, and celebrating who you are.
The post Fashion Forward: A Conversation Between Charli and Leomie appeared first on LAPP..
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