Ooops!

Ever have one of THOSE days where it seemed like everything you do just doesn't work out right?  Your intrepid Beautiful You blogger is in the middle of one, and for those of you who are regulars here you will notice that everything is...not. quite. right.

I'm working on getting it all fixed and back to it's beautiful self as quickly as possible.  Thanks for hanging in with me.

The Power of the Parisian Catwalk

A couple of years ago I had the pleasure of attending the International Academy for Eating Disorders Conference in Seattle, Washington.  It was a great conference and I learnt a great deal about so many aspects of the illness.  One of the most interesting panel discussions I attended was one on how socio-cultural influences are related to this issue.  A woman I know and greatly admire, Zoe Edquist, was one of the panellists in the discussion.

Zoe is a former model, and at the time of the conference, a lawyer working with the Australian Fashion Council.  Zoe also has an intimate understanding of eating disorders, having recovered from one herself.  She gave a very detailed presentation about the evolution of fashion and how the most 'desirable' model shape at any given time in history was very related to fashion of the time.  Zoe clearly stated that she believed it was fashion designers who set 'body trends' via the clothes they made, sample sizes they produced and the models they used to show their clothes.  While Zoe stated she was really pleased to see 'everyday' clothing labels (making clothes that your average woman like me can afford), starting to make clothes in a wider range of sizes and beginning to use more diversely shaped models, she did not believe any lasting change regarding the use of overtly thin models would come into affect until the largest and most influential fashion 'houses' also changed their ways.  In particular, she stated that it would require someone like the fashion group Louis Vuitton Moet Hennessy (LVMH), to instigate change, especially as they owned many other prominent labels such as Celine, Fendi, Givenchy and DKNY.

I thought of Zoe today when I saw this article and images from Louis Vuitton's latest Paris catwalk show by head designer Marc Jacobs...and I gave a little smile.

Images: New York Fashion

At first glance I could forgive you for wondering why I might be smiling at these images from the LV parade - but I believe there is reason to at least give a little curl up to the corners of my lips.  Clearly, all of these models fit the current Western criteria for standardised beauty.  That can't be denied.  So what is the point (or points) of difference?

To begin with, the models Jacobs has used in his parade today range in age from 21 - 46.  In a microcosmic world that is obsessed with youth, this makes a nice change, if simply for no other reason than it is great to see clothes modelled on women, and not girls who are 16, 17 years old.  Yes - I know it is hard to believe that Elle Macpherson (top centre) is 46 years old - but she is.  The other notable point is that while I'm not prepared to go so far to say these women are curvaceous as the article does, (that's taking it too far to my mind), I certainly can see in some of these models a less angular and painfully thin shape as is so often the norm now on catwalks.  In particular, the fuller breasts and arms of Laetitia Casta (top right) are refreshing to see on a European catwalk.  On a final note, I actually think the clothes themselves are very beautiful and due to their flattering cut, defined waists and lower hemlines, could easily be worn by women of many different shapes and sizes.  If only Mr Jacobs could 'stretch himself' to see clear to making that black lace number in a size 16 I could be tempted to save my pennies to try and afford it.  My curves would rock that number.

I know this may seem to some of you to not be that big of a deal - but coming from such a fashion powerhouse as LVMH - I think it is at least a small shift that should be noticed.  This is the most powerful fashion house in the world, that just a few years ago was showcasing its clothes on models who were much younger, thinner and angular.  Case in point can be seen in the parade below.

The real test of course will come with whether Jacobs will not only continue to use models such as these on a regular and ongoing basis, but also whether he and LVMH will really get out of their comfort zone by showcasing even greater body diversity (let's see some plus size action!), and (gasp!), think about making their clothes in sizes that then actually fit these women - and even those who are larger.  Then we would really be on our way.

Creating Body Image Friendly Schools

In November 2009 Australia's National Body Image Advisory Committee presented the Federal Government with a proposed National Strategy on Body Image.  A response to this strategy is due in the next few months.  Being a contributor to the strategy I, and I know many others, are hoping for a positive response that brings about many new initiatives that will be put towards developing Australia as a more positive body image nation.

One of the areas of the proposed strategy I'm particularly interested in, is the proposals put forward regarding creating more body image friendly schools.  This is the part of the strategy I had the most contribution to and am very proud of.  There have been a variety of recommendations put forward regarding schools, including that they embed body image education in the national curriculum and that they be given funding for reputable organisations to deliver body image initiatives to students.

It has also been recommended that schools adopt the "Checklist For Body Image Friendly Schools" aimed at ensuring the cultural and social norms of the school advocate and provide a supportive, safe and body image friendly environment.  Some of the checklist items for schools to consider in creating this body image friendly environment include: 

Having a statement in the school bullying policy that is directly aimed at prohibiting appearance-related teasing.  

Ensuring that body image friendly school and sports uniforms are available that suit a variety of different body shapes and sizes.  

No weighing, measuring or skin fold testing of students in any context. 

Provide an opportunity for all students to engage in regular physical activity that is noncompetitive and non-weight-loss focused. 

Provide a balance of food options from all food groups in the canteen.

Training of all relevant teaching staff in the early identification and referral of serious body image issues and eating disorders.

Provision of developmentally appropriate body image teachings at every year level.

Present talks and information nights for parents about body image issues.

I'm not sure if anyone else out there can remember being weighed or having their skin fold measurements taken at school - but I can.  It was done twice a year in PE class and the wave of anxiety it created amongst the girls in my class was palpable.  Why was it done?  To this day I do not know.  All I can remember is lining up single file to stand on the scale in front of one teacher who then read out what you weighed to another teacher who recorded the number in an exercise book - while everyone could hear of course.  One would think that such practices would be considered antiquated now, but they continue in many schools both here and overseas.  

By ceasing practices such as this and adopting more body image friendly concepts, I truly believe we can begin to make in roads to helping children and young people develop more positive body image.  No matter what the response to the overall strategy, I hope that schools will still manage to be inspired by things such as this checklist and consider adopting even just some of its points.  I for one, know I would feel proud and hopeful to send my child to a school that took this issue seriously and wanted to do all it could to promote a body image friendly environment.

What are your thoughts on the checklist?  Is there a point that you feel is especially needed in your child's school or an idea you have that you think schools should adopt?  I would love to hear your thoughts.

Show The World Your Magic

I believe we all have a little bit of magic inside us.  A skill.  A talent.  A way with words or unique way of giving that can make a difference to others.

When we are feeling self loving and confident, we are much more likely to let our true magic and self shine.  If not in a great place, we can hide away our talents and magic away, and sometimes, unfortunately, I think this can happen for a very long time.  The result can be that we even forget we once had something magical and special about ourselves.

With this beginning of a new week, I can't think of a better time to reignite a past passion that might see you be able to show your magic to the world once again.  Don't hide yourself away.  I'm sure there is something amazing about you that the world needs to see, hear, feel or experience.

Share your magic!

These special words are available in a print by the Suspect Shoppe.

Slimming Bollywood Beauties

I was so disappointed to read this in the West Australian newspaper this morning -

"Bollywood actresses are slimming down, as an increasing vogue for showing bare flesh on screen and Western ideas about body size and beauty take hold in India's big cities."

I have had the wonderful fortune to travel to India and I truly can say that her people, culture and magic left an indelible impression on me.  I was completely spellbound in particular by how beautiful the Indian girls and women were in their bright sari's and bindi's, all wrapped in the most genuine smiles and generous spirit.  It was very common to see girls and women of all different beautiful shapes and sizes.  It breaks my heart that it appears that the tentacles of the western world and its accompanying thin obsession, are now infiltrating minds so far away.

While it is reported that previously Bollywood stars were a great deal more body diverse and curvaceous, present day stars have a 'basic requirement' to be a US size zero or Australian size 4 with the surrounding media having an intense focus on their weight, diet and fitness regimes.  Sound familiar?  Seems to me we could be talking about any young Aussie soap starlet or Hollywood movie star. 

Indian health professionals are concerned this new obsession "could contribute to dangerous, unregulated weight loss among fans" of Bollywood films.  Nutrition and Fitness Consultant Venu Hirani has stated she has seen an influx of young women coming to her for advice on how to lose weight - even though they might not need it -  "Now I have more and more of the younger generation who don't really need to lose weight but tell me they need to knock off 5kg."  Anecdotal increases of clincially diagnosed eating disorders are being reported.

While of course we know that the onset of an eating disorder is a highly complex occurence that involves a variety of factors including ones that are psychological, bio-chemical, emotional and environmental, socio-cultural factors, such as reported here, do play a role in some clinical cases.  The influence is not by any means singular, but the alarming trends of these new beauty and body 'ideals' in India seem to already be having a negative impact. 

I genuinely hope that if "Bollywood" is going to continue to be openly influenced and infiltrated by "Hollywood" that there are some excellent media literacy, body image and self esteem initiatives introduced in Indian schools and public health initiatives very quickly.  Children, young people and indeed adults, will need to be educated about what is really going on behind the glitz and glamour they see in Bollywood movies and that there are an infinite number of body types, shapes, sizes and looks that are beautiful, not just those they see on the big screen.

I Get You

Don't you just love it when someone 'gets you.'  I know I do.

It can be a feeling we experience from a whole heart connection to another person - or even - a pet.  Sometimes too it can happen in special moments when someone totally "gets" what you are on about.  Such are the things that allow us to become more meaningfully entertwined, in love with, friendly or in admiration of others.  When someone really gets you I think it helps us feel less alone and more cosmically connected.

Who gets Beautiful You?  Are you heart connected to someone right now who brings out the best in you, or have you had a moment of clarity and togetherness with someone that is really special?  I'd love to know.

This beautiful print is by Print Bistro.

Miss World's 'Healthy' Body Image Category

"There was plenty of flesh on show at the Miss World Australia Illawarra contest yesterday - but rest assured, this was beauty with a purpose."

Where do I begin?

I'm sure it's not going to come as any great surprise to readers of Beautiful You that I'm not a fan of beauty pageants.  The entire premise of women being judged chiefly on how they look is grossly archaic to me on one hand, and an endorsement of our modern society's obsession with outward appearances on the other.  I have heard the various arguments about how these pageants are about poise, other achievements, and even funds raised for charity, but I'm sorry, as long as women have to don a bikini and strut on a stage in high heels while having their bodies picked apart, scrutinised and scored - their existence is not going to sit comfortably with me.

The latest news in the pageant world is that the Illawarra rounds of Miss World are now judging contestants on 'healthy body image.'  What?  You can't 'judge' someone's body image, no more than you can 'judge' someone's self esteem.  The only thing I can think has happened here is that the extremely misguided organisers of this pageant have somehow gotten it into their heads that you can tell if someone has a healthy body image just by looking at them.  As body image is entirely a construct of our own thoughts and feelings about our body, this is impossible. 

You cannot tell if someone has a healthy body image just from looking at them.  Such a ridiculous notion only serves to once again give people the impression that you can only have a positive body image and confident feelings about your appearance if you look a certain way and, in this case, feel comfortable enough to have your body judged in a bikini.  While the organisers may be thinking that this statement - "Rather than searching for the perfect figure, the swimwear category focused on muscle tone, symmetry of form and posture" - is somehow going to cut it in the body image stakes, they couldn't have got it more wrong.

Let's just make things perfectly clear here.  Despite what is being espoused by the Miss World pageant, no-one can judge your body image, nor indeed should you let anyone judge you about anything - period.  How you, or any of us, feel about our bodies is something only we truly know.  Further to this, you can be any colour, shape and size and have healthy, positive and loving thoughts towards your body.  You do not need to look like a pageant entrant to feel great about yourself.  The fact that the organisers of this competition are trying to tell us we do, is something they should be ashamed of. 

Image: Illawarra Mercury

Hats Off. Knickers Off. All Off!

Spencer Tunick is a very powerful man.  He has the ability to get thousands of people to throw off their clothes in very public spaces.  Willingly.  Considering many people find it difficult to even get in their swimmers and hit the beach due to concerns about their body and they way the look - I think that's pretty amazing!

Spencer's latest art installation took place at the Sydney Opera house this morning where 5200 ordinary citizens braved a rather fresh morning to throw away their knickers and pose nude.  They received no payment for getting their kit off, but will get a print of Spencer's work.   As you can see below it's quite a sight to see so many people standing in front of one of Australia's most famous landmarks with no clothes on.

Image: Brisbane Times

My husband I have been discussing this event over dinner this evening and both of us agreed while we are comfy and ok with our bodies, we don't think we could be as brave as this.  It needs to be remembered here that these people have not stood on a spot, coyly undressed, had their photo taken then quickly whipped their gear back on and walked away.   They have all undressed at a spot together then had to walk to the Opera House steps and for an hour and half be instructed to pose, move about, turn around and create a large, moving, living sculpture.  

No matter what you think of public nudity - I think that takes quite a bit of courage AND a great deal of body confidence.  As you can further see from this photo gallery of the event the photograph Spencer has taken has not been of a sea of supermodels and men with washboard stomachs.  There are people of all ages, different ethnicities, varying shapes and vastly different body types.  Some people are young.  Some are old.  Some are thin.  Some are fat.  These are the bodies of Mum's, Grandparents and average guys.

While I may not take all my clothes off, I do take my hat off to these people.  Just imagine if all of us felt so comfortable and at peace with our body that we felt perfectly ok to pose nude for an art photo in a public space, surrounded by thousands of people.  Would we indeed have any such thing as negative body image?  Hmmmm.  I wonder.

March Monday Magic

It's Monday, the first day of March, and a new season as well.  Feels like a great time for new beginnings.

I love Autumn.  There is a beautiful crispness in the air and of course the leaves on the trees change colour and look so beautiful.  I love this photo of these children playing in Autumn leaves.  It all looks like so much fun - I want to dive in too!

What are you looking forward to this Autumn?    

Image: Educational Toys Planet

Sunday Sunshine...

Today IS a new day...so feel free to start over if you really need to.  If your week, month or even year thus far has not been all you want it to be, you can start fresh at the beginning of each new day.  It's great to learn from mistakes and grow stronger, but don't dwell.

Charge on!

Today is waiting for you.

This inspirational print is available for purchase from the ErinJaneShop.