From Plus-size Model to Body Positivity Role Model
The fashion industry designs creations that make us look and feel good. However, it also produces images of perfection are also responsible for perpetuating unrealistic beauty standards that can be harmful to our self-esteem and body image.
This is something digital content creator and model Catherine Li can resonate with when growing up.
“When I was younger, I didn’t think I could model, [because] I didn’t see anybody who looked like me,” the biracial Chinese American said. “I didn’t see any Asian women within ads, no mixed girls like me, [and] nobody my size.”
Despite these doubts, Li decided to pursue modeling to cover her school loans. The side hustle has since taken off with meteoric success and evolved into her full-time career. With a massive social media following and increasing opportunities with major fashion and beauty brands, she has become the role model for other women that she didn’t have growing up.
As a champion of body positivity, the publicist-turned-model is pushing for more intersections of diversity to be represented in the fashion industry, especially in different body types.
“Currently we have a start in fashion where they are putting people of color into the spotlight, but is it enough?” asked the San Francisco native. “No, to me, it’s not enough.”
While New York Fashion Week saw the most diverse seasons with more than 55 percent being models of color in 2021, body diversity lagged behind.
“There needs to be more than one person being in the spotlight,” said Li. “We need to open more doors for more people, more different types of people.”
Asian Women Come in All Sizes and Shapes
As a biracial Chinese American and plus-sized, Li had to contend with both Western and Asian beauty ideals. Asian sizes tend to fit smaller than western sizes and favor slender and petite figures.
“Growing up…
Read the full article here
