Body Positivity Fashion Show showcases diverse bodies of CMU
Organization of Women Leaders President Emily Jones takes a video behind the scenes of the Body Positivity Fashion Show Nov. 14 in Anspach 161.
It was an event filled with pop music, cheers and smiles from participants and spectators. As the third installment of Women’s Empowerment Week, the Organization of Women Leaders (OWLs) hosted a Body Positivity Fashion Show.
The event began at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 in Anspach 161 with music and a brief presentation by the OWLs e-board on Shine Theory.
“Shine Theory is the idea of building each other up and building off of one another’s successes instead of being jealous,” said OWLs Treasurer Ren Crudele.
Since the focus of the Body Positivity Fashion Show was mutual empowerment, Shine Theory was an important topic of discussion to set up the event.
“Why do we have this idea we’re supposed to be upset over each other’s accomplishments and successes?” asked OWLs President Emily Jones. “There are a lot of different ways we can support each other and the most important thing to remember from this is that one person’s success don’t have to counteract your own.”
Audience members cheer on models during the Body Positivity Fashion Show Nov. 14 in Anspach 161.
During the fashion show, about 30 models made their rounds through the auditorium, first introducing themselves, sharing something they love about themselves and striking a pose. Outfits were chosen by the models themselves.
“Honestly, I wasn’t nervous (while modeling),” Westland junior McKenna Wietecha said. “After the event, I feel exhilarated and awesome. I’m very comfortable and proud of my body, and I think everyone should be. Everyone’s body is a vessel that deserves love, no matter what it looks like.”
Qualities models shared that they love about themselves ranged from “my creativity,” to “my dimples” and “my big heart and big boobs.”
“I think this event was important because nobody talks about how it’s okay to love your body and be confident,” said OWLs Public Relations Chair Emma Mills. “Personally, I wish someone could have told me that in the past. This was a very safe space for people to come, be comfortable and have fun.”
The Body Positivity Fashion Show was the first of its kind for OWLs and e-board members are looking to make it a regular part of their annual Women’s Empowerment Week.
“In the past, the body positivity portion wasn’t really an event but more of a photo series,” Jones said. “I think the event was amazing. The models were amazing, we had pretty good turnout and there was a warm and accepting vibe in the room.”
The Body Positivity Fashion Show ended with encouraging sentiments about self-love and the passage to self-empowerment.
“I don’t think the journey (to confidence) ever really ends,” Crudele said. “You’re never going to hit that point where you love yourself and everything about you forever. It’s definitely a growing thing, and everyone’s in a different part of their journey.”
Women's Empowerment Week will continue Nov. 15 with an Open Mic Fundraiser at Ponder Coffee Company. The week will conclude Nov. 16 with an organized event in which attendees will write solidarity letters to Dr. Christine Blasey Ford.
