Body positivity - LupeCastro - MsCastroRides

Body positivity and inclusivity in the fashion industry are so important to me. As an advocate for finding our inner-confidence, and as an ‘older’ woman in an industry that so values youthfulness, I am passionate about helping others to break stereotypes and feel empowered. So, I was extremely excited to meet Miss Curvy International Tenerife at a radio interview with Radio sur Adeje recently. 

Melanie Herrera Reyes was speaking about her participation in the international contest. And I was inspired by how much confidence she exuded, despite not fitting into societies beauty standards. She seemed like the perfect choice for the inclusive editorial swimwear editorial I was planning, so I asked her to collaborate. 

Luckily, although she hadn’t done anything like this before,she said yes! And I was so inspired by her facing her fears and getting out of her comfort zone, that I decided to join her on the shoot! After all I had my own insecurities to beat, thanks to society perpetuating the idea that older women shouldn’t parade around in swimming costumes and bikinis. Which is obviously a crazy idea with no logic, but it’s been built intomy subconscious.

We chose local Canarian swimwear designer Bea de la Rosa for the shoot. Not only because her collections are made to order and fit any body type and shape, but also because her pieces are fabulous! Bea makes each piece herself, anddesigns all her own graphics and prints. The latest collection – which she presented at the recent Tenerife Fashion Beach Costa Adeje swimwear show – is called Asintomática. And I am obsessed! The vibrant colours and stand out prints are an ironic nod to Covid19. And the cuts and looks are all super contemporary and on-trend. 

But best of all is the flexibility of the brand – it really does fit everyone and anyone. Melanie and I couldn’t look more different. Yet at the shoot with wonderful photographerLucilla Bellini at Hotel Suite Villa María, both of us rocked the pieces with uniqueness and individuality! Not without some initial nerves from both of us. But insecurities are all in our heads, and beauty is in fact about how we feel, not what society narrows it down to. 

So, let’s remember to be gentle with ourselves, show ourselves love and let go of what society has drummed into our psyche about what is beautiful. 

 FOTOS - Lucilla Bellini - Swimwear Bea de la Rosa - Hotel Suite Villa Maria