Welcome to Talking Body, a new series where we have honest conversations with women about their bodies. Up this week: Philomena Kwao, who currently appears in the new Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue in Swimsuitsforall's groundbreaking #SwimSexy campaign. In addition to modeling for brands like Beth Ditto Collection, Torrid, and Addition Elle, the UK native is a passionate advocate with organizations like Women for Women and The Lily Project. Here, alongside some photos from JAG'S "10" project, she sounds off on how the plus-size industry needs to push diversity beyond size and how modeling helped her find self-confidence.
Read MoreThe day has finally come. Beth Ditto's clothing line has officially dropped. And as I browse through the amazing lookbook, I just have to ask: Who are the models for Beth Ditto's fashion collection? Well, it seems that Ditto has chosen two vocal members of the plus size modeling and body positive communities. If you have an Instagram account, there's a chance you might've come across the pair in the last couple of months. Maybe that's how Ditto found these two babes, considering she often uses her own Instagrampage to celebrate those in the plus size fashion industry.
Read MoreDressed to kill in a jumpsuit and hip-rolling to Teknomile’s Duros on the L train, plus-size model Philomena Kwao, 26, is the ultimate carefree black girl. And at a statuesque 5’10, with cheekbones crafted by the deities of West Africa and the meanest TWA this side of the Atlantic, the British Ghanaian beauty is also the perfect canvas — a canvas that is finally getting its golden debut in Sports Illustrated.
Read MoreModel/humanitarian Philomena Kwao is not only changing the way we view beauty, but is also slowly altering the way all young people view themselves via her charitable endeavor The Lily Project, which pairs mentors with young woman who can receive advice and ask questions via an online chat. In addition to modeling in campaigns for brands like Torrid and Nordstrom and killing it on all aspects of social media, the British-Ghanaian beauty also holds a Master's Degree in International Health Management. We chatted with Philomena about everything from industry labels to the modeling misconceptions.
Read MoreThat's why we decided to photograph and interview a group of models, dancers, photographers, and all-around smart women who are redefining body types and so much more. Aside from spreading messages of body positivity, they're making cool things happen every single day, often while overcoming crazy odds. We spoke with a woman from a small town who danced her way into an apprenticeship with the second company of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. We also chatted with France's only plus-sized model regarding how she used to feel inadequate about her body as a teenager; since then, she's started a conversation surrounding body diversity in her country. More than redefining body types in their own right, these women are inspiring younger women to do the same — no matter what numbers the labels on their clothing read.
So the next time you find yourself pigeonholed into a body type or shamed about your shape, consider some of our favorite quotes from these women. Djouliet Amara says, "I guess you could say I have a ‘ballerina body,’ only because I’m a dancer and I have a body.” (Damn straight.) Philomena Kwao describes her body as "Philomena," and nothing else.
Read More2014 was an amazing year for plus-sized fashion! London Fashion Week had its first plus show, model Denise Bidot made history as the first plus-sized Latina model to walk at New York Fashion Week, and more and more affordable brands rolled out lines for sizes 14 and up, like Missguided and Boohoo.
Read MoreI'll admit that I'm not a huge fan of the word "fangirl" because I think it's used too frequently to patronize and dismiss the perfectly natural passionate feelings of a woman who is 100 percent here for someone. So, I won't call myself a "fangirl" for plus size model Philomena Kwao, but rather, a Totally Within Reason Admirer Lady.
Read More"Last month I had the pleasure of shooting the 'Curves Ahead' editorial for ESSENCE. It was such an incredible day, working with a familiar team," shared model Philomena Kwao. "It's refreshing when plus-size styling is exciting and pushes boundaries rather than safe and boring. Its encouraging that ESSENCE is including plus size models in its editorials and I hope there is more of it to come." Get to know more about the model below, and how Lupita Nyong'o's win has affected her.
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