It would be fair to say that as far as major fashion houses go, ASOS appears to be doing all that it can to make sure that it's as inclusive as possible. They've been using different body types in their shots for a while and refuse to edit out stretch marks.
It would also be safe to say that the internet has been taking notice, with people rejoicing at ASOS's choice of model for a Misguided maxi dress with an open back.
The model in question was 19-year-old Natalia Lorenzo, a Colombian woman who now resides in London. While Natalie may be attracting attention online for proudly showing off her "back rolls", she's only been in the profession for 7 months after being signed up by DAS Model Management and Wilhelmina. Speaking to Metro, Lorenzo admits that she is ecstatic at the reaction:
"I think it’s great," Natalia said. "I’m not ashamed of having back rolls, it’s actually really normal!
"I love that they weren’t photoshopped out – it just shows that even as a model I still have 'flaws' and things that make me human."
Natalia was found by the agency after she racked up more than 114,000 followers on Instagram due to her body positive message. However, while she now embraces her flaws, she admits that she wasn't always so confident in her body.
"I suffered from eating disorders, depression and anxiety growing up due to body image issues," Natalia said.
It was Natalia's mother who gave her the confidence to model, imploring her daughter to submit photos to agencies. And, through getting signed and building such a large following on social media, Natalie has now learnt to love herself.
Within two weeks of being signed, Natalia posed in her underwear for an exhibition called The Art of beauty at Miami Art Week. She tweeted about the exhibition, which gained her even more fans on social media.
"At a young age I developed self-image issues about my body," Natalia tweeted after the exhibit.
"It later led to depression and anxiety which I suffered from for years.
"Recently, I finally broke out of my shell and my face and my body is on a canvas at Art Basel this year. I couldn’t be any more proud of myself."
Natalia hopes that her success will inspire others who are struggling with body image and will teach them to embrace and love themselves.
"I decided to not let the way I look or my insecurities hold me back in life anymore," she said.
"I had missed out on so many good times simply because of my self-perception. I have finally overcome my fears.
"My goal now is to be an inspiration to other people who have the same issues and be a role model for men and women everywhere while enjoying my new self and outlook on life.
"Signing with DAS Model Management has been a thrilling turning point in my life and has become a major stepping-stone towards fulfilling my ultimate goal in becoming the best I can possibly be.
"I hope to change the lives and minds of others throughout the world."
Fair play to Natalia for using her platform to encourage others to embrace themselves. Also, plaudits must go to ASOS for signing models like Natalia and fighting the stigmas and taboos that still exist in the fashion industry.
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