In this op-ed, Denise Bidot, one of the founding members of the body-positivity revolution, calls on the fashion industry to promote inclusivity in swimwear — not as a passing trend, but as an enduring movement.
As summer comes around each year, I tend to ruminate about the fear many women face: swimsuit season. While some people look forward to gracing the pool with their presence, there are quite a few people who become anxiety-ridden about the idea of wearing swimwear in public, and that anxiety goes for all sizes. I know people who are a size 2 and are terrified of being judged at the beach. As one of the founding pioneers of the body-positivity movement, I’ve seen more and more people embracing who they are by stepping out confidently and wearing swimwear that celebrates their frame rather than concealing it.
There's been a shift in the zeitgeist when it comes to body positivity. People are approaching swimsuit season with renewed confidence. The question I hear most from young fashion enthusiasts is "How can I be that confident?" — and the reality is it takes baby steps. But we can only do so much on our own; we all need support from outsiders. That's where the fashion industry comes in. Brands like Chromat are creating swimwear styles that make people from all walks of life — curvy, disabled, queer, nonbinary — feel confident while they bask in the summer sun.
It's important to embrace the fashion brands that get it. Chromat is one of the first and most consistent brands to drive these values home through design. Since modeling for them last week at Astoria Park Pool for their groundbreaking swim campaign — alongside some of the most inspiring women who are also advocates for change within the fashion industry, like Mama Cax and Ericka Hart — I've realized that we need to demand more from the fashion industry.
There was a time, not too long ago, when we were seeing curvy girls on almost every New York fashion week runway; that is no longer the case. Women of all sizes exist — and we are not a trend or a marketing strategy. The fashion industry needs an enduring commitment to this inclusivity.
The Chromat shoot was focused on the brand's new set of “Pool Rules” to celebrate inclusion poolside and beyond. The set instituted a new, declarative set of "pool rules," including "Scars & stretch marks welcome," "Body hair appreciated," "All abilities accepted," and "Celebrate cellulite." The message is clear: Our bodies are where we live, and therefore we need to show ourselves unconditional love from the inside out.
One particular rule, "Food-shaming not permitted,” felt powerful but also fun; to capture the essence of this statement, I scooped some of my favorite Cheetos snacks off the rippled caustics and enjoyed them with abandon. My fellow models and I all felt free, like we were a part of something that will not only be seen but also heard: There’s a voice behind these images.
The industry isn't always welcoming to plus-size models, but I wrap each Chromat shoot and leave each catwalk feeling loved and supported. Every time I work with this forward-thinking, badass brand, I know I am contributing to a better tomorrow, a better future for the next generation.
It's my hope that more brands look to Chromat as their inspiration for change. And while we wait for other brands to come to their senses and get on board, I'll be lounging poolside in my Chromat swimsuit, celebrating my cellulite, welcoming my scars and stretch marks, and loving every inch of me — no matter what anyone else has to say about it.
Credits: Chromat: Becca McCharen-Tran, chief executive officer. Ben Ritter, creative design director. Berlin Cameron: Jen DaSilva, president. Michael Milligan, creative director. Kristy Heilenday, senior art director. Megan Adamson-Jackes, senior copywriter. Tina Yip, seniorstrategist. Sandra Bueno, producer. Production: Anastasia Garcia, photographer. Alice Tersey Regan, BTS photographer. Coco Layne, filmmaker. Grace Naw, filmmaker.
Related: 13 Swimsuits You'll Love If You Have Big Boobs
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