BE INSPIRED
Ahead of the Curve: Q&A with Influencer Amy Steed
BE INSPIRED
Ahead of the Curve: Q&A with Influencer Amy Steed
BE INSPIRED
BODY TALK
Can you tell me a bit about your self-love journey?
Wow, where do I start? Falling in love with yourself can be more difficult than falling for someone else: we accept their flaws and love them for who they are, but why is it so hard to do that for ourselves? I had zero confidence growing up, I was always ‘the big girl’. School was traumatising: I was curvier than all of my friends, and I’d cry myself to sleep for the majority of my adolescence over this. Eventually, I realised I wasn’t just suddenly going to wake up confident – it was something I’d have to work on. I’m now the curviest I’ve ever been – I went from a size 18 to 22 in lockdown – and I feel so sexy! Constantly thinking about your weight is exhausting, so I learned to work with what I have, and I've honestly never been happier or busier.
How did you get into modelling, and how do you feel that the fashion industry has changed in that time?
I began modelling when I was 16 by entering a competition in Cosmopolitan. I was one of the finalists and caught the attention of a major plus-size agency, which signed me up straight away. I worked for many years as a plus-size model for some amazing brands but the work was still very limited. A lot of labels were frightened to use someone who represented the majority of women, so even as a size 16, I was considered too big. Now 17 years later, things are changing. I feel included, accepted and like I can be myself.
Do you feel like mainstream fashion is fully inclusive yet, and if not, what further changes are needed?
Fashion’s going in the right direction, but the battle isn’t won. To me, a plus-size range seems limiting: why can’t we shop a retailer’s full collection?
Why is modelling bridal fashion so important you?
I love representing the curvy bride. I’ve had ladies message me on Instagram after fashion shows, saying: ‘I feel so inspired. I’ve been so unhappy trying to lose weight for my wedding but I saw you and I felt like someone represented me – so I bought my dream dress’. Comments like this make it all so worth it. I’m here to inspire other women to embrace their size.
How do you feel the bridal industry’s approach to plus size has changed?
When I started on these shoots, I’d think ‘why can't I wear the same as the other models?’. It sometimes felt like the plus-size designs were an afterthought, they were so frumpy. Now, there are so many designers really focusing on sexy, stylish curve designs. In terms of plus-size dress-shopping, I’d advise curvier brides-to-be that their choice of bridal boutique will have a big impact on their dress-shopping experience – feeling at ease and having samples of the styles they like in the right size to try on is a big deal.
At the moment, I love satin – it gives structure, it’s stunning and it moves so well. I’ve also tried on a few dresses from Essense of Australia – a brand that caters for all sizes so well, and has more modern, laidback looks.
WHAT BRIDAL TRENDS AND MATERIALS DO YOU THINK ARE THE BEST FOR CELEBRATING GORGEOUS CURVY FIGURES?
Do you have confidence-boosting tips that have helped you?
First, you have to stop comparing yourself to others. Talk kindly to yourself and treat yourself to a facial or massage. Stop listening to negative people and their opinions, it’ll be a weight off your shoulders. I also write a journal on my feelings, positive moments and achievements. These routines have helped me lead a better life and become a better person. Lots of people deserve your love, but you deserve to love yourself the most.
Social media can have a big impact on mental health. Are there any influencers you follow because of their positive and empowering outlook?
I love @sophwithlove because her body positive attitude is really uplifting, and I’m obsessed with @laurennicolefk’s style. I like to follow people who inspire me.
What would you say to a bride-to-be who’s struggling with her self-image?
Your wedding day is the one day when you want that love for yourself to be effortless. You deserve to wake up feeling like the one-of-a-kind queen you are. If you’re feeling anxious about how your photos will turn out, start practising positive self-talk. Stop in front of the mirror every morning and say something you like about yourself. Practise some poses and chat to your photographer about images you would want to recreate.
Follow @amycurvemodel
