Anushka P: ‘I love my stretch marks, it shows literal proof of my growth’
What is beauty? In the Winter issue of IMAGE Magazine, on sale now, creative director Lawson Mpame and director Itchey Drew capture a diverse and unique collective whose lives and industries have been individually shaped by perceptions of beauty, including model Anushka P, who shares how her journey with beauty has changed and evolved her perspective and what beauty means to her.
Creative Director’s Notes
The Shape Of Beauty
“To us beauty is being comfortable in your own skin, embracing the things that make you unique, self identity. It’s loving yourself for the imperfections that society deems imperfections, not paying the price of society’s version of what is deemed beautiful.”– Lawson Mpame and Itchey Drew
Where do you see or find beauty in your life?
I find it easy to look for beauty in my life – whether that’s a friend’s laughter, the smell of rain after a long day or children’s eyes lighting up at the toy store. I don’t think beauty should be put into a box – otherwise it would be hard to find in everyday life!
What does the word “beauty” mean to you?
To me – beauty is within. I really believe what makes someone beautiful is their aura.
What has been your personal journey with your own beauty?
It’s been difficult for me as I was a very insecure girl growing up – as they say you are your own worst critic! I look back at those photos and think wow, I was just a kid! And yet I used to compare myself to these blonde pale models in magazines when in comparison I was the exact opposite. But I’ve really grown from that – and found my own sense of beauty and confidence with this.
Did anything change about your approach to beauty while you were on this project?
I was initially uncomfortable with being bare in front of the cameras – it’s not something I usually do! But it definitely increased my confidence especially after I saw the photos that were created and how beautiful they looked. I left the project feeling more confident in my body and my looks.
What is your favourite thing about yourself?
I love my stretch marks – it shows literal proof of my growth – both in weight and in muscle gain.
Is there anything you wish you could tell your younger self?
It’s okay you don’t look like everyone else. That doesn’t mean you aren’t beautiful – everyone is beautiful in their own way!
What’s the one thing you find very beautiful or attractive in others?
The first thing I notice in people is their smile – and I find that the most beautiful thing, in combination with happiness.
What do you love about yourself?
Going to the gym and weightlifting and running has been something I’ve been really passionate about since I started in undergrad. I love seeing myself improve and get stronger!
Creative direction Lawson Mpame. Director Itchey Drew. Photography by Wiktoria Bialas and Mark Sosiak. Art Director: Lawson Mpame, Director of photography: Itchey Drew. Lighting: Mark Sosiak, lighting assistants: Denise Kavunov and Fabiola Melo. Stylist: Lorna Spaine. Hair: Maria Whiting. Make-up: Jessy Malone. Choreographer: Jessie Thompson. Runner: Max Korol. Location: D-Light Studios. Set: Ten Four and We Are Platinum. Clothing: French Connection and Primark. Special thanks to Camerakit.ie.
IMAGE Winter 2023
The Winter issue of IMAGE is here, and festive sparkles are on our mind, from our fashion shoot full of party-ready pieces to the home of jeweller Chupi Sweetman-Durney which is full of glinting gold. Plus, we learn how to make the most of festive leftovers, and are planning a winter break to remember. Plus: * Big knits * Cool corduroy * In studio with Pearl Reddington * Audrey Hepburn’s Irish connections * Confidence at work * A Kilimanjaro adventure * Beauty gifts to give yourself * Practical magic * A ski retreat with a difference * Weekend escapes * and so much more…
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