HIDDEN
AN INSIGHT INTO THE WORLD OF A FEMALE BODY BUILDER
The Hidden Image Up and down runways worldwide, we have become accustomed to seeing small-framed models. We let other people influence our thoughts and opinions on what is ‘picture perfect’. Where is the diversity on runways? Why do models tend to be ‘stick thin’? There is so much debate nowadays as to what the ‘perfect’ body image is.
If we look at the desired criteria to become a Victoria’s Secret model, one must have the measurements of 34”, 24”, 34”; which basically refers to bust, waist and hips; not including the fact the face must fit. Whilst all for the fashion industry in many respects, and appreciate some models can’t help how they look, the impact this has on innocent minds is questionable. High Street brands are becoming more obsessed with appealing to the ‘perfect’ image. In 2009, disabled law student, Riam Dean, sued Abercrombie & Fitch for discrimination. She claimed the London Flagship store made her work in the stock room, never on the shop floor. Dean believed her prosthetic arm broke their ‘look’ policy. Later, in 2013, Mike Jefferies, CEO for Abercrombie & Fitch, caused public uproar when he said, “Beauty is everything, that is why we hire good looking people in our stores. Good looking people attract other good looking people”. Now, if you don’t know what this guy looks like, please do Google him… moving on… Some women strive for a particular body shape, which they may see as the perfect figure, yet it may be a figure not eligible for runways. They may have the face that fits Victoria’s Secret. They may even meet their measurement requirements, but their actual body image is seen as ‘too masculine’, ‘unfeminine’ or even ‘man like’. We see more women enter the world of ‘male’ sports. It takes a lot for any women to want to enter into, what many view as, a predominantly male world. Even in the 21st century, sexism still plays a big part in society. Many people believe woman should be of a slim, ‘feminine’ build, walking in heels, looking glamorous.
There’s more than one way of looking glamorous, as Stephanie Harrison proves, “I pay between £200 and £600 for my costumes. I choose the style, colour, design and then how many Swarovski crystals I want on it! That’s the exciting part!”. Stephanie is very much the ‘girly’ girl, “I love everything pink, anything that sparkles and I love Disney. People see me, my ripped physique and assume I have a masculine mind. Some go as far as assuming I am a lesbian or want to look like a man; I’m not and I don’t!” Stephanie, UKBFF Finalist for Female Fitness, is 5 foot 8 with measurements of 32”, 24”, 32”, almost fitting the Victoria’s Secret criteria, but because of her muscular physique, the chances of her appearing on a runway are slim; excuse the pun! “I get up at 5:30 every morning and I’m in the gym by 6:30 for a two hour workout before I go to work at Barclays Bank. People can’t believe it when I tell them about my weight lifting. I hide my muscles well in business dress!”, she laughs. “I finish my day with a one hour workout in the gym or a run outside, weather dependent obviously, I don’t want to get my hair wet!”. Surely women like Stephanie would be ideal role models in the fashion industry? Hard working, determined and inspirational women, achieving, what some may say is, the unachievable. “People say body building is a mans sport, but I don’t see men in pink, embellished costumes on stage! I love to workout and achieve success in a ‘mans’ world. I thrive on proving that us girls can do what men do!”.
Stephanie first competed for NABBA, The National Amateur Body Builder’s Association, in May 2014. She was placed Fourth in the Miss Toned category; an amazing achievement given it was her first competition for a well established organisation. Stephanie went on to compete, for the first time, in the UKBFF regional competitions, where she was placed third in the Female’s Fitness category and earned herself a place in the Finals which were held in Nottingham in October 2014, whe she competed against eleven females. Although Stephanie was not placed, she remains positive and is excited for 2015, “I’ve learnt that there is no such thing as failure, it’s just basically a detour to reach a better destination!”. Stephanie is due to commence training in the New Year to move from the Female Fitness category into the Female Athletic category. More hard work and dedication to come, which Stephanie has already proven she can do.
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