Spread Those Wings Girls

Being that the show is currently onto its 22nd season, I think its fair to say that majority of you would have heard of/watched Tyra Banks’ America’s Next Top Model. I definietly went through my college ‘binge series watching’ phase and ANTM was right at the top of shows to watch. The term ‘H2T’ is used a lot, meaning modelling head to toe. Well in my case when it comes to fashion I strongly believe in H2T. From the brand of jeans you are wearing right down to the colour of your toe nail polish you are sending a message as to what you are all about. This includes what you have on underneath your clothes. Maybe this is just my OCD kicking in but I cannot go to sleep at night, much less leave the house if I am not wearing matching underwear. Fashion is all about feeling good and I do not feel good if I know that underneath my carefully selected outfit for the day, lies a mishmash of colours and textures. Besides you never know what can happen when you step out the house everyday, you need to fashionably be prepared for anything. If the doctors on Greys Anatomy are anything to go by, I really don’t want a tall dark handsome man ripping open my shirt in an emergency, only to find a nude Mom bra on paired with green and blue polka dot panties. Nah ah. What I am trying to get to – in a very round about and misleading way, is that last week saw another year of the incredible Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show come to life. Clothes – Underwear – Victoria’s Secret… Told you I was going somewhere with this.

In the past the VS fashion show has received a lot of criticism as well as a lot of praise. This year was no exception. Social media flared the morning after as pictures of this years show began to surface. Most of the backlash was directed at the size of the models, claiming that this years models are the thinnest they have ever been and that young girls around the world are seeing this as their new norm. Real talk – firstly anything you do in this life you are going to receive criticism in someway or another. Secondly, yes in the fashion industry girls are known for scarily thin and and for living unhealthy lifestyles in order to achieve that level of thin. VS models however are known for their intense workout regimes and strict healthy diets. Ever heard of the term “train like an angel” or “strong not skinny”? Some of the wings that the Angels have to rock on the runway can weigh up to 15kgs along with wearing 5 inch heels. All of this whilst only having a block of cheese to eat all day? Unlikely. I may be biased when it comes to Victoria’s secret as I fell in love with the brand and retail store when holidaying in Dubai last year, but I am also just exhausted with people constantly trying to find fault in everything. The worst thing about all of this is that the negative criticism comes predominantly from other woman. Come on ladies! Yes their bodies are out of this world, no yours (or mine) don’t look like them – lets praise them for their hard work instead of tearing them down.

Amongst the 40 models that walked for VS this year were newcomers Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid, and if the pictures are anything to go by they fitted in beautifully. Looking daaamn good as well! My favourite fashion moment of the night had to be when the iconic ‘Fireworks Fantasy bra’ was previewed by the gorgeous Lilly Alridge. Valued at a mere 2 million dollars, its no wonder this piece stole the show. Although my underwear is not nearly on the level of the ‘Fireworks Fantasy bra’, I still feel happy and oh so comfortable when I make an effort with my undergarments as much so as my clothes. I encourage all of you to go out tomorrow with your favourite underwear on and see for yourself the difference in your confidence, and in my case, and in your mood. (Who can be sad in pink lace?) Even if no one else sees what you have on under your clothes, its about feeling good for yourself. After all, if fashion isn’t fun and doesn’t make you feel good, whats the point?

Kayleigh xo