Few weeks ago, we made a post on our favorite Plus Size Model, Velvet d’Amour, where she shared thoughts about the Vogue Italia plus size issue. We really liked the way she highlighted the beauty of plus size women and the different messages she delivered.
For those of you who still do not know who is Velvet d’Amour ( Shame on you ! ), she’s an iconic plus size model and fashion photographer. She rose to fame on the catwalk of Jean-Paul Gaultier back in the Autumn of 2006. Few days ago, we had the privilege to interview this fashion icon.
PST: Can you present yourself in few words?
Velvet : I was born in Upstate New-York. I lived there before moving to Paris. Now, I’m living between Paris and New-York. I’m very interested in photography. This mean permits to change people’s perception on beauty and that’s why it is so powerful.
PST: How did you become a plus size model? Was it a dream?
Velvet : Yes! People always told me that I could do it because I was tall, etc. A popular NYC model agency said they would like to sign me, but when I lost as much weight as possible (I got down to 117lb) I was still too fat for them. That’s when my journey to self-acceptance started. Once I felt great in my own skin, I wanted to help others. I also wanted to change societys notion of what BEAUTIFUL was, so that it was more inclusive of different shapes sizes, ages ethnicitys etc.
PST: You’re a fashion icon for a lot of women. Usually, where do you shop ?
Velvet : My favorite shops are ETSY and RAINBOW in NY! I also really like clothes from designers. I like everything that is special, different. I like to create my own style, to custom stuff, to use different elements. I don’t let fashion guide me, I’m making my own fashion.
PST: You like to say : ‘ Revel in your every imperfection ‘. What do you mean by saying this sentence ?
Velvet: When I worked with John Galliano, everybody said what was his/her dream and my dream was that one day, each person would celebrate his/her imperfection. By saying this, I mean that people should honor themselves instead of always looking down on perceived imperfections. I dont really think we are IMPERFECT its media that makes us question how we are and thus things become seen as imperfect. What makes us different, makes us beautiful. By reveling in every ‘imperfection’, you honor your ancestry.
PST: What are your projects for the future ?
Velvet: Actually, I finished being filmed for a special TELLEMENT VRAI ( French emission ) about people who take their differences and make them an atout. I also made a French/German documentary, BIG IS BEAUTIFUL. It will aire in August on ARTE. Also I was approched to start a vocal career. And now I am working towards creating a new plus size magazine. That’s why I’m looking for a stylist who has a sense of unique.
PST: Last word ! Velvet, what can you say to our readers especially those of them who are not proud of themselves ?
Velvet: Self acceptance is a journey. It takes a lot of time, but I’m sure they will come to a place of honoring and accepting themselves. Life is a choice. You make the choice to change your way of thinking. I would tell them also that there are so many other important problems. If you take the time to volunteer to help others, people suffering from cancer, AIDS, Missing People, people who are differently abled; or homeless etc etc etc, then it will help you to put in perspective just how silly it is to waste what little time we have here, being obcessed with not living up to our current highly unattainable beauty ethic. Life is what you make it! Carpe Diem!
We would like to thank Velvet d’Amour for giving us her time for this interview. This was a special moment with a fantastic woman.
Velvet d’Amour’s website : http://www.velvetography.com/
Photo 1 : Maya Guez
Photo 2 : Christopher Andrew Parry
Photo 3 : Maya Guez
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