have ideas about how they want to be represented in the media, they
are healthy and they are all extremely talented.”
All members of the Canadian Curvies are excited about the project
and the message is one that resonates with them all. “This is what we
work for. There’s so much great talent here, so many amazing curvy
girls that deserve to be out there and be seen. To have them all come
together is a dream come true,” according to member Yolanda L.
Among the many high profile models taking part in the project are
Meredith Shaw, Karyn Inder, Caterina Moda and Ophilia Alleyne. She
believes the project is a great vehicle for showing off Canada’s finest:
“The real value of this is diversity. Bringing models together from
a size 8 all the way up to 22, we’ve never seen anything like that in
Canada. We’ve been compartmentalized in our own spaces but now
we’re breaking it down and coming together,” Alleyne says. “Some of
these ladies I’ve never even met in person, so it’s great to be here!”
Not all the models included in Project Red are experienced runway
veterans. For some, it is their first time modeling. Newcomer Rebecca
Chalmers says her involvement was unexpected, but welcome: “I’m
a makeup artist and esthetician and Catherine is my client. She told
me about the project and asked me if I’d like to be either a model or a
makeup artist and decided to put myself out there and try something
new.” Although new to modeling, Chalmers is definitely on board with
the essence of the event. “The message is so great. Just having so
many people together with this type of collaboration to inspire others
is amazing.”
he on-site energy was electric and we were happy to be there
to interview the women and catch a few candid moments. It
was especially important to spotlight some of the behind-the-
scenes crew, including the ladies that were adjusting the set,
tweaking the lighting, and making everyone look glamorous. We
celebrate ALL of the women involved, both in front of and behind
the camera. Their work and dedication to voicing the need for
representation in the plus market, and in the general fashion industry,
will open doors. The shoot was a triumphant success and a true
testament to the power and passion of their vision.
There’s no doubt this will only be one in a long list of body positive
#ProjectRed campaigns put forward by the Canadian Curvies. We
congratulate and celebrate them on a job well done. Thanks, ladies,
for joining the fight to help create a more inclusive future for all.
T