Miss British Beauty Curve Competition Shows That Beauty Knows No Size
The UK continues to be a pioneer in the forefront of pushing the idea of size diversity and being plus positive. The average British woman is a size 16 and people such as Equalities Minister Jo Swinson continue to push for more realistic body images within the fashion industry such as plus size mannequins and imagery, which retailer Debenhams introduced into their stores last year.
Read More: UK Retailer Debenhams Introduces Plus Size Mannequins In Their Store
Jo Swinson told The Sunday Times last year:
“The images we see in the world of fashion are all pretty much the same — it’s as if there’s only one way of being beautiful.”
And a recent British beauty competition shows that beauty comes in many sizes and denounces that there’s only one way of being beautiful. It defies the images in the world of fashion that Swinson describes, which leads us to believe that change in the industry is happening because of people such as her and others who work tirelessly to promote the belief that beauty knows no size.
The Miss British Beauty Curve competition took place on Sunday, July 27 with 30 contestants ranging in sizes 14 to 26. Yes, size 26!!!
The 30 contestants strutted their stuff on stage in an array of outfits from eveningwear to swimwear. The plus size pageant, which kicked off in 2012, happens annually. There is no maximum size requirement. They just state that you must be a size 14 and above. According to their official website, “We celebrate all women and believe everyone is beautiful”.
Miss Norfolk Curve Emily Blake emerged as the winner of the plus size pageant. She told Daily Mail UK:
“I’m so proud that I’ve won. I love being plus size, it makes me feel sexy and women who are bigger should be confident with their curves. When most people think of beauty queens they think of perfect bodies, tiny waists and never-ending legs. But I eat healthy and I exercise so I know I’m fit, this is how women should look. It’s natural. I’m proof that you don’t have to be a perfect ten to be a beauty queen.”
Miss British Beauty Curve 2012 winner Rio Watchorn, who was on the judging panel, told Daily Mail UK that confidence was a huge deciding factor in choosing this year’s winner:
“The competition is all about saying, ‘yes it wobbles, get over it’. We want everyone competing to be proud of their curvy body, which is sexy and natural. I’m looking for a winner who isn’t scared to flaunt their curves. It isn’t easy to get up on stage in front of a room full of people, never mind when you are wearing a swimsuit, so all of the girls are incredibly brave to take part.”
“It’s great fun and it sends a healthy message to women everywhere – you can be big and beautiful. There is too much pressure on girls to be stick-thin these days, it isn’t healthy.”
Second runner-up winner Dionne Elliot further expressed how wonderful and empowering a competition such as Miss British Beauty Curve was:
“I love this competition, it’s all about being a powerful woman and showing the world that you can be sexy and not a size 0.”
We love this competition and the mission behind it as well. We hope this will inspire all women to embrace their beauty and feel comfortable in their skin, no matter what their size.
To check out the official website for Miss British Beauty Curve, click here.