All bodies were welcome at #theREALcatwalk 2019

In 2018 former America’s Next Top Model contestant Khrystyana Kazakova started ‘The Real Catwalk’, a guerrilla-style fashion show in response to Victoria’s Secret lingerie show. A year on, the #theREALcatwalk came back to London for 2019; and GLAMOUR UK joined in. The day was a celebration of every type of person and a testament to power in numbers - walking a runway with 80+ women (and a few men) who all had a different story, was inspiring.

Everyone we spoke to had a different reason for walking #theREALcatwalk; for me, I wanted to showcase my psoriasis and give a big middle finger up to societies’ disdain for 'imperfections’. It was terrifying, but I felt braver than ever afterwards and would recommend it to anyone who’s learning to love every inch of themselves. The stunning Warcoal set I wore definitely helped boost my confidence.

Lucy, 20, who has Epidermolysis bullosa (also known as EB or ‘butterfly skin’), a skin condition so rare you have a better chance of being struck by lightning, told us “my life expectancy was 18-years-old, but I’m now 20 – so I’m advocating and talking about EB. I started to walk in fashion shows to put myself out there and raise awareness.”

Natasha, 36, told GLAMOUR UK that “I’m a massive body positive advocate, and today is so important to empower women and show men that there isn’t one body type. I think it’s a really inspiring thing – coming together for one purpose.”

Rosie, 28, had a more personal reason. Coming out of an abusive relationship last year, Rosie has spent the majority of the last six months learning to find herself – and #theREALcatwalk was the final part of her recovery. Telling us “I have flaws, and I love them. If someone doesn’t, that’s up to them”.

Everyone’s motive for getting their kit off in the middle of Trafalgar square was different, but there was one unifying message – that all bodies are beautiful. I hope more spaces become as inclusive, because everyone deserves to feel seen and accepted. One day, there won’t be any need for #theREALcatwalk, because all catwalks will be real.