By Brianna Adkins
The Real Catwalk stunned New York City audiences two weeks ago when people of all sizes ambushed Times Square with body positive realness. The founder of The Real Catwalk, KhrystyAna Kazakova, was a finalist on the 24th season of America’s Next Top Model and is a fierce advocate for body positivity. This year marked the show’s third runway so far, and we expect many in the future after the massive success of this event.
Kazakova took to social media to post numerous slideshows of images of people—not models—who killed it on the catwalk, plastering body positive media to her massive audience of almost 350 thousand followers. One of the individuals who had the opportunity to strut with confidence on the runway was Maia Brown.
I got in touch with Brown, creator of The Chic Brown Chick and University freshman, to discuss what the opportunity was all about!
Adkins: Being able to walk on The Real Catwalk is such an incredible opportunity. How did you find out and get this opportunity?
Brown: I heard about it through Instagram! When I saw that they were reaching out to people to participate, I went after the opportunity. It’s such an amazing event and I felt compelled to be a part of it. Coincidentally, one of my old friends from the Girl Scouts was coming to the city to walk in it too! I was lucky enough to be a part of it and walk alongside her and all the other beautiful people who strutted to celebrate body positivity.
Adkins: Why was it important for you to participate in this event?
Brown: Personally, I’ve always had a difficulty with my body image. I still do! But right now, I am the healthiest I’ve ever been—both mentally and physically. For many years I struggled with an eating disorder. After elementary school, I suddenly became very aware of how I looked. Throughout middle school and high school, I began starving myself, over exercising, and taking laxatives. At first it didn’t even occur to me that I had an actual problem. Individuals with eating disorders are typically portrayed in the media as thin white girls, but it affects those of every race, age, gender, shape, etc.
Eventually, my body was slowly shutting itself down. My family and doctor explained to me that if I didn’t take care of myself, I wouldn’t get to do all the things in life that I care about. I reached a point where if I didn’t get better, I would have to be hospitalized, but I really wanted to go to school and start my life in New York City. Slowly, I began recovering and was healthy enough to achieve my goal. I’m here in NYC working and studying, and that feeling is so much more rewarding than looking in the mirror and seeing a skeletal reflection. I wanted to celebrate my progress by stripping down, emotionally and literally, and walking on The Real Catwalk.
Adkins: What was your experience like overall? Would you do this again?
Brown: It was absolutely exhilarating. When I arrived, I was so nervous, but once I began connecting with the other participants, I remembered why I wanted to walk in the first place—to celebrate beauty and positivity! It’s like that dream where you’re in your underwear in front of everybody, but instead you’re also surrounded by a bunch of other people in their underwear who are radiating support. It was fun getting ready and meeting everyone. Once we got to Times Square, it was cold, but we were so excited that we didn’t even feel it. Everyone was energetic and encouraging. I chose to dress simple and stripped down with natural makeup, because I wanted to look and feel like me- original and unique. Walking down the runway was one of the best feelings. It was amazing to have the crowd cheering me on and celebrating. I would do it again, and I encourage others to do it too!
Adkins: What was the highlight of being able to walk on The Real Catwalk?
Brown: Being able to spread awareness about body positivity with all the beautiful people that I met, is something that is truly irreplaceable. I did it to support myself and others, because it’s something that is needed more than ever in our society. The moment that I walked was euphoric. I’ve never felt more confident, strong, and appreciative of who I am. Afterwards, I realized that’s what loving yourself feels like. I cried, because it was always something that challenged me. I’m so glad that I did The Real Catwalk, because everyone deserves to feel amazing and comfortable with who they are. I hope that my “strut” of courage helps inspire others to see themselves in that light.
Adkins: This catwalk is about highlighting women of all sizes, races, and disabilities/abilities. It has such a strong message of body positivity. What does body positivity mean to you personally? Why should it matter to others?
Brown: Body positivity means accepting and appreciating everyone no matter their appearance or identity. We are all different, yet the same! I think it’s important that we embrace our individuality while connecting over the fact that we were all made equally and uniquely. Body positivity matters because everybody and every body is beautiful. It’s time that we stop obsessing over who we think we should be and celebrate who we are: remarkable human beings.
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