07/05/2016
x Confidence from the Inside out
Featured outfits : Toga dress & Warrior dress
Hi! My name is Joy - Founder and designer of ●Shi. First and foremost, I would like to thank God - to God be all the Glory for his strength in me that propels me to where I am and will be. To all my precious customers and supporters - thank you!
Here's a peek at some pictures I have put together to form this realistic for the "Toga" & "Warrior" dress. This time I am taking a personal approach with me being the object of focus instead of being behind the scenes. Being on the bigger and heavier side of the scale is something I lived with since a kid. I know I am not alone and this tugs the heartstrings of many for both men and women. For many years, I lived with the conflict of having an "Ideal" body type vs my given body type. I wanted to control and shape my body to match the visual I had in my mind. With my frame, shopping poses a challenge as I was only availed to a limited selection of styles. Being a non-conformist, I refused to accept that which led to me designing my own clothes. The designing process always begins with one foundation - Being big should never compromise on style.
We live in a generation where our cultures, lifestyles and self esteems are highly influenced and empowered by the internet and social media. Having taken quite a beating, many blamed this fast paced platform for the impact on society. To be honest, the issue of body obsession existed way before social media did. Life taught me many things and "Choice" was one of them. I had a choice, I could either continue my pursue with the relentless multitude of diets and exercise routines on the internet or I could learn to embrace and appreciate this body God blessed me with. Having said that, I am not knocking anyone for keeping a strict diet or exercise regime. In fact, I respect you for that! I believe in eating well and to live responsibly except our confidence should never be dependent on these set of "rules". What matters most is to know and accept who we are and to always stay connected with this identity not what the world paints it to be.
During my journey as a self taught fashion designer, I am blessed and grateful to have met many like-minded individuals who appreciates my style and most importantly - feel confident in wearing them. With their encouragement, I decided to take a leap of faith to put myself on the forefront as the model with the intent to reach out to others who feels the same way. Your happiness begins in your mind, look at the mirror and smile because you are unique and beautiful.
Photographed by Shirley Zhong
Hair by Salon By Jane Lee