Body image & beauty standards. It’s time to let go.
Kate Halfpenny pictured by Leah Marie Photography at The Standard London
Before we go any further, this is a very tricky topic. If you’re not in the headspace to read about body image/size then feel free to come back another day, but this is an area that we - myself and my team - have to navigate every day.
And it’s complicated.
As women, we have to work so hard to stay centred and secure in the face of constant messaging about the way we look. How we style our hair, our make up, our weight, the shape of our bodies… It goes on and on. Beauty standards are constantly changing and, here’s the thing, your body is not a trend! It doesn’t have to be a size whatever to be beautiful. That’s a lie we’ve been fed for years and it’s amazing to now see women rejecting it.
Beauty has nothing at all to do with dress size or body shape, neither does feeling good about yourself. I’m pleased we’ve made great strides towards body diversity in the past few years but those feelings of inadequacy can be deep rooted and difficult to unlearn. When I was growing up, I didn’t fit the beauty standards of the time. I was the girl who tied knitwear around my waist to hide a round bottom - a bottom I was ashamed of! - only for big bums to become en vogue later in my life. I’m a curvy woman and it took me years to accept myself as I am, shed the hangover from those societal expectations, and be happy with myself.
Clothes helped me do that. Finding my own style and my tribe of amazing women who are all so different, and so confident being (and dressing) for themselves set me free. That’s what we do every day at Halfpenny London. Trying on wedding dresses is an incredible experience, but it can also throw up some unexpected emotions. If that sounds familiar, I’m here to give you permission to let it all go.
Truly, you are beautiful exactly as you are.
I’ve talked a lot about the moment when a bride steps into the perfect dress and sees herself for the first time. Despite what you see from popular media, not everyone bursts into happy tears. Some do, but some simply stand a little straighter, walk a little taller, smile a little wider. Whatever the reaction, it’s obvious to myself and my team, and what a moment it is to be a part of! I want every Halfpenny bride to feel that confidence during her appointment, then that feeling will continue to grow for her wedding day, and beyond.
My calling in life is to craft clothes to empower women to feel amazing on one of the most important days of their lives and, let me tell you, you’ve given me as much joy and confidence as I’ve given you these past (almost!) two decades. Watching you, wonderful women of all different shapes and sizes, blossom when we discover your perfect outfit has been a revelation for me, because what could have possibly changed in those moments it took to pop a dress on? Your body certainly didn’t change from one moment to the next. You are physically exactly the same, yet everything about you seems different.
That’s the power of a great outfit.
Love,
Kate xxx
THIS MONTH I'M LOVING...
Still listening to the Diary of a CEO podcast. The latest episodes have been brilliant and I enjoy the diversity of the topics, from health and wellbeing, to looking at stress and the importance of meditation, to business topics. I’m always immersed in the speakers and the way host, Steven Bartlett, challenges and directs the questions.
Visiting the Hylton Nel: This plate is what I have to say exhibition at the Charleston Gallery. I've wanted to go for so long and it didn't disappoint. Makes me want to turn the vicarage into an art commune and paint all my fireplaces and cupboards and anything that doesn't move!
Eating at Hoppers in Coal Drops Yard with my family. It was so delicious and I couldn’t resist the chilli cheese Dosas and the Dahl Kari
Trying the Laura Mercier Flawless Fusion Ultra-Long Wear Concealer. I’ve always bought any old concealer, but this is dramatically different, and as my skin ages this seems to be the ultimate cover up.
