KZN women and Jane #GetReal by recreating the March Vogue cover shoot

The Vogue cover in March was something I spoke about in my show. I mentioned how I was tired of unrealistic representations of what women should aspire to look like. As a mom of a young daughter, I feel compelled, more than ever, to show her that you are not defined by your looks’ by your 'imperfections' -- you are enough as you are.

Read: Whoops! Photoshop fail of Gigi Hadid on the cover of Vogue

At the time, I said I’d love to recreate the Vogue cover image here - using real women. Strong independent women who travel on the road to self-acceptance daily. The road to self-acceptance is a treacherous one filled with potholes of scrutiny, usually by oneself, and that scrutiny is fueled by images like this one.

We have become so brainwashed as to what and how we should look to be validated. It's nonsense! Needless to say that I was overwhelmed by the feedback I received - and it took two days to read through page after pages of women's stories - all echoing the same thing. One woman had such a hard time with her self-image that she didn't have a single mirror in her home. She said she couldn't stand the sight of herself. 

Read: Jane’s open letter to an inspiring woman on International Women’s Day

Another woman in her 60’s shared a story about how when she goes to the beach, she covers her body under her towel and then skulks into the water because of her fear of being seen. The same lady spoke of how she’d walked her granddaughter to the beach - and when they approached the water, the child asked why her granny was swimming in clothes. The little girl asked if she should also cover up her body on the beach. 

How sad to have just one life - and to live it feeling that you’re not good enough. Sure, my thighs are bigger then I'd like and my tummy is stretch-marked and squishy - but that doesn't define my worth. 

So, back to that cover photo – KZN-style. We selected 6 amazing women for it, recreated the cover and had lots of fun. 

Meet Simone

Simone Jade Pillay is 27-years-old and is a qualified beauty therapist, make-up artist as well as a nail technician. She was diagnosed with Lichen Planus (LP) which is a chronic inflammatory disease of the skin, mucous membranes and nails. Her motivation for doing the shoot was to create awareness about the condition she suffers from. 

Simone’s definition of a real woman is someone that embodies strength; someone who’s able to go through life’s challenges and not crumble. Her advice to women who struggle with self-image issues is for them to soul search, adding that she believes that once women start to feel a sense of self-worth, they begin to have a different kind of confidence.

Her words of advice: ‘Love yourself unconditionally. If you can't love yourself, then can’t really expect others to love you. Become your own celebrity, after all you are unique!’ 

Get to know more about Simone by listening to the podcast below:

Simone decided to dedicate a song to inspire people who are struggling with self-confidence.

'I hope that this song inspires our listeners and more especially I hope that everyone understands the message behind this tune', she adds.

Meet Siyanda

Siyanda Inathi Majavu, who just recently turned 26, is born and bred from the Eastern Cape. This young lady is well on her way to becoming a professional Accountant and is currently serving her articles. 

Her definition of a real woman is someone who is comfortable with whom they are inside and out. Things that she loves most about her body are her legs – she actually wears lots of shorts and skirts in attempt to show them off whenever she can. 

Her aim by taking part in this shoot is to prove to woman that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes. She wants women to know that it’s alright to have ‘some meat in their bones’. And that being comfortable in their own skin is what really matters at the end of the day. 

Get to know more about Siyanda by listening to the podcast below:

Tomorrow and the rest of the week I will be sharing the stories of four other beautiful, strong women.

Photographer credits: Denver Govender from Snapout photography 

Dressed by: Kathrin Kidger

Make up: Jacky Jet