#GetReal: The reveal of the recreated March Vogue cover shoot
After showcasing six inspiring women who took up the challenge to take part in the #GetReal campaign to embrace their imperfections, it all comes down to the big reveal of the cover. Jane shares her views on the entire experience.
The entire #GetReal experience has been one of the most gratifying experiences, and I am so humbled to have been a portal for such an important message.
Read: KZN women and Jane #GetReal by recreating the March Vogue cover shoot
This campaign has had a ripple effect and the conversation around self-acceptance has crossed so many boundaries. What started as a fun reshoot of the Vogue cover has unearthed some very real issues which affect all of us regardless of race or religion.
No matter how we look, sadly somewhere along the way us women, either through personal or societal pressure, have adopted this mindset of not being enough as we are
May it be the weight of your body (either under or overweight), the darkness or lightness of your skin, the width of your hips, the size of your breasts, the imperfection in your smile, the list goes on and on. I wanted to do this shoot as I wanted to show my four-year-old daughter Lula in particular that you being you is enough.
Read: #GetReal: Meet Vashti and Catherine
Sure, I'd like to lose a bit of jiggle on my thighs and a bit of bounce off my belly. Self-improvement is good, but self-hatred or comparing yourself to others isn't the way to go. I spoke to a lady in her 60s that almost cancelled a lunch with her daughters as she felt embarrassed by her weight gain. Can you imagine losing out on such precious time over not feeling good enough? As women we need to be kinder to ourselves and others. We all have a story to tell.
The shoot happened on one of the hottest days in Durban, matched with that wearing a knitted polar neck added insult to injury. Apart from the heat, it was just the most joyous experience for myself and the six women who connected instantly and have been in WhatsApp contact with each other daily since. We developed a real sisterhood, a group that is full of love and encouragement.
Read: #GetReal: Meet Velile and Helen
A big thank you to Katherin Kidger for jumping in at the opportunity of dressing us. Your love, energy, and sense of humor is a joy to be around, Kath.
To Denver of Snapout photography, thank you for treating us with such care in front of the lens. You really are such a legend.
To Jacky Jet, although my make-up ran off my face with pace under the belting sun, thank you for your patience and support always.
On this path of self acceptance, take one day at a time and remember if you going to throw yourself an insult, then match it with a compliment.
Love and light, shine bright always! You’ve got this.
Take a look at the behind the scenes video of the shoot below: