THIS IS US
Marie Claire Australia|March 2020
If you’re wondering what a bikini body looks like, this is it. Photographer Julie Adams and journalist Georgie Abay captured unretouched portraits of women and their stories of self-love and acceptance
Georgie Abay
THIS IS US

NADINE, 57

“I think society as a whole needs to get over its obsession with this idea of perfection. We are all perfectly imperfect. I’m proud of my body for keeping me thriving over the past 57 years, enabling me to bring two boys into the world and being the vehicle that I can express myself through. Two years ago, I joined a modelling agency and they found me work pretty much straight away. I’d always been self-conscious about being photographed, but turning 50 was like having a light switched on inside me and I no longer care what other people think of me.”

KATE, 40

“For me, body confidence is all about perspective. I’m lucky enough to work in a field that I’m passionate about – speech pathology – and through this I know that everyone has their own stuff going on. If my biggest drama that day is body image, then I’m doing OK!”

ASHLYN, 19

“Ever since I was little, I had this idea in my head about what my body was supposed to look like. It took me so long to accept that I was beautiful, stretch marks, pudge and all. I love my pudge now! I know how hard I have worked for my body. I was diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome [last] year, which helped to explain why I’ve struggled with my weight all my life. I also understand now that just because my body isn’t society’s perfect ideal, it’s perfect for me and I do what I can to protect it and keep it healthy.”

HELEN, 85

“When I was younger, people admired my face and my hair – which was long and red – but not my body. I always felt overweight and checked the scales every day. Years later, I now feel happy with my weight. We all look back and wish we were kinder to ourselves when we were younger.”

BELINDA, 45

This story is from the March 2020 edition of Marie Claire Australia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the March 2020 edition of Marie Claire Australia.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM MARIE CLAIRE AUSTRALIAView All
NATALIE IMBRUGLIA
Marie Claire Australia

NATALIE IMBRUGLIA

UK-based singer Natalie Imbruglia talks all things Taylor Swift, misconceptions about her and watching Prince William listen to her chart-topping song \"Torn\"

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2024
Courtney LOVE
Marie Claire Australia

Courtney LOVE

Her life has swung between extremes, from her husband’s death to her multi platinum albums. But as the singer and actor prepares to turn 60, she’s in a calm place. By Cameron Adams

time-read
7 mins  |
March 2024
SWEET DREAMS
Marie Claire Australia

SWEET DREAMS

Tie on your apron and up your dessert game with these indulgent, chocolate-filled treats

time-read
5 mins  |
March 2024
CHASING the SUN
Marie Claire Australia

CHASING the SUN

Chloe Tozer, founder and creative director of Clo Studios, welcomes us into her enchanting Sunshine Coast residence, writes Samantha Stewart

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2024
Wild at heart
Marie Claire Australia

Wild at heart

At the Great Plains Conservation safari camp in Botswana, luxury seamlessly merges with the untamed beauty of the wilderness, writes Danika Porter

time-read
4 mins  |
March 2024
BEAUTY TALK CAMILA MENDES
Marie Claire Australia

BEAUTY TALK CAMILA MENDES

The American actor’s latest venture as the creative director for cool-girl beauty brand Loops sees her further cementing a skincare-first beauty ethos. Here she shares her tips and tricks for a dewy, red-carpet-worthy complexion

time-read
1 min  |
March 2024
IN CLINIC LIFT IT
Marie Claire Australia

IN CLINIC LIFT IT

Lifted skin, fewer jowls, overall tightening and plumping with minimal downtime and pain. Could this next-gen ultrasound treatment be the new alternative to going under the knife?

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2024
MAN THE OF MONTH BRANDON FLYNN
Marie Claire Australia

MAN THE OF MONTH BRANDON FLYNN

The American actor discusses history, horses and his hardest scene to film under Ryan Murphy

time-read
2 mins  |
March 2024
AMAZING AMY
Marie Claire Australia

AMAZING AMY

Amy Shark isan ARIA-award winner, Australian Idol judge and former marie claire cover star. Bree Player catches up with her to talk new music and finding her feet on TV

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2024
EVEN THE PLAYING FIELDI
Marie Claire Australia

EVEN THE PLAYING FIELDI

After Matildas mania” captivated the nation at the Women’s World Cup, a new documentary hopes to keep the spotlight on the sport, following the team’s long road to recognition and the game-changing women who paved the way

time-read
3 mins  |
March 2024