The Art of Baring It All: Being Stripped in the Name of Fashion
Stylelikeu
The Hemline
StylelikeU
StyleLikeU is a media company that is dedicated to promoting self-acceptance and changing how people perceive themselves and others. They strive to create a self-acceptance revolution through their content and mission. With a focus on radical honesty, StyleLikeU aims to challenge societal norms and celebrate individuality. The company was founded by mother/daughter duo Elisa Goodkind and Lily Mandelbaum. On their social media platforms, particularly on Youtube, they have episodes called: What's Underneath where various diverse set of people strip down to reveal their vulnerabilities and views on self-worth and acceptance. Most recently in their 2019 documentary: I Am What’s Underneath, their focus was on the encouragment we all need. Platforms similar to StylelikeU empower radical self-acceptance by helping us break free from the cultural expectations that dictate how we should present ourselves to the world.
In Kickstarter, a platform to fund creative projects Elisa Goodkind had spoke about why she had started StylelikeU. In 2009, Elisa, at 19 years old, found herself as a curvy individual, grappling with self-love in a culture that lacked representation of women with a similar body type. Lily believed that, to be considered stylish, she had to deprive herself, squeeze into skinny jeans, and carry the most fashionable handbag of the moment. This unrealistic beauty standard cast a shadow over her teenage years. She stated, "At the same time, I *Elisa* was working as a fashion stylist. After years in the business, I felt stuck... I eventually realized that those same photoshopped magazine covers that I was styling were also harming my daughter's self-esteem. Instead of being victims of a system that was disempowering us, we chose to create an alternative. And so we started StyleLikeU."
"Platforms similar to StylelikeU empower radical self-acceptance by helping us break free from the cultural expectations that dictate how we should present ourselves to the world."
Placing Mental Health in the Spotlight Through the Lens
Similar to The Hemline, where we focus on mental health and college students, the rise of mental health and fashion has been of large influence. A few other platforms that couple mental health and fashion are Girl With Curves, The Numinous, and Refinery29's Style Out There, just to name a few; they all simultaneously place the spotlight on individuals and self-care and acceptance. Platforms that promote self-acceptance play a crucial role in our society for several reasons. First and foremost, they provide a safe and supportive space for individuals to embrace their true selves without the burden of conforming to societal expectations or struggling with self-doubt. We live in a society where external pressures and unrealistic beauty standards often dictate how we should look or act, these platforms offer a refreshing alternative that encourages people to love themselves as they are. In a world where we are closer than ever online but further away in person, these communities, like The Hemline, and StyelikeU foster a sense of community and connection. We hope to allow individuals to share their personal journeys and stories, creating a network of support and understanding. This can be incredibly empowering for those of you who may feel isolated or alone in your struggles.
Mental health is an integral part of our overall health, and it deserves the same attention and care as our physical well-being. By emphasizing the importance of self-acceptance and mental health, these platforms contribute to a more informed and empathetic society, where individuals are encouraged to seek help when needed and support one another in their journeys. StyleLikeU's focus on storytelling and personal narratives helps break down stigmas associated with mental health and self-esteem. By providing a platform for individuals to share their journeys and struggles, it fosters empathy and understanding. This is vital in a world where many of us grapple with self-doubt and mental health issues, as it reinforces the idea that we are not alone in our experiences.
"We hope to allow individuals to share their personal journeys and stories, creating a network of support and understanding. This can be incredibly empowering for those of you who may feel isolated or alone in your struggles."
The Art of Nudity
The objectification of the human body has been a contentious issue in the world of fashion and self-expression. On one hand, there have been instances where fashion has been critiqued for contributing to the objectification of the human body, particularly in the context of unrealistic beauty standards and over-sexualization. This can lead to harmful consequences, such as body image issues and self-esteem problems, as individuals may feel the pressure to conform to these ideals. Studies have shown that "women may perceive their bodies from a third-person perspective, treating themselves as objects to be looked at and evaluated. Self-objectification occurs when people perceive and describe their bodies as a function of appearance instead of accomplishments (Harrison & Fredrickson 2003). " However, StylelikeU's unique approach to baring their role models while discussing the contents of their hearts is a twist on how we view fashion altogether. I would call this the Healing approach: empowering fashion encourages individuals to take ownership of their bodies and use the stripping away of their garments as a means of hopeful vulnerability. It can promote body positivity by celebrating diverse body types and challenging conventional beauty norms. This form of mental health fashion serves as a source of empowerment by allowing individuals to define their own sense of style, express their unique identity, and feel confident in their skin.
By highlighting the importance of self-acceptance, these platforms contribute to breaking down stigmas associated with mental health issues and promote open conversations, ultimately paving the way for a more inclusive and compassionate society. While objectification of our bodies within fashion is a concern, we can take back our power as consumers through being a part of communities like Stylelikeu, The Hemline (hi!), and various others who believe in the power of fashion as a means of self-empowerment and self-expression. We all seek to prioritize individuality, diversity, and the celebration of one's authentic self, promoting positive self-image and confidence. It is the responsibility of the fashion industry and society as a whole to continue striving for a more empowering and inclusive approach to fashion that uplifts individuals rather than objectifies them.
So thanks Elisa Goodkind and Lily Mandelbaum for your vision an insight, making the Fashion industry more human and more authentic.
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