A beauty pageant finalist is trying to break the ‘perfect model’ stereotype by proudly displaying her stretch marks on the catwalk.
Brogan O’Neil, 19, wanted to show off her blemishes and imperfections to highlight the lack of plus-size models represented in the modelling and pageant industry.
She believes stretch marks, excess body fat, scars, psoriasis, skin pigment and acne are normal and should be used as tools to empower women.
Brogan, who is a care worker, also shared about her struggles with psoriasis while at school. The condition left her with scars on her face, arms and legs.
She decided to take part in pageants last year as she was determined to break the mould and show that you can be a model regardless of your size or skin condition.
She went one step further when she reached the final of Supermodel England representing Yarm, in North Yorks, which was held last on November 4.
Brogan, who is studying health and social care at college and wants to become a paramedic, said: ‘I just wanted to break the stigma of the ‘perfect model’.
‘That stereotype still exists so I started to encourage women that no matter who you are or where you’re from – anyone can achieve their dreams.
‘I first started modelling for various companies a couple of years ago and I noticed that plus-sized models were underrepresented.
‘One of the companies I was working for had an owner who did pageants and I thought that would be good way to get into raising awareness of this issue.
‘Even in pageants I noticed they usually only go up to a size 10 and I just think we need to be celebrating women of every shape and size.
‘So I applied for Supermodel England and came first in the North Yorkshire heat which automatically qualified me for the final.
‘I was aiming to show everyone you don’t need to be a certain shape, size or figure to compete in the pageant world.
‘I’m only 5 foot 4 inches tall and a size 10/12 so I wanted to express how the modelling community is changing to keep up with modern day demand.
‘There is a stigma we still see everywhere that you have to be perfect and thin – whether it be on social media or in advertising.
She continued: ‘It can impact relationships, affect body-confidence and even how you feel dressing up for a night out.
‘I’m trying to break the stigma and show that it’s ok not to be ‘the typical model’ and continue changing to keep up with modern day society.
‘At school I had psoriasis which I struggled with quite badly. I have scars on my face, arms and legs from it now.
‘So that was another thing I wanted to show shouldn’t be an issue.
‘I wasn’t bullied for it, but people were certainly aware of it and self-conscious around me thinking it might be contagious or something.
‘All of these things have inspired me to campaign about these things – stretch marks, scars, excess body fat and acne are all okay and completely normal.
‘I wouldn’t say body confidence is promoted a lot in all aspects of modelling so it’s important things like this are normalised so people viewing it can feel like they can relate and see themselves.’
Brogan competed against 14 other contestants in the final. She didn’t make the top three but said it was never about ‘winning’ for her.
‘I just wanted to use the platform to get my message and campaign out there,’ she explained.
‘I found the competition fun and inclusive and we raised over £14,000 for a local hospice. I really enjoyed competing in the final. There were three rounds – a fashion round, a swimwear round a ball gown round.
‘I didn’t place in the top three but doing this was more about saying there’s nothing wrong with imperfections.
‘Nobody is perfect and we should all embrace that.’
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