Sophia Tassew spoke to Bustle about inclusivity in the fashion industry, the need for more progression, and why she’s taken a break from modelling. Here are a few excerpts:
You’ve always been a fierce proponent of equality within the modelling and fashion industries, why is that important to you?
For me, it’s simple: equality should just be the standard, and that’s it.
Over the past number of years, the dialogue is very much about sharing personal negative experiences and anecdotes, as it to prove myself or my worth. And I’m over it. We shouldn’t need to share all this negativity in order for the industry to see us as equal participants and treat us in the way we deserve.
How would you assess the state of equality in modelling and fashion?
Progress has been made, but it’s not the radical progressiveness we need; we just want clothes for larger bodies that are well made and actually fit us. A lot of brands will dress their campaigns to seem inclusive, but clothes are still poorly made. Online, people find a sense of community in their shared disappointment, rather than finding comfort in our shared joy.
It’s why I put a pause on modelling, because I had so many bad experiences. I’ve had too many shoots where I’ve ended up crying in the toilet or sign a contract knowing it’s going to be a negative experience. It really shouldn’t be that way.
And please bask in the ambience of her viral tweet.