It may be freezing cold out there, but these busty beauties have ditched their winter coats for a swimsuit for a good cause.
Plus-size campaigner Melissa Smith, 31, from Mitchells Plain, arranged the poolside photoshoot along with Models For The Brand to raise awareness and destigmatise the myth that bathers and frolicking in the water is only for thin women.
Being a mom of three boys, Melissa says she owes her success as a plus-size model and activist to her sons.
“After I had my twins, 11, and seven-year-old son, I packed on the kilos which I’m not complaining about.
“Being a size 44, I’ve never considered pool parties a safe space for my body, since plus-size people are generally removed from all conversations involving swimwear, the beach, pools, or basically any activity around showing skin.
“If we are included, we’re generally being fed the ‘you don’t have a beach body’ or only being sold old looking, unfashionable bathing suits designed to cover up our bodies.”
The shoot took place at the Cape Royale Hotel’s rooftop pool deck.
“As someone who has strategically covered up at beaches and pools since I was in high school after someone loudly pointed out my jiggly thighs, I couldn’t have been more stoked to see women my size stomping around that pool and looking beyond gorgeous while doing it.”
D’versCT’s French rapper Nik daFrik joined the photoshoot to show his support.
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venecia.america@inl.co.za