Stars with scars

CELEBRATE IMPERFECTION: You are Phenomenal founder Candice Lynn Christians. Photo: Supplied

Venecia Valentine | May 24, 2019

When it comes to beauty with a difference, it doesn’t get more diverse than this.

Add to that a purpose to change people’s perceptions of what mooi means, and what you get is a fashion show that will make you look at the models twice.

The show happening this weekend is the initiative of Kuils River mom Candice Lynn Christians, the founder of a female empowerment movement called “You Are Phenomenal”.

Candice, 35, says the show will celebrate people with imperfections, and highlight women from diverse age groups, shapes and sizes, and suffering from a range of disabilities and illnesses, including cancer and vitiligo.

Some are wheelchair-bound, while others have scars and burn marks, reminders of traumatic events which occurred in their lives.

FASHION LOVER: Ibtisaam Basier. Photo: Supplied

Candice says when she came out of an abusive marriage with only her seven-year-old daughter two years ago, she started a blog called Destiny Unlocked, where she shared personal stories about herself.

“I did this in the hopes of changing someone’s life or perception about life,” she says.

“I left home in 2017 with my daughter to live a life free from verbal, physical and emotional abuse.

“I realised there was a need for empowerment amongst women and so I started a platform for women to come together and share their stories.”

She says her fashion show will celebrate the model instead of the designer.

“For years we have seen the so-called picture perfect models in campaigns and on the runway, but this year there will be a change.”

Woodstock mom of four, Jade Wyngaardt, who has breast cancer is one of the models.

POSITIVE: Mom Jade Wyngaardt, 30. Photo: Supplied

Jade, 30, was diagnosed when she was 27 and already had two kids aged two and three.

“I was just about to start treatment when I fell pregnant with twins, I decided to keep the babies and they were born healthy,” she says.

“I only had one breast to feed them with because I had a mastectomy.”

Last year, the cancer reappeared and Jade’s other breast was removed as well.

“I feel guilty most days because I’m ill, but I remain positive at all times,” she says.

“I’ve never done modelling before but I’m keen to see how it goes with the show.”

Ibtisaam Basier, 23, from Plumstead was diagnosed with Juvenile Chronic Rheumatoid Arthritis when she was only nine, and has been in a wheelchair ever since.