The inaugural Body Confidence Awards took place on the Terrace at the House of Commons on April 17th 2012. The aim of the event was to acknowledge and promote examples of good practice across a broad range of industries, including broadcast, health and fitness, fashion, beauty, advertising and education.
Arriving at the House of Commons in force, Wednesday 1st February 2012 saw a brigade of well-informed and well-heeled women gather to view award-winning documentary Miss Representation and to debate the under-representation of women in positions of power.
Guests at the All Walks screening of Miss Representation in the House of Commons photographer Annabel Staff
Directed and narrated by filmmaker and actress Jennifer Siebel Newsom, Miss Representation exposes the way in which mainstream media contributes to the detrimental portrayal of women in positions of influence, and the negative knock-on effects this has on our female (and male) youth. Speaking from the screening, Debra Bourne observed the significance of All Walks at the event.
“With the lack of female role models reflected in our general media, women often look to fashion for a narrative on femininity. The work of All Walks Beyond the Catwalk to promote a broader range of beauty and body ideals in age, size and skin tone is, therefore, essential”
Colleen Harris speaks at the Miss Representation debate photographer Annabel Staff
Chaired by Jo Swinson, Liberal Democrat MP, the screening was followed by a panel discussion with novelist Malorie Blackman, Minister for Equalities Lynne Featherstone, Communications and Diversity Adviser Colleen Harris and Writer and Psychotherapist Susie Orbach. Exploring society's obsession with body image ideals, the panel of knowledgeable and inspirational women spoke determinedly on topics including female empowerment, leadership and media change; leaving the audience undoubtedly affected and empassioned.
Pledge to represent the change you want to see for women & girls, sign up to the Miss Representation campaign pledge.
Minister for Equalities Lynne Featherstone MP (center) on the debate panel photographer Annabel Staff
All images are by our resident photographer Annabel Staff who can be found on Twitter on @photosbyannabel
Catch up on Lynne Featherstone’s Huffington Post blog: Charmaine Ayden is a Fashion Communication graduate from Northumbria University. An avid admirer of all things ‘glossy’, she set her heart on a career in Fashion Journalism from a young age.
Undertaking work placements with Vogue, WSGN, Asos, Drapers and Glamour Magazine, Charmaine is currently working as Copy and Features Writer for Brownsfashion.com.
Check out Charmaine’s blog The Good is the Beautiful and find her on Twitter @CharmaineAyden
'SNAPPED' - A BEHIND THE SCENES FILM BY AWARD WINNING DOCUMENTARY MAKER IAN DENYER
This film narrates the most recent project by All Walks Beyond the Catwalk, 'SNAPPED'.
With thanks to all our beautiful diverse models, to our designers - Vivienne, Stella, Matthew, Giles, Osman and more, to Rankin and to everyone else who has contributed to this incredible project.
DIRECTOR, JAY RODAN SHOOTS OUR BEHIND THE SCENES DOCUMENTARY AT SPRING STUDIOS
All Walks Beyond the Catwalk is a new initiative which recognizes a shift in mood and attitude within fashion – a need to broaden the message our industry sends out to the rest of the world
Below Please Find the Film of our Launch Party for All Walks Beyond the Catwalk: s/s 2010DIRECTOR JAY RODAN CREATED THE OFFICIAL ALL WALKS BEYOND THE CATWALK, DOCUMENTARY IN ASSOCIATION WITH SPRING TV.
Guests at the All Walks screening of Miss Representation in the House of Commons photographer Annabel Staff
Colleen Harris speaks at the Miss Representation debate photographer Annabel Staff
Minister for Equalities Lynne Featherstone MP (center) on the debate panel photographer Annabel Staff