Body Image

Rio de Janeiro is a city that is blessed with curves at every corner. The famous Brazilian Modernist architect Oscar Niemeyer, states that the core inspiration of his work comes from the curves of the Brazilian woman.Then there are the curves of the mountains that rise above Rio de Janeiro. Depending on the angle, the Sugar Loaf Mountain looks like a penis emerging from the ocean.From a distance, the Tijuca mountain range looks like a woman lying on her side...
With all of this sensual surroundings,it is no wonder that its all about curves.

When I first arrived in Rio in 1993, I was amazed at how well the women looked after their bodies. They had tight torsos,strong thighs and high butts.Brazilian women by nature are small breasted,which for me was a relief after working in the fashion business where it was either 'heroin-chic' or big breasted Victoria Secret models.
The creme de la creme of amazing bodies would parade down the Sambodromo for Carnaval. Men would be paralized and open jawed and women would watch in awe as these Amazons shook their way down the avenue.

Fifteen years later,things have drastically changed. The small breasts have given way to silicone. The local magazine here in Rio actually did an article stating who was 'turbinada'(slang for having implants put in) and who was not. The pressure increases in summer time and especially at Carnaval.Plastic surgeons are booked up in advance and the local gyms become flooded with women trying to get it together for the 'meat festival'.For all of those who failed Latin, Carnaval comes from the Latin meaing the farewell to the flesh before the 40 days of Lent which begins on Ash Wednesday....and I am not even Catholic!!!

Carnaval is over for yet another year.Thank God!!!! There is nothing more irritating than to listen to the average Joe talking about the physical attributes of Adriana Bombom(translation - Adriana Chocolate Sweet) and Viviane Araujo.These two Brazilian beauties go on a Spartan diets of egg whites and potatoes,along with hours spent doing leg presses that equal body builders. Its no wonder that a famous author commented that their legs are rivalling those of professional soccer players.Adriana Bombom's stomach was so 'worked out'that the costume she used actually hid her midriff. The school directors thought she was too muscular.

The extremes continue. Skinny and anorexic or bodybuilder with not an ounce of cellulite. Whatever happened to the 'Body' of Elle McPherson and Cindy Crawford???? Healthy models that had flesh and shape.
I have talked to straight male friends from all over the globe and the message is the same. Yes those models on the pages of Elle and Vogue are beautiful, but they look like they will break if you touch them. Woman that work out too much also scare men...too masculine.

WAKE UP FASHION EDITORS. STOP CAVING INTO A BEAUTY IDEAL CREATED BY MISOGENIC, HOMOSEXUAL FASHION DESIGNERS!!!!!!!!!

WAKE UP SHOPPERS!!! REFUSE TO BUY CREATIONS BY STYLISTS THAT CONTINUE TO USE UNATTAINABLE IMAGES OF WOMEN....