Interview: Anastasia Garcia

If you’ve been following Playful Promises for any length of time, you’ll probably have noticed how femme empowerment and diversity is extremely important to us. We’re constantly striving to expand our size range and options, as well as featuring a wide range of our customers on our social media. Which is why, when it came to needing a photographer for our Hunter McGrady swimwear collaboration, we were extremely excited by Anastasia Garcia’s portfolio!

Not only is Anastasia an amazing photographer, but her portfolio is full of diverse, beautiful people that have stepped in front of her lens. Having worked with Hunter before, and well-versed in shooting plus size campaigns and models (including Tess Holliday, Ashley Graham, Iskra Lawrence, Danielle Brooks and more), she was the perfect choice.

Watch the behind-the-scenes video of the shoot here, and check out the stunning results here!

Want to find out more about Anastasia? She was kind enough to answer a few questions about her work, body positivity, and how the industry is changing.

Could you tell us a little bit about your photography and how long you've been shooting?

I'm a fashion photographer, and body activist based in New York City. I’ve been shooting for eight years. I am passionate about creating imagery that celebrate women in a variety of shapes, sizes, races, and abilities. My photography is a tool to help empower women, and encourage women to love themselves, and to love their bodies. It’s my hope that my imagery will inspire, and serve the people viewing it, instead of damaging them, as so much fashion imagery has done. 

What drives you to photography?

Above all, photography is my chosen medium for artistic expression. I went to art school, and learned first and foremost how to be an artist. Photography has always been a way for me to express my perspective of the world.  To illustrate the world (or in my case women, and fashion) how I see it.

As a female photographer, do you find the photography industry inclusive? 

No, I don’t find this industry to be inclusive. We’re starting to see more diverse models popping up in magazines, and in campaigns. (I put emphasis on the word starting, because we still have SO far to go.) But we aren’t talking about diversity behind the lens. The photography industry is very much a white male dominated industry. People of color are largely left out (as creatives), and plus size folks are also left out.  The industry truly needs to become more inclusive behind the scenes. We need people who can authentically speak to different experiences, to be seated at the table. 

There's such a wonderful, diverse range of body shapes/types in your portfolio, could you tell us more about this?

I am a plus size woman, who grew up looking at fashion magazines, films, music videos etc. For most of my life I hated myself because I didn’t fit into a mold of what was “conventionally beautiful” (read: thin). I began dieting at 12 years old, so I could look more like the girls in the magazines, or on TV. I felt flawed and disgusting for so much of my life. When I began my education as a photography student, I knew that I loved fashion. I knew that I wanted to make the type of inspiring images I was seeing in the most influential fashion magazines. And moving through my education, I understood that fashion models looked “a certain way”. I understood that if I wanted to “make it,” I would have to shoot a specific-sized woman (read: size 0-2). Another body type didn’t feel like an option. In the beginning, I didn’t care. I just wanted to be a well-known fashion photographer, like Annie Leibovitz. It wasn’t until I was presented with the opportunity to speak up for plus size women, at work, that I realized I needed to re-evaluate who I was shooting, and why. From that moment on I began shifting the focus of my lens to include a more diverse range of bodies, and races. I realized that as a photographer I had a responsibility to not continue to perpetuate the same destructive (and unrealistic) beauty standards that damaged me growing up. It’s been eight years, and I haven’t turned back since. I believe all shapes, sizes, races, abilities, and ages are beautiful. I think it’s time media reflect the beautiful and diverse people of this world. 

What advice would you give to plus size women getting in front of the camera?

It’s easier said than done…  but don’t over think it. The camera can read everything…  so just have fun! Learning how to be a great model takes years of practice. It’s all a process of trial and error… so try to enjoy the process and just have fun!

How do you think the fashion industry could make plus size women feel included?

By including us more! Put us in magazines, and not just in a small image front of book. Give us covers. Gives us 8-page fashion spreads. Cast us in films, and TV shows…. and not as “the poor fat girl”. Let’s create media together that tells our stories, and showcases our beauty. 

I also believe the fashion industry could be more conscious not just about the women they put in front of the camera, but also the talent they hire behind the scenes. We don’t JUST need more visibility of plus bodies (although more of that please), we also need more body diversity behind the scenes.

FOLLOW ANASTASIA ON INSTAGRAM, AND SHOP THE HUNTER MCGRADY X PLAYFUL PROMISES COLLECTION HERE

Ageless Fashion

Last year we launched an ongoing Ageless Fashion campaign, challenging our society's obsession with youth by working with 2 models in their late 60's, Lina and Pam - check out the images and find out more here and here.

Continuing the campaign, we recently worked with the amazing Karen (50) on her first sultry lingerie shoot! 

Karen wears the Carlota Basque, Isadora Brief and Bettie Page Leopard Robe

We knew we just had to work with Karen after first spotting her amazing, fun style on instagram, and teamed up for a shoot at the beautiful Courtesan (we can also attest to their delicious food and cocktails!).

Karen told us:
I’m a 50 Year Old woman... very much in charge of my own style and identity! I’m very sad to say that as I get older I realise the emphasis on younger women in any part of the media related industry. My partner and I have been modelling for a short while, and generally he gets picked to star alongside a much younger woman. I think that it obviously sells... this older guy/young pretty thing ‘look’. But I think it’s a little sad... older woman look sexy... cool... stylish... in control... do we scare these men??!! 

Karen wears the Bettie Page Red Corsolette and Leopard Print Robe, and a hair flower by our friends at Bettie Page Hair

Karen wears the Candace Noir set, and hair flower by our friends at Bettie Page Hair

Lingerie & Identity: How lingerie allows us to live unapologetically in our bodies

Here at Playful Promises we have never been known to shirk away from a challenge, or from controversy. It has always been our aim and brand mission to be as inclusive as possible, pushing and breaking the boundaries of what is considered “safe” and “acceptable” representation in fashion and in lingerie specifically. From working with more people of colour in our campaigns and collaborations (such as teaming up with Gabi Fresh for a collection), to being one of the first independent lingerie brands continuously expanding size ranges, Playful Promises has been unwavering in its dedication to inclusive, intersectional feminism, and being pro-active in the fight against body snark.

Photographing Violet Chachki, the winner of RuPaul’s Drag Race Season 7, was a natural progression of our ethos by including a non-binary model and performer as the face of our latest Bettie Page launch. With her stunning femme-fatale looks and sumptuous vintage styling, it could not possibly have been a better choice, and received an overwhelmingly positive response both from our fans and the press. The outpouring of support has felt validating, heart-felt and enormously gratifying. It also illustrates further, if any illustration was needed, how sorely diverse representation is lacking in the fashion industry.

With this in mind, we asked few non-binary/trans and gender-queer fans about their take on representation, and the role lingerie plays in it. We spoke to Vikki Le, a fashion and graphic designer based in New York; Australian MUA, artist and activist Ruby Allegra; London-based gallery producer and artist Parma Ham; and US-based full-time drag queen Louisianna Purchase - and asked them to share their views on our Violet Chachki-fronted campaign, the importance of inclusivity, and how their lingerie choices help to inform their gender identity.

Vikki Le wearing the Bettie Page Lingerie Emerald Overwire Set

What does non-binary mean to you?

Parma Ham quotes Oscar Wilde in response – “To define is to limit”, adding that “being non-binary is the experience of myself without rigid and enclosing definition”. Ruby elaborated by adding that “my genderfluidity is exactly that – fluid. Just as my identity shifts, so does my knowledge and understanding of what genderfluidity means to me.”

What considerations do you make when choosing lingerie? What do you look for?

“Fancy lingerie is what we as people wear to fulfill other people’s fantasies”, muses Vikki, “I wear it to fulfill mine”. The theme of lingerie representing confidence and sexuality is a recurring one, with Louisianna adding that “Lingerie sets the mood for me. I feel most powerful and seductive in lingerie.” Ruby also highlights the importance of comfort, both physically and mentally – “as a disabled person, lingerie has been a very important part of my work towards radical self acceptance, body positivity and the unlearning of ableist beauty standards”. Both Vikki and Ruby are also quick to highlight the importance of colour in how lingerie makes them feel and in setting the mood.

Parma Ham wearing the Bettie Page Lingerie Hand Print set

 How do you go about styling your look and how do you work lingerie into it?

“Lingerie is either the spotlight or a necessary layer that I never skip!” – Louisianna muses enthusiastically, adding that “lingerie is definitely a staple in my wardrobe”. Parma Ham adds – “The way lingerie frames the body is so important. Well chosen lingerie can transform my boyish body into something highly feminine”.

How important is it to have queer, trans and non-binary visibility in lingerie?

Ruby raises an important question – “If non-binary people, for example only see images of cisgender or binary-gendered people celebrating their bodies through wearing and enjoying lingerie, what message does that send about non-binary or genderqueer bodies?”; adding that “we live in a very heteronormative and cisnormative society, which often does not respect or acknowledge queer, trans and non-binary identities as being real, valid or worthy.” Vikki adds another important point, pointing out that “we are more than just victims or sexual fantasies”. Louisianna adds that the importance of representation is a useful tool in breaking down stereotypes and current societal boundaries. Parma Ham elaborates, commenting on the current state of global affairs, adding that “Right now everyone under the trans and queer umbrella needs as much visibility and as many positive narratives as possible. Seeing queer people in lingerie is a gentle reminder that we too are human, we too are beautiful and desirable”. 

Louisianna Purchase wearing the Bettie Page Lingerie Leopard Overwire set, photo by Ruby Knight

What would you like to see more of from lingerie/clothing companies? How can they be more inclusive?

Vikki states categorically that what they see to be a current trend is “more than just an image, it’s a movement and if you’re a good ally then make sure to give us the platforms to share our stories and visibility.” This point could not have been echoed strongly enough among the rest of our respondents, with Parma Ham emphasizing the importance of using genderqueer and non-binary models not simply as tokens. “Reducing the use of gender-specific language, and perhaps incorporating more gender neutral vocabulary” is a simple yet far-reaching change that any brand can implement, Ruby suggests. “I would love to see more bodies, ALL bodies in lingerie”, adds Louisianna, “It's important that they can feel fabulous too.”

How is lingerie important to your identity?

“Lingerie sets the mood for me. I feel most powerful and seductive in lingerie”, muses Louisianna; the theme of lingerie representing confidence and sexuality is a recurring one, with Vikki adding that “it’s a whole act of seduction and power”. Furthermore, there is no denying the transformative power of lingerie, with Parma Ham noting that “I value the power of transformation, and the freedom to not commit to either masculinity or femininity, this is where I feel most comfortable.” Vikki goes as far as describing the act of wearing lingerie as an “act of rebellion”, since wearing lingerie was not something they were always able to do throughout their life. Lingerie, it appears unanimously, represents both strength and freedom.

How do you foresee the Violet Chachki fronted Bettie Page campaign being received by others?

Ruby sees it as a “really great, refreshing step towards visibility and representation for sexually and gender diverse people”, with Parma Ham adding that it’s another kick to the rigidity of the binary – “I think everyone can benefit from society being less strict on what you can and cannot wear.” Louisianna reiterates its importance in breaking boundaries for LGBTQIA folks.

Ruby Allegra

It is evident that the power of representation for socially marginalized groups cannot be overstated, nor can the change come too soon, with Ruby concluding that “sexuality is a huge part of many people’s identities, so denying groups of people the access and means to explore that can be very harmful. A lack of representation can lead to isolation and serious issues relating to self-esteem, body image and mental health”.

Here at Playful Promises we are hopeful that our contribution to the fight towards greater representation is just one step among countless in the right direction.

Ageless Fashion Revisited

Back in April we released our Ageless Fashion campaign, challenging our society's obsession with youth by working with 2 models in their late 60's, Lina and Pam. You can read about our director, Emma's, thoughts about the project here. We've decided to release some more images from the photoshoot, as they are just so fabulous!

As a women-run business, it's important to us to think about and challenge the expectations that women face. The response from the first campaign was eye-opening, in many different ways. It was inspiring to see positive responses from women of all ages, and also from men taking the chance to praise their own partners. Unfortunately, there were also not-so-positive responses, which goes to show that we still have a long way to go to make diverse images of women the norm.

Pam wearing our Emerald set

Lina rocking the Bettie Page Overwire Set

The thought of getting older results in a wide variety of emotions from different women of different ages. I'm 28, and I'm excited by the idea of what I might do in my life, and how attitudes might change towards me. I still don't feel like an adult, will I when I'm 38? Will I feel like I'm taken seriously when I'm 48? I've certainly spent a vast majority of my life trying to present myself to seem older!

Pam relaxing in the Jasmin robe and chemise

I don't think, as a teenager, I understood that older women still thought about their sexuality. I mean, female sexuality was barely discussed to start with, and is something many still can't wrap their minds around. I see now, how ridiculous this is, how it implies that women's bodies cannot have a function aside from reproduction and male pleasure. 

Now, I think most of the women I look up to are over 40. They seem powerful and in control, like they couldn't care less what people think. None of that might be true, or at least not all the time (women deserve love, adoration and respect no matter what their mental or physical state), but for that snap of a camera it is true, and that's what inspires me. 

Lina wearing Karine Wine and Jasmin Robe

We'd love to hear your feedback on this campaign - how old are you, and how do these images make you feel about yourself? How do you feel about getting older?

Hair/makeup by Sandra Silva Make Up & Hair

Ageless Fashion

I created Playful Promises when I was 28 years old; I’m now 41 and starting to understand the power of lingerie for older women, and wanted to express and explore this in a photoshoot. I am very much a feminist, and do not create lingerie with the male gaze in mind.

However, on a personal level I very much use lingerie as part of my sexuality. The reason Playful Promises came into being was that in my youth I was very interested in expressing my sexuality, and understood from around the age of 20 what an aphrodisiac youth was. Without realizing, this became intertwined with my identity and the lingerie I created.

Pam Lucas wearing the Francois Chemise and Robe

At 41 this has started to waver. I don’t have the power of youth that I once had. At 28 I couldn’t really imagine a 41 year old woman having sex or being interested in lingerie, but alas I have arrived at 41 and don’t feel that differently sexually than I did at 28. I have slowed down a bit, which is only natural as my hormones are changing.  This has led me to reconsider how I relate to my own brand. I suddenly realized how much I had been participating in our culture’s obsession with youth as the ideal.

I realized that it was something we needed to challenge. This campaign is about re-creating my own bond with my brand, but also connecting it with the wider world. We have already been working hard to make women of all shapes and sizes feel that they can wear lingerie to express themselves, and be comfortable with this, but I realized we were excluding another whole group of people. A group I’ve become part of. The no-longer-youthful-but-still-bloody-awesome ;)

Pam Lucas wearing the Bettie Page Black Corsolette and a Robe due later in the year

I am sorry that I didn’t realize this sooner, and that it is only my own experience that has widened my horizons. I really hope that you like these photos as much I do. I have been admiring Pam Lucas from afar for some time, so it was great to get to work with her. She only found modelling in her 50s, when she called up Ugly Models to ask them if they needed a grey haired Morticia on their books. She hasn’t lived an easy life but was still deeply passionate about her life.

Lina is a great grandmother, and we asked her to model for us as she appeared so playful, which perfectly encompasses our brand. I love this. Just because you’re getting older doesn’t mean you don’t have a playful side! She still works full time at the front of house in a City bank, despite being 68. She was initially quite shy, but when she posed she really got into role and modeled just how girls a fraction of her age do - The beauty shone through.

Lina wearing the Bettie Page Lace Set

I really was inspired by both women. Beauty is as much attitude as the way you look and it is ageless.

Emma Parker

Director of Playful Promises

Pam Lucas wearing Sadie and Francois