Everyone should be able to enjoy fashion. Fashion is not just for those who fit into the media’s perception of beauty. All body shapes and abilities should be shown on the catwalk.
In 2012, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s disease and had a colostomy bag for six months. This is obviously difficult for a 14-year-old to deal with and made me feel very self-conscious. I felt that I had to completely change what I wore in order to cover the bag and although it was summer, there is no way I would have been seen in a bikini. Although, thankfully other Crohn’s patients are choosing to embrace it.
In 2014, make-up artist Bethany Townsend posted a bikini photo on Instagram showing her colostomy bag, that most people suffering with Crohn’s try to hide. She got a lot of positive feedback on her confidence which helped her on her dream of becoming a model. It makes me very happy to see that there are people embracing the colostomy bags and not hiding away like I did.
The fashion industry can be a scary place and can often focus a lot on one perception of beauty. It really does seem that there has been huge development on people embracing their differences and their own personal beauty.
As of right now there are catwalk shows that include models with colostomy bags. In fact, I was asked to be in a local fashion show when I had a colostomy bag, but turned it down as I was ‘embarrassed’. This is a decision I regret. It is great that there are local catwalk shows embracing those with a colostomy bag, but it is unfortunately yet to be seen in major Fashion Week runways.
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2676288/Stunning-Crohns-sufferer-pursue-dreams-model-bikini-photo-exposing-colostomy-bags-internet-sensation.html