Iskra Lawrence: “I’ve always told myself I’m a model for the people, not the industry.”
JACKET by DOLCE & GABBANA / DRESS by TANYA TAYLOR / EARRINGS by JENNIFER ZEUNER / RINGS by AP MONACO
She is serving realness, curves and elegance included. Iskra Lawrence is sweeping the social media scene with unretouched photos, unafraid to speak up about body dysmorphia, eating disorders, and the raw definition of self-love. Some people call it controversial, others call it courage. No matter what, you cannot deny that she is making an impact on so many people today.
You have probably seen Iskra on the #AerieREAL campaign, spreading a message of self love. Whether it is tummy rolls, body hair, birthmarks, or tattoos, she believes everybody should be celebrated for who they are and not by how they look. Iskra wants everyone to feel alive and free whether they are chilling in bed on a Saturday night or relaxing on the beach. Putting on a swimsuit at the beach can be difficult for a lot of women, myself included. Most of us can remember the moments of standing in front of the mirror, picking at our stomachs and critiquing our bodies. On teaming up with Aerie to emphasize self-love in swimsuits, she says, “There are far too many times people are letting insecurities hold them back from living their best life. I know it can be hard to see a picture of someone saying, ‘I love my body and want you to too,’ but it is a lesson. We want people to live their best life fully and never be held back by insecurities.”
Iskra recalls many moments of her own insecurities and doubts while working in the modeling industry. In the beginning, when she was around 14 or 15, she was body shamed as she did not fit into a lot of the sample sizing. “[My agency at the time] told me if I couldn’t hit their measurements, I wouldn’t be a successful model,” Iskra says. “It got stuck in my head, and I dropped from the agency. I tried about ten other agencies, and no one would take me. All of their excuses came back to my size and me being too curvy. I took it personally and really set out to change myself but didn’t know how to do so in a healthy way.”
JACKET by DOLCE & GABBANA / DRESS by TANYA TAYLOR / EARRINGS by JENNIFER ZEUNER / RINGS by AP MONACO
Agencies told her she was too big, and plus-size agencies told her she was too small. She tried dieting and developed negative body image and frustration. After battling with extreme societal pressure, she started to take the frustration and use it as fuel to send her forward. On finding her place, Iskra says, “After a bit, I started carving out a niche of people just loving themselves for who they are at their healthiest size instead of trying to fit into either category.” She states boldly, “I’ve always told myself I’m a model for the people, not the industry. I’ve never been fully accepted by this industry, and it’s always been a bit of a fight. I always remind myself being uniquely me is my superpower and I am more than a set of measurements.” Years of grind, dedication, and pure authenticity have proved Iskra irreplaceable. It doesn’t take being on Instagram long to find out about her and her message. It has spread like wildfire.
Iskra recently announced her pregnancy on social media, and even over the phone, I could tell that she is glowing over the baby. Many women dread their pregnancy process with the large tummy, swollen ankles, and other major body changes. “Stomach changes are often connected with gaining weight, letting yourself go, and all of these negative connotations,” Iskra says. “However, I’m so grateful and view [my pregnancy] as a gift.” She claims gratitude has been her biggest self-love tool, and knowing that some loved ones and close friends are unable to have children, she is thankful her body is able to create life. Iskra reminds us that a powerful tool for love can simply be gratitude. It is crucial to take time to repeat positive affirmations to yourself throughout the day because it can be just the thing that gets you through a rough day.
TRENCH COAT is VINTAGE / BELT by B-LOW THE BELT / JEWELRY is VINTAGE / SHOES by MARC FISHER
There are unfortunate cases in which people are not so loving. Many people have critiqued the work she has done because they do not believe modeling agencies and media should show off body rolls and thick thighs. There is an entire heated discussion on the internet over self-love and what it means for people. On how people can simultaneously practice self-love and healthy habits, Iskra replies, “It should never be about feeling shame around your decisions, but at the same time, you should want to make the best decisions for yourself. It’s more complicated than just saying ‘Self-love! I love myself so I don’t have to do anything.’ That’s not what it’s about. It’s about finding the relationships between your body, mind, and soul and making sure those relationships are healthy.”
No matter which hat she is wearing, Iskra stresses the importance of showing up and showing out for yourself. Don’t worry about what others think, and don’t worry about spending hours editing your photos for the likes. Thank your body, and nourish your body. With a baby on the way and her own brand in the works, make sure to keep up with Iskra’s world of positivity and self-care.
“I’ve always told myself I’m a model for the people, not the industry. I’ve never been fully accepted by this industry, and it’s always been a bit of a fight. I always remind myself being uniquely me is my superpower and I am more than a set of measurements.”
STORY ELIZABETH STAFFORD
PHOTOS KRISSY SALEH
MAKEUP SASHA GLASSER
HAIR AARON BARRY using T3 MICRO and ALTERNA HAIRCARE
STYLIST RYANN LANEL REDMAN
PRODUCER KRISTEN TURNER
LOCATION HOTEL COVELL