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Hello, I'm Sylvia Mac, a Burn Survivor who is challenging the fashion industry to become inclusive of those with differences and disfigurement.

My campaign involved people with scars, health and skin conditions who were very brave wearing swimwear sponsored by Swimwear365 and photographed by the famous Sophie Mayanne whose project Behind the Scars went viral. With the support of Sharron Davies, I also want to encourage body confidence by sharing my images with leisure centres & help Every Body to Swim without worrying about others staring. 

More info: lovedisfigure.com | Instagram | twitter.com

#1

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Amorella Moon
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You are all beautiful ❤❤❤

Coffee & Cake
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

And to think we are able to see the scars on the outside of people, but cannot always see the ones "inside".

Beth Arriaga
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Does anyone think we, as humans, will ever get to a point when 'beauty' is FIRST viewed and judged by behavior and actions and then secondly, or even third or fourth, judged on what is on the other shell- skin, hair, size etc? I just want hope that we might get there. When we describe people not as the redhead, the Asian, the tall one (as examples) but rather the nice, the funny, the kind one?

M O'Connell
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Unfortunately, it is far easier to refer to someone in passing by their visible qualities. If you were just robbed by someone, would you describe them to the police as an "angry, brooding type" or "a short, fat, bald guy"?

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Rebekah
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Now this right here looks like a fun girls night out time. I'm in.

Matthew A
Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Problem is the fashion industry wants to have people who look good promoting their clothes... although I'm not saying these woman are ugly, I'm just saying that I honestly don't strive to be a burn survivor or have a skin condition and companies want to use models that people strive to look like, so they will buy their clothes that's just how the fashion industry works and if you don't like it just don't buy their clothes 🤷🏼‍♂️

Community Member
7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How sad. I'm the creator of this Photoshoot who wouldn't normally give people like you Drew the time of day. However there are young children, baby in these photos and I always say that anyone anytime in their life can have surgery, accident or come across a health or skin condition. Furthermore I myself am in these pics Im also a Burn Survivor and have a Strength like you would never obtain in your life unless you go through what we go through everyday of our life #equality #diversity. Enjoy your weekend

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    #2

    Love Disfigure Swimwear Photo Campaign

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    Charlotte Brine
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My ex once said to me the first night we spent together after I said "I hate them" (my scars). "You should never hate them. Yes they show that you've struggled with bad times but to me they tell me that despite what has happened to you in the past those scars are proof that you were strong, strong enough to fight through everything and anything and come out the other end. And because of that, I think your scars are beautiful".

    Marta Puig Orriols
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I am proud of my scars too, I have new ones and other as old as 40 years. Scars from cutting, scars from dermatillomania (people like me with severe depression and OCD often have this joy of picking at a scar over and over and over) My whole body is covered in them. And I am proud of them because I am still here, despite the terrible dark abyss I often find myself, I manage to climb back and star the every day war that I have in my mind and body, that's why I say: I am a warrior and my scars are proof of that.

    Charlotte Brine
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I had no idea that there was a word for the act of scratching and repeatedly picking at wounds and scabs/stars. Thank you so much for sharing that, I now have a way to explain to people why I do what I do. Xx

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    Beth Arriaga
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Scars are beautiful. Fierce. I'm proud of every single one I have, and I want the stories behind other people's scars, too. Those stories make that person.

    Sky
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Your past does not define you, wear your scars like wings, never lose hope, you are strong enough to handle it.

    le name
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Scars tell a story. They show what you've gone through - what you can endure. They are never something to be ashamed of.

    Carrie B
    Community Member
    Premium
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm totally not trying to be judgmental - I genuinely want to know. Are these cutting scars?

    Charlotte Brine
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pure guess but from someone with similar looking scars I'd say yes

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    just another panda in the sea of black and white
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Scars. They may not look pretty, but they help you remember that the past was real.

    Sherrill Uliasz
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Your scars shape you and make you who you are today. I,too, am strong and had to fight and came out shining!!! You ARE beautiful!!!

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    Dr. Pink Unicorn
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I really want to hang out with these ladies, hear their stories, learn how they've become so strong (all the women look incredibly strong) and at peace with their own beauty despite overwhelming and unrealistic beauty standards. Sooo empowering!!!

    Charlotte Brine
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love the images and idea behind this campaign! My only singular issue with the project is that there isn't a person(s) woman or man depicting the feelings of insecurity and self consciousness that comes with a person being extremely under weight. (I'm not saying the artist should encourage and/or show people's pride in eating disorders by the way!) but I suffer terribly with extremely low weight due to gastro issues (mine being Rumination syndrome and Gastroparesis and absolutely HATE wearing swimwear due to the staring and assumptions/judgement of people who don't know my situation. Everyone always make snap judgments and assume I have an eating disorder and that I've deliberately pushed my body to this state and a lot of the time they feel they are entitled to tell me this themselves. It's very upsetting and hurtful.

    Sandra
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Humans judge by sight....we still have a lot to learn.

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    istvan burjan
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Accept yourselves - with a full makeup! Hmm...

    Gayle Bynum Cardosa
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    istvan makeup is NOT about that. Why can't people understand that??? What is it about makeup that makes so many people so triggered? You're not getting it at all.

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    #4

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    Marta Puig Orriols
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    her face, her smile reveals the strenght she has. Thank God for a post that is not about what we see first. I love each and every picture. WARRIOR.

    Kittie Meow
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    But, the post is about what you see first, not what you percieve to be stregths. To get past all this "you look blah blah" we need to start saying "hey! I like you for you"

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    May
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Wow look at her cheekbones!

    Alice Goble
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have psoriasis as well and am not ashamed...she is beautiful.

    adoracat
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's a b***h to live with. I'm VERY fortunate that mine is mainly on my scalp. Bless you, hon.

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    Sky
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Battle scars, beautiful battle scars.

    Nelly Panda
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This article is about loving your scars and marks on your skin bc they are beautiful did you just go through this to make people feel bad about their bodies? You- O I'm bored imma go bring down some self esteems !! P**s off

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    #5

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    Denise Gilliard
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Beautiful eyes and infectious smile.

    stanleyscout
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Beautiful woman. Her light shines.

    Annie Ramirez
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I believe she was set on fire by her crazy expensive boyfriend (if she's the girl I think she is).

    Rebecca Dill
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She is so beautiful. She probably has a pure soul and heart

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    #6

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    Sky
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think they look badass, dream on sister.

    T Brickey
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She looks like she has a lovely piece of art on her. Love how she Continues to shine :)

    Scarpednoodles
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She's so cute! She looks like a character in an online comic or something

    #8

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    glowworm2
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This woman is absolutely gorgeous!

    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    No flaw. We don't have flaws. This beautiful lady has alopecia. My photo shoot wanted to show people who have health, skin conditions or scars. We want to challenge the fashion industry to become more inclusive of us. America are already making changes :)

    Rafaella Bueno
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    People who can look great without hair are really stunning.

    BarryAllenTheFlash
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    She is beautiful! There is nothing wrong with her. I wish I had exotic curves like that 💔

    Bani Daniell
    Community Member
    Premium
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Perhaps due to her alopecia? I agree she is gorgeous.

    Sanne H.
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why is this woman in the list? The only "flaw" I spot is that she is not 18 anymore. Just like me 😁😇

    Rebecca Dill
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You get it girl!!! Shine you beautiful women

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    #12

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    Dr. Pink Unicorn
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    This is the first photo that made me say "wow". Stunning image, stunning model.

    Char Char
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It's not meant to be a beauty contest. They all are stunning in their own way. Jeez.

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    #13

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    #14

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    #17

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    Tracey Tait
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I like how she is using colored ribbon to hold the shiley.

    #19

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    Jaime Goranson
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Given the lack of eyebrows....alopecia?

    J Owen
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I think so... can't see any eyelashes, either

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    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Roy has had alopecia from a very young age and scars on his shoulder from accident. His a wonderful brave man.

    #22

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    #24

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    Amy Bristol
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have no idea what skin condition she has. Unless it's alopecia. Her skin looks flawless. I hate her a little bit. Lol!

    Gayle Bynum Cardosa
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    that doesn't deserve down votes. Saying she hates her a little bit is a joke. It's actually a kind of compliment.

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    Anibarsana Hazarika
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have scars just like her and I had always been ashamed to wear cute clothes as a kid (I was bullied because of my scars). However, I've learned to love and accept myself with all my scars and I am proud to flaunt them now. I also bought some cute dresses for the first time for my sister's wedding and I'm looking forward to wear them! :)

    glowworm2
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    This woman glows with radiance.

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    #25

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    Kim St
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    i don't see nothing wrong

    Sylvi Mac
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Hi Kim some people have hidden differences or disfigurements - Avery - birthmarks, Elsie - burn scars, Cayden - eczema :)

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    #27

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    Rebekah
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    He looks like a fun guy to hang around.

    Sylvi Mac
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Brian has psoriasis and his a lovely guy Rebekah :)

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    Jacque Place
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I was thinkin' the same thing Rebekah.Looks like a man with a great attitude who is comfortable with himself.

    Marta Puig Orriols
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    just looking at him made me smile for the first time in a long time

    #28

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    Jacque Place
    Community Member
    7 years ago

    This comment is hidden. Click here to view.

    Theonly thing that makes me uncomfortable is three guys who don't look like they's know each other bonding in their altogethers

    Sandra
    Community Member
    7 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Seriously....elevate your mind for just a second....

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    #29

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    Sylvia Mac's advocacy for body confidence and inclusivity in the fashion industry reflects a broader need for societal acceptance and understanding. Much like how candidates face unrealistic expectations and biases during job searches, individuals with visible differences also encounter unjust hurdles in various walks of life.

    Open conversations about these challenges are essential, as discussed in conversations around unrealistic job requirements.