101: The Politics of Body Image - Nikki Parkinson

The Politics of Everything

Body image is a topic rife with expectations, taboo, nuance and even debate. Nikki Parkinson is here today to discuss just that! Her career path of journalism, fashion writing and design makes her an ideal expert for this topic. That is because at the core of everything that former journalist Nikki Parkinson has done in her "second life" as a blogger, author and now fashion designer has been aimed at helping women find their confidence through the clothes that they wear and the life they lead. The 54-year-old jumped out of her 20-year journalism career in her early 40s and was one of Australia's pioneers in the blogging and then influencing space before Instagram was even a thing. Over the past 13 years, she's built Styling You, an organic, highly engaged community of Australian women aged 35-55, women who have long felt ignored by the traditional fashion industry in an era when more than ever, women in their 40s and 50s are looking for inspiration on how to dress to feel confident for their work and play lifestyles. As a blogger and influencer, Nikki has represented national and international brands. And in 2019 she launched her own fashion label, Styling You The Label, offering Australian-made, non-boring wardrobe basics designed to simplify a busy women's wardrobes. Styling You The Label is the first label globally to feature a model for every size that it stocks, making it easier for women to buy with confidence online. Size diversity is only the start. The label features women of different ages, heights, colours, beliefs, and ability because it values women. Nikki wants women to feel seen and included when it comes to shopping for the clothes they want to wear.

Hear from Nikki on:

1. How has body image evolving, and has it changed over time for the better for both men and women?
2. The rise of “clean eating” and wellness, as well as certain diets have become accepted as mainstream – the goal seems to be weight loss only, although the idea of health is also made apparent when you see the marketing. Are these issues we can combat with more diverse projections of “what is a healthy body?”

1. Recently, Australian Fashion Week was applauded for improving the cultural diversity of its models this year, especially when it comes to representing First Nations people. However, you were part of a media article saying the size diversity was missing still. Why does this matter so much?
2. Beyond the size representation how can using different types of models in a brand be done well so it does not come across as tokenistic?

1. How has social media helped or hindered our body mage battle?
2. Take away: What is your final takeaway message for us on The Politics of Body Image?

To connect with Nikki: Nikki Parkinson | LinkedIn

www.stylingyou.com.au www.stylingyoushop.com.au