Paloma Elsesser is not just a plus-size model; she is a multifaceted individual on a journey of self-discovery, constantly evolving and redefining her identity. This article explores her perspective on body image, beauty, race, and her aspirations beyond the world of modeling.
Beyond Physicality: A Focus on the Metaphysical
Paloma Elsesser challenges conventional New Year's resolutions centered around weight loss. She emphasizes that true confidence stems from one's contributions rather than physical appearance. While acknowledging the importance of healthy eating and exercise, she advocates for shifting the focus from the physical to the metaphysical, prioritizing mental and emotional well-being.
Embracing Organization to Overcome Overthinking
Elsesser recognizes her tendency to overthink and believes that organization is key to managing this trait. A structured schedule, encompassing both work and personal life, can prevent lateness, reduce anxiety, and promote better sleep. By organizing her life, she aims to minimize the mental clutter that keeps her up at night.
Disconnecting from the Digital World
Reducing phone usage, especially at night, is another priority for Elsesser. She acknowledges the stimulating nature of phones and the potential for social media and news to trigger negative emotions. To combat this, she plans to incorporate meditation into her daily routine before engaging with her phone in the morning.
Embracing Discomfort and New Experiences
Elsesser expresses a desire to overcome her fear of discomfort and embrace new experiences. She challenges herself to try new things, such as barre classes, to push her boundaries and learn valuable lessons, such as the importance of stillness.
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The Power of Education and Contribution
Elsesser, who attended the New School for psychology and literature, emphasizes the importance of education and intellectual pursuits. She believes that intelligence and the ability to contribute are essential qualities, more valuable than mere physical appearance. By dedicating time to reading and writing, she aims to boost her confidence and enhance her ability to contribute to the world.
Self-Acceptance and Avoiding Comparison
Elsesser rejects the pressure to conform to societal beauty standards and avoid comparisons. She focuses on self-improvement without self-criticism, striving to be a better version of herself while accepting her body as it is. She understands that true confidence comes from within, not from losing weight or chasing youthfulness.
Paloma's Story: From Chubby Girl to Plus-Size Model
Elsesser's journey to becoming a successful plus-size model was not planned. She grew up in Los Angeles and moved to New York City to study psychology and literature at the New School. Social media, particularly Instagram, played a crucial role in her discovery by Pat McGrath, leading to her career in modeling.
Childhood Experiences and Body Image
Elsesser recalls feeling excluded and worthless as a child due to her weight. She shares a poignant memory of being unable to find jeans that fit her at the Gap, highlighting the negative impact of societal beauty standards on young children.
Navigating Privilege and Identity
Growing up in a privileged environment, Elsesser felt different from her peers due to her body size. She also experienced challenges with boys in high school, who struggled to accept her body type. These experiences shaped her understanding of herself and the importance of challenging societal norms.
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Embracing the Plus-Size Label
Initially hesitant to identify as a plus-size model, Elsesser eventually embraced the label as a form of protection. She acknowledges the discomfort people often feel when she says she is a model and uses the term "plus-size" to clarify and move past the confusion. However, she emphasizes that she does not want her body size to be her defining characteristic.
Social Media and Authenticity
Elsesser's social media strategy revolves around authenticity. She strives to stay true to herself and avoid conforming to external pressures. While recognizing the importance of social media in her career, she prioritizes honesty and avoids posting excessive selfies or engaging in superficial trends.
Redefining Beauty Standards
Elsesser challenges the notion that there is only one type of beauty. She believes that everyone is special in their own way and that her story can inspire other girls to embrace their individuality. By posting pictures of herself in crop tops, she aims to show that it is possible to feel good about oneself regardless of body size.
Embracing Sobriety and Reflection
Elsesser has chosen sobriety for 12 years, viewing it as a way to avoid both causing and experiencing pain. She believes that sobriety has fostered self-reflection and a desire for constant investigation.
The Importance of Curiosity
Elsesser believes that curiosity is essential. She credits her parents for instilling in her a sense of wonder and a thirst for knowledge.
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Identity and Race
Elsesser identifies as mixed, with a black mother and a Chilean and Swiss father. While she feels more connected to black culture due to her upbringing, she has also experienced ostracism for not looking "black enough." Her experiences have led her to read about race theory and understand the complexities of identity.
Challenging Passive Racism
Elsesser recognizes the prevalence of passive racism in society, particularly in the fashion industry. She criticizes the lack of diversity on runways and calls for greater representation of people of color and different body types.
Future Aspirations: Education and Advocacy
Elsesser aspires to finish school, obtain a master's degree, and become a psychologist for adolescents. She sees modeling as a platform to amplify her voice and contribute to positive change. She hopes to engage in talk-show formats and write more, using her experiences to inspire and empower others.
Paloma's Lessons
Paloma Elsesser shares valuable lessons she has learned throughout her journey:
- The art of play and the importance of curiosity.
- Visibility is a trap; it does not bring happiness.
- It's okay to be sensitive.
- Figure out what you like about yourself, outside of what you look like.
- Safety and comfort are not the same thing.
The Gilmore Girls' Diet: A Humorous Experiment
The article also includes a lighthearted account of a seven-day experiment following the "Gilmore Girls" diet, characterized by junk food, takeout, and copious amounts of coffee. The author humorously documents her experience, noting the challenges and unexpected results.
The Diet
The diet consists of:
- Tall stacks of pancakes
- Chinese takeout (+ leftovers)
- Pop Tarts
- Burritos
- Pizza
- Mallomars
- Coffee
The Results
Surprisingly, the author did not gain weight and even lost two pounds. She attributes this to her real-life diet being similar to the Gilmore Girls' diet, the characters not finishing their meals, and the appetite-suppressing effects of coffee.