Plus-size model Iskra Lawrence has long been one of the fashion industry’s most outspoken body positivity advocates, and now she is lending her voice to support another cause: feminism.
The 27-year-old British model, who lives in New York City, took to Instagram on Wednesday to speak out about the importance of the movement after she was targeted by cruel trolls who branded her ‘fat’ and ‘slutty’ after she shared a video of herself dancing around in a crop top with the world ‘feminist’ written across it.
‘I wore this [T-shirt] and the comments were interesting…’ she wrote, while sharing an image of herself proudly posing in the same controversial shirt, as well as grabs of several of the more negative comments posted on her original video.
Speaking out: Plus-size model Iskra Lawrence has detailed some of the cruel and hateful comments she received after wearing this ‘feminist’ T-shirt in a video on Instagram
Shocking: One person accused the 27-year-old model of hypocrisy, claiming that she was ‘dressing slutty’
Disgusting: Other mean comments highlighted Iskra’s weight and body type
Proving a point: Ironically, some of the most chauvinistic comments simply served as evidence for Iskra’s message about the increasing importance of the feminist movement
Who cares! Despite the controversy about her shirt, Iskra continued to proudly pose in it
One person accused her of hypocrisy in wearing the shirt, claiming that her outfit was ‘slutty’ and suggesting that she was somehow going against the feminist movement in dressing as she had.
‘Wears feminist shirt… dresses slutty anyway,’ the snide comment said.
Others, meanwhile, simply chose to target her weight, while leaving some incredibly crude and sexual comments about her – ironically proving her point in terms of the ever-present need for feminism.
‘She has SOME muscle, but mostly flag and fat,’ one person wrote. ‘Needs to diet… she definitely isn’t feminine. Looks like she would rip your limbs off for food while you give her some seed.’
Another said: ‘Some people are skinny, some are in shape and others are fat. She is fat, and I think she has very limited potential but enough that if she loses weight someone might marry her so she can whelp them some children.’
The final comment Iskra shared simply stated: ‘Unfollow. Ps nice tits.’
Refusing to allow the comments to get to her, Iskra explained in her caption that while she understands the feminist movement might not be ‘perfect’, neither is she – nor, indeed, any humans, and it is still a work in progress.
Moving and grooving: The original post that sparked the outpouring of negative comments saw Iskra jokingly dancing around while showing off her shirt and pouting at the camera
Having fun: Iskra recorded the video while out to dinner with some friends in New York City on Tuesday night, and she posted it to Instagram on Wednesday
A key message: Instead of paying mind to the cruel words of haters, Iskra took the opportunity to highlight the importance of feminism in modern society
Checking it twice: The model shared a list of reasons why the movement must continue to grow around the world in whatever form it can
But a very necessary one.
‘Many progressive movements are bound to be imperfect,’ she wrote. ‘So am I – all humans are perfectly imperfect.
‘I’m unsure whether to post this, but if I can use my privilege to serve as a reminder and support a movement which I hope can create change.
‘By educating ourselves and others hopefully we can encourage equality worldwide, encourage large corps and individuals with efficient capabilities to build infrastructure, improve access to education and healthcare as well as protecting people from violence, sexual abuse and trafficking.
‘Because the following inequities still exist for women – and so i shall continue to wear this T-shirt.’
She then went on to list some of the many reasons that feminism is such a vital movement in modern society, citing gender inequality in third-world countries, human trafficking of women, the rape and harassment of female soldiers, domestic violence, and the pay gap as being key examples of why she will ‘continue to wear this T-shirt’, regardless of what criticism she might face.
Iskra’s passionate post was quickly flooded with notes of support from her followers, with many praising her for sharing such an important message, while others urged her to ignore the cruel words of the trolls.
‘I am absolutely horrified at what I’m seeing these people say,’ one commenter wrote. ‘You are beautiful, one of the most beautiful women of this day and time! Don’t ever believe anything anyone else tells you, EVER!’
Another chimed in: ‘I️ usually never pay attention to other people’s comments about pictures etc. But this one got my attention ! [it is] sad to see how people have the time to comment on someone else’s pictures and just to be negative without even knowing them personally .
Get real you are not perfect people… Look at your self in the mirror first before judging someone else.’
As well as rising above the harsh words of a handful of cruel commenters, Iskra’s career is also continuing to soar from strength to strength.
One of her most recent projects saw her diving headfirst into the holiday spirit in order to star in Aerie’s new holiday 2017 campaign.
The blonde beauty was among a group of Aerie models who traveled to Iceland to shoot the lingerie brand’s ad, which highlights the stars’ natural beauty by remaining completely unretouched.
Footage from the shoot sees the models doing everything from cuddling in a lodge to petting horses — all while donning the brand’s latest designs.
Passing on the message: Iskra is known for being one of the fashion industry’s most outspoken body positivity advocates
Going places: Iskra’s career is going from strength to strength, with more than 3.8 million Instagram followers
Holidays are here! Iskra recently led a cast of models in Aerie’s festive new campaign
Getting cozy: The blonde beauty was among a group of Aerie models who traveled to Iceland to shoot the lingerie brand’s 2017 holiday campaign
Iskra shows off her famous hourglass figure in a shimmery silver bralette, grey sweatpants, and a faux fur infinity scarf around her neck as she steps outside of the lodge to check out the morning sun.
The curvy star appears to be having a blast during the shoot, and she and another model can’t stop laughing as they pose for photos wearing headbands featuring reindeer ears.
They are both sporting matching faux fur infinity scarves, red long-sleeve tops, boyshorts, and long socks while they happily pretend to be reindeer together.
In another shot, Iskra is kneeling on a bed while modeling a black knit cap, a black lace bralette, black and white flannel pajama pants, and a cozy off-white blanket over her shoulders.
Earlier this week, Iskra announced that gymnast Aly Raisman had been signed on to join her as an AerieReal role model, welcoming her into the fold of the body-positive brand before introducing her onto the stage at the Glamour Women of the Year Live Summit in New York City.
‘If you watched the 60 Minutes last night you will know she is very courageous,’ Iskra said, referring to Aly’s interview in which she revealed that she had been sexually abused by Team USA doctor Larry Nassar for several years while serving as a member of the National and Olympic teams.
Iskra continued, while welcoming Aly onto the stage: ‘I’m so proud of you and I’m so glad that I’m going to get to be friends with you and learn so much from you.’