Size 14 Model Takes a Photoshoot to Challenge Victoria’s Secret’s Narrow Beauty Standards

One model has taken a bold step to challenge the status quo in an industry often defined by conventional beauty standards and limited representation. Ella Halikas, a striking figure in the modeling world, has recently shaken up the fashion world with her daring and thought-provoking photo shoot. Breaking away from the traditional notions of what it means to be a lingerie model.

Her dream was to be a model.

Halikas took a leap of faith to pursue her aspirations of becoming a full-time model when she decided to move to L.A. In May 2020, armed with courage and an unwavering belief in herself, she embarked on a journey that would change her life forever. In a remarkable turn of events, within a mere year, she achieved what seemed impossible—she became a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Model.

She wants to show how anyone can be healthy and happy in a size 14.

Gabriella Athena Halikas is a Sports Illustrated Swimsuit model and a remarkable body positivity activist. Her journey toward embracing her changing body has been an inspiring one. In her own words, she explains, “I wasn’t always confident, I actually was a lot smaller.”

Halikas’ body started developing curves during her junior year of high school and continued to change in college, where she gained around 20 pounds. This transformation marked a new chapter in her life, and she now proudly owns her curvier body.

Gabriella Athena Halikas’s mission goes beyond seeking attention or validation. She firmly believes in the message that being healthy and happy is not determined by a specific size or body shape. According to Halikas, the activism she’s been doing “It’s simply to show that you can be healthy and happy in size 14, living and existing in a bigger body while still being extremely confident.”

Her photoshoot resembling Victoria’s Secret angels went viral for good reasons.

Recently, Gabriella Athena Halikas gained viral attention for her bold and empowering shoot with photographer Henry Jimenez Kerbox, where she channeled her inner Victoria’s Secret Angel. As a body positivity activist, Halikas took the initiative to recreate the iconic Victoria’s Secret fashion show catwalk, but this time, showcasing her size 14 body in lingerie.

The experience not only empowered Halikas but also had a profound impact on others, with many expressing emotions and gratitude for witnessing a representation they had longed for. The shoot served as a healing moment for Halikas and her audience, challenging the lack of inclusivity in the fashion industry and demonstrating that beauty and confidence can be embodied by individuals of all sizes.

Halikas’s dream has always been to walk on Victoria’s Secret runway and represent curvy women. She aspires for greater size inclusivity within the fashion industry, hoping to see more diversity and representation across the board.

Just like some plus-size models, other influencers are also looking to change old beauty standards in the industry. In a brave display of body positivity and friendship, two friends decided to pose in the same outfits and demonstrated that style transcends size.