An All-Inclusive Attitude

Style adviser Amanda Lee wants everyone to appreciate themselves, whatever shape they are.

- Debby Kwong

“If you want to feel powerful, just wear a suit, but i feel pretty powerful in my swimsuit too.”

Growing up in Taiwan, style adviser Amanda Lee’s highlight of the month was going to the 7-Eleven store to grab the latest copies of Vivi, Mina and Vogue, before rushing back to the school dorm to indulge in stories and fashion spreads.

“Magazines, and now social media, are definitely a big way of shaping a girl’s beauty aesthetic. That’s why I celebrate people of all kinds, no matter their race, shape or sexuality. Being able to see yourself in and identify with characters in the media is so important,” she says.

“Being the fat kid, I always felt different growing up. I was picked on and called names. Did it hurt? Of course. Did it stop me from feeling pretty? Absolutely not. I changed my focus to fashion, and that allowed me to feel good and special in my skin,” she shares.

“Asia has improved over the years in celebrating different body types, but it’s not enough. Girls still feel insecure about living up to a certain standard of beauty. I hope that someday, everyone can just appreciate who they are and have no fear wearing a bikini, even if there’s a roll or two,” she adds.