A Rare Beauty

Something I think a lot about is the definition of beauty - society's definition, men's definitions, women's definitions, and ultimately, my own definition.  Recently I came across a woman who I think is strikingly beautiful, someone who has found success in the world's toughest critic and manipulator of beauty - the fashion industry.  I have a love/hate relationship with this industry - I am addicted to shows such as Project Runway and ANTM, where regular people create and transform the mundane (fabric, objects, and even themselves) into amazing, unique creations and images.  But I take issue with the very same industry for the ridiculous body and beauty images they portray as fashionable - starving-bony-size-00 girls on the runway, air brushed unrealistic ads, the list goes on and on… but sometimes it manages to surprise me by accepting something not quite the norm.

Meet Connie - the world's only albino fashion model.  She is Chinese born, raised in Sweden, and absolutely exquisite - with steel blue eyes that echo amethyst in certain light, striking facial features, hair white as snow, and translucent skin.  Okay, so maybe it's not such a stretch for her to be a successful fashion model given that she's got all that plus being tall, thin, and gorgeous - but I still celebrate her uniqueness and rare beauty in a world that often strives to dictate, conform, and ultimately normalize what is beautiful.

The image above is my very favorite of her.  But here are a few other faves - all courtesy of her official site. 

 

  

 

  

 

Isn't she amazing?  For more information on Connie, see these articles from her site - Vogue.com (translated) and Vice.

Have a uniquely beautiful day.