On March 3rd in Milan, the Body Positive Catwalk took place, a flash mob that saw the participation of about 150 people, women and men of different sizes, ethnicities, and ages who paraded in Piazza del Duomo to promote the universal message of self-love and love for others. Alice Sommariva was present with the You oil that she created. A extra virgin olive oil that supports any cause in favor of women.
What is the Body Positive Catwalk?
Let’s try to better understand what the Body Positive Catwalk is and why we wanted to support it. This initiative was born thanks to Laura Brioschi, an international curvy model, who, together with her partner, founded the Body Positive Catwalk Association, a non-profit organization for the protection of citizens' rights.
During the event on March 3rd, all participants literally stripped down to their underwear to show their bodies with pride, despite flaws and disabilities. It was not about exhibitionism or ostentation but a symbolic act that was very direct and concrete: they invited everyone to strip away prejudices and show themselves authentically, without deception. A gesture capable of conveying very important messages, first among them self-acceptance, acceptance of one’s body beyond any imperfection, and acceptance of others, against all forms of discrimination and bullying. Because how many times do we define someone and judge them solely based on their physical appearance? The Body Positive Catwalk says enough to this kind of abuse and promotes a sense of self-confidence and community. If you wish, you can join the very large community and donate to support this cause.
At the Body Positive Catwalk, women and men of different sizes paraded, united by the desire to convey the idea that being beautiful, liking oneself and being liked by others does not mean conforming to an imposed standard. Also because chasing those unattainable aesthetic models promoted by the media can mean losing one’s identity – what makes us ourselves, unique and authentic – and one’s health. Laura knows this well, having suffered from bulimia in the past.
We want to remember some of the participants, such as Nina Rima, a model who lost a leg last April and now proudly showcases her prosthesis. Benedetta De Luca, a lawyer who has been in a wheelchair since birth and wants to show how one can feel beautiful and feminine despite disability. Maximiliano Ulivieri, a teacher and writer in a wheelchair who created a platform designed for all differently-abled travelers. O Milena Palumbo with a face marked after a tumor. And also Francesca Conti beautiful with her vitiligo.
Why was the You oil by Sommariva present?
But why are we talking about the flash mob and the stories of these people? Alice Sommariva attended the event bringing with her You, the extra virgin olive oil made from Taggiasca olives of her creation. The project related to You was born with the intent to support the fight of all women who fight every day against diseases, abuses, and violence. This explains why it was important to participate in this mobilization against prejudices and discrimination based on physical appearance, especially female. This solidarity battle is not only symbolic but also concrete, in fact, part of the proceeds from the sale of You will go to charity.
Mediterranean diet? Yes please, but with Sommariva oil
At the end of the flash mob, there was a celebration with a refreshment featuring many products from the Sommariva Oil Mill. Another important moment of gathering where to share not only the same ideals but also the same excellent food. The olive cream Taggiasca, the organic arugula cream, the anchovy cream, the Genovese pesto, the organic tomato cream and the same extra virgin olive oil, spread on a slice of bread, is the best thing one can eat. The products from the Sommariva oil mill are indeed simple, genuine, and a symbol of healthy Mediterranean eating. Because it does not matter if you are size 40 or 50, what matters is eating healthily and balanced without being obsessed with the scale.