Nada Elmajdoub is not 5 feet 11 inches and 117 pounds – a typical model size – but she said she believes she is still beautiful.
Elmajdoub, second-year mechanical engineering graduate student, was a model in Do it up Denim: Real Bodies – Real Styles Fashion Show in the Union’s Royal Cotillion Ballroom on Thursday night. She said she believes people are different, and several factors including genetics affect the way a person looks.
“I’m not saying be a [couch] potato and blame it on Aunt Polly’s double chin, but to me, there is always a middle, moderate way to do things,” said Elmajdoub, who loves running and belly dancing.
The fashion show, which Jean Therapy store and University Wellness Education sponsored, featured 12 models with a variety of body shapes and sizes. They were wearing jeans specifically fit for their body type. The jean brands included True Religion, Citizens of Humanity and Joe’s Jeans.
Brandon Hartenstein, Jean Therapy merchandise coordinator, said Hope McPhatter, Wellness Education coordinator, contacted him about the show, and they decided to provide jeans for the models to wear. He said Jean Therapy’s policy is to make people feel comfortable in their jeans.
“Having a good self-esteem is a very important thing, but it’s missing on a lot of college campuses,” said Derrick Petit, political science and history junior, who describes himself as “buff.”
Guests were encouraged to bring their “skinny” jeans to donate to the Battered Women’s Shelter. “Skinny” jeans are jeans that are too small but are kept in the hope of one day fitting back into them.
The show was held as a part of National Eating Disorders Awareness Week.
 
 
Contact Samantha Walker at [email protected]