This week Girls creator and actress Lena Dunham posted this Instagram, which made headlines for its body-positive message:
It reads: "On the left: 138 pounds, complimented all day and propositioned by men and on the cover of a tabloid about diets that work. Also, sick in the tissue and in the head and subsisting only on small amounts of sugar, tons of caffeine and a purse pharmacy.
"On the right: 162 pounds, happy joyous & free, complimented only by people that matter for reasons that matter, subsisting on a steady flow of fun/healthy snacks and apps and entrees, strong from lifting dogs and spirits. Even this OG body positivity warrior sometimes looks at the left picture longingly, until I remember the impossible pain that brought me there and onto my proverbial knees. As I type I can feel my back fat rolling up under my shoulder blades. I lean in."
READ MORE: “I lost 14kgs in 4 months to enter Miss SA” - local curvy model
Vogue reports that Lena has gained 11 kg in the time span between pics, the left taken in April last year and the right snapped just this week. The post has a very important message, many believe that you'll be more liked, whether on Instagram or IRL, and the Instagram bit often rings true, as Lena says in her caption. But that doesn't mean you are happier just because you are thinner.
A few years ago Marciel Hopkins, a former Miss SA contestant also shared pictures on her Instagram of her during the pageant, and her now. Saying she is much happier now that she's 14kg heavier.
Not only are brands using more curvy models as ambassadors, but Instagram is also smitten with models wearing curvy designs. Here are the top 5 curvy girls to follow right now for everyday fashion, beauty and body positivity inspiration:
Leeyonce
Michelle de Villiers
Marciel Hopkins
Charnelle Paulse
Miss June
Sign up to W24’s newsletters so you don't miss out on any of our hot stories and giveaways.