Models are often accused of extreme dieting or worse — starving themselves — to achieve and maintain their super svelte figures. But 23-year-old Chanel Iman is living proof that it is possible to be a model without abusing yourself. In a recent profile posted by Net-a-Porter, the slender model said she's unafraid to eat like a normal person and admitted that she enjoys packing on a few pounds.
Over the past few years, Iman has gained 15-20 pounds, and she told Net-a-Porter she doesn't mind it one bit. “I’ve been skinny my whole life and now that I’m getting older I’m gaining weight. I love it, because when you’re teased at school and everyone’s always asking ‘Do you eat?’, it’s like being bullied.”
Iman said she's heard of some clients complaining about her weight gain but says she sees that as a win, too. She certainly prefers it to hearing people tell her she's too thin and needs to eat something.
“When models are criticized for being too thin, it’s just another form of bullying. It would make me feel so insecure when people used to say that about me, because you’re not allowed to go around telling people that they’re too fat and asking ‘Do you ever stop eating?’, are you?”
In case you were wondering, the interview happened over a meal, where the model reportedly ordered spaghetti bolognese, shrimp risotto and some crepes — all for herself. Can we be best friends now, Chanel Iman?
