After struggling with her own body issues, a 16-year-old girl has put on a glitzy fashion show in Old Montreal to celebrate beauty in all its forms.
Cristina Reda spent the past few months working tirelessly -- and voluntarily – to create a fashion show with a positive message; it was called Imperfection is Beauty.
“Regardless of what you think your flaws might be, it doesn't matter. You should embrace them, because no one else has that and it makes you unique,” said Reda.
Committed to changing attitudes when it comes to how society defines beauty, the teen arranged the fashion show at Auberge Saint Gabriel as part of a school project.
Instead of turning to a model agency, she found beauty among her friends.
“I feel extremely proud to be a part of it and to watch her go through it, to watch her build up strength while doing it,” said friend Sophia Pirro.
Cristina worked tirelessly to arrange a top-notch event, planning everything from finding the venueto booking the music, to the makeup and clothes.
Her teachers were impressed.
“I'm just so proud of this young lady. She's going to do amazing things with her life,” said teacher Vanessa Amar. “I think she's going to continue to give back to her community throughout her life.”
There's nobody more proud than Reda's mother, Brigitte Brodeaur.
“I can't even say how proud I am… Who could do this at 16 years old? She was looking over contracts. Who does that? Most 16 year olds just want to be with their friends and have fun,” she said.
Proceeds raised will benefit the Montreal Children's Hospital Eating Disorder Clinic.
“I think it’s a really wonderful gift. For us, we do a lot of interesting little projects and this will give us an opportunity to do that,” said Dr. Giuseppina di Meglio of the hospital.
In addition to the money, Reda’s words and actions are making a positive difference.
“I just wanted to tell young girls as well as myself that it’s okay to be who you are,” she said. “You don't have to mould yourself after someone else.”
