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The Conversation

Factual: Life Stories

Two women from different parts of the world share the stories of their lives

Two women from different parts of the world, united by a common passion, experience or expertise, share the stories of their lives.

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The Conversation: Models Breaking Boundaries

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Models Alex Bruni and Mahalia Handley

20/03/2017 GMT

Models Breaking Boundaries

BBC World Service - The Conversation, Models Breaking Boundaries

Two women who are shaking up the modelling industry and our perception of beauty

Two models pushing for more diversity in the beauty industry. Older model Alex Bruni and plus-size model Mahalia Handley talk about curves, commitment and confidence.

Models challenging perceptions of female beauty talk to Kim Chakanetsa about how the industry is becoming more diverse, why they decided to take up modelling in the first place, and how to maintain that all-important inner confidence. 

Alex Bruni, originally from Italy, did not start modelling until she was in her late 40s. It was when people began to compliment her on her long, grey hair that she first decided to give it a go. Now nearly 60, she has a successful career as an older model and is keen to put a positive spin on ageing. She tells us to 'embrace the grey'.

Mahalia Handley describes herself as a plus-size or curvy model. As a mixed-race, 'chubby' child in small-town Australia, Mahalia rarely saw images of women who resembled her. But she was determined to become a model. Now, aged 24, she has worked for the likes of Vogue, Selfridges and Cosmopolitan. She hopes to be the role model that she never had.

Image: (L) Alex Bruni. Credit: Wendy Carrig.
Image: (R) Mahalia Handley. Credit: Pepo Fernandez.

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