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Remi Bader Says It's "A Little Disappointing" That There Aren't Many Obese People In Paris

Body positive activist Remi Bader complained on social media about the lack of obese people she saw on the streets of Paris, stating that New York City is so much more exciting because it's more diverse in body types.

By Gina Florio2 min read
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Getty/Jamie McCarthy

Remi Bader is a well-known content creator and body positivity advocate who gained prominence through her clothing hauls on TikTok, showcasing the inconsistencies in sizing across different brands. With her candid demeanor and honest reviews, she has accumulated a substantial following, establishing herself as a prominent influencer in the fashion industry, particularly in the plus-size pocket. She uses her platform to address issues related to body image, self-love, and mental health, and she has established herself alongside the likes of Tess Holliday and Lizzo as a fat acceptance activist.

Remi Bader Says It's "a Little Disappointing" That There Aren't Many Obese People in Paris

Bader has openly discussed the struggles and biases plus-sized individuals face, pushing for increased representation and diversity in fashion advertising and media. Her approach resonates with many who have felt supposedly marginalized by the traditional standards of beauty in the fashion industry. Bader's activism has fueled conversations around body positivity and inclusivity, challenging stereotypes and prompting reflection on societal norms and expectations.

In a recent story on Instagram, she spoke about what she has enjoyed during her visit to Paris, France.

"There's no one larger here," she said to her followers. "Like, it's so interesting. Does anyone else notice that? Like, and maybe that's, like, not a Paris thing, like it's a European thing maybe?" She said she didn't recall whether there were more people in London who were her size.

"In New York, you see all different types of people and it's such a beautiful thing," she continued. "Here I just don't see that so it's a little disappointing."

Well, Bader is right about one thing. French women certainly have a different take on fashion than Americans do, and they carry themselves much differently. French beauty exudes a distinctive "je ne sais quoi" attitude, encapsulated by icons like Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin and perpetuated by today's influencers. This aesthetic accentuates natural beauty, advocating for an appearance that seems effortlessly gorgeous. This philosophy is inherently linked with the concept of self-contentment, echoed by personalities like Mathilde Thomas, founder of Caudalie, who believes beauty is about feeling good to look good.

Comparatively, French and American beauty standards significantly differ. While American beauty often embraces plastic surgery and a casual style intermingled with loungewear and athleisure, French casual style appears chic yet effortless, focusing on simplistic but sophisticated attire. Plastic surgery, though existent, is less prevalent in France, with a higher emphasis on skincare from a young age and noninvasive treatments.

Also, the rates of obesity are much, much lower in France. Less than 14.5% of people are obese in France, and that's int he entire country. Surely, those numbers are even lower when it comes to the city of Paris itself. The culture of France doesn't usually result in women becoming very overweight or obese, and it's also not a look that is widely accepted or considered beautiful. This, of course, is difficult for many American girls to accept because we have been programmed to believe that beauty has no size and that obesity can be beautiful. But French girls would never let themselves become obese, and they certainly wouldn't pretend like it's a chic look.

If Bader is uncomfortable about the lack of obesity she sees in Paris, then she better not go to countries like Japan, South Korea, and Romania. It's extremely rare to see women who are overweight (let alone obese), and many of these countries even have completely separate stores for oversized clothing because the regular shops don't carry items for larger people.

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