Quannah Chasinghorse is breaking barriers after not seeing herself represented in the fashion industry as a child.

Question

The Indigenous model and land protector, 19, said she "never felt beautiful" as she got candid about growing up without representation in this week's cover interview for Net-a-Porter's digital title Porter.

"Growing up, I got bullied for having a bump on my nose, for having high cheekbones… I never felt beautiful. The beauty standards that were being upheld by society, by these kids, I didn't think I had what it took to be a model; it was a dream," she said. "I thought it was so far out of reach that it would never happen.
"I didn't think that was what people wanted on the cover of magazines, because the lack of representation made us think and feel that way; we weren't good enough or pretty enough… Lack of representation really does take a toll on you," Chasinghorse added.

A descendant of the Hän Gwich'in (from Alaska and Canada) and Oglala Lakota (from South Dakota) people, Chasinghorse previously opened up about her Yidįįłtoo, a traditional face tattoo done by her people. Having received her first ink at age 14, she was reluctant to talk about it until she knew how to defend it.
"Because I knew that if people knew I got [it] younger, they wouldn't have accepted me. Like, 'A 12-year-old with a tattoo on her face?'" Chasinghorse told Elle earlier this month.

Although it was once tradition for a Hän Gwich'in girl to receive a Yidįįłtoo between the ages of 12 and 14 as a rite of passage into womanhood, missionaries banned the practice in the 19th and 20th centuries. Chasinghorse was the first girl in her tribe to bring back the tradition, with her mother Jody Potts-Joseph doing the honors.

Chasinghorse, who is also a fourth-generation land protector for the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska, has catapulted into the spotlight, walking the runways for Prabal Gurung, Chloé and Chanel (among others).

And although she turned heads at this year's Met Gala, Chasinghorse said she felt "really, really lonely" at the exclusive event, where she paid tribute to her Indigenous roots with her take on the gala's theme, In America: A Lexicon of Fashion.

"It was such a weird space to be in. I remember standing there and looking at everyone and feeling so alone," she told Insider in November, adding: "People are there for themselves and it shows."

"All my ancestors were with me in that moment. They walked the red carpet with me. That made me feel more powerful," Chasinghorse said.
eflect on the author's thoughts and feelings about not feeling pretty enough....what does pretty enough mean to YOU? Is there such a thing?

Answer 1

The author's reflections on not feeling "pretty enough" highlight a deeply personal journey through self-acceptance and the impact of societal beauty standards, particularly within marginalized communities. Chasinghorse's experiences resonate with many who grow up in environments where they are bombarded with narrow definitions of beauty that often exclude them. This can create feelings of inadequacy, as she articulated, leading to internalized beliefs that one does not meet the societal benchmarks of beauty.

For me, the concept of being "pretty enough" is inherently subjective and often tied to external validation. It seems to embody the idea that beauty is not just about physical appearance but is also significantly influenced by cultural perceptions, personal experiences, and societal norms. In essence, "pretty enough" suggests an arbitrary standard set by others, rather than a reflection of one’s individuality or self-worth.

Is there such a thing as being "pretty enough"? Logically, I would argue that beauty is fluid and diverse. It evolves with time, culture, and personal experiences. What one person finds attractive, another may not. This diversity is part of what makes beauty so rich. Moreover, it becomes evident that true beauty surpasses physical traits; it includes qualities such as confidence, kindness, and authenticity. So, while societal pressures might create a standard, there is no single definition of being "pretty enough."

In the same vein, Chasinghorse's journey illustrates a pathway to redefining beauty on her own terms. By embracing her heritage, her unique features, and her traditional practices, she challenges the monolithic standards of beauty in the fashion industry. Her rise as a model and land protector not only redefines her personal narrative but also serves as an inspiration for others who might feel marginalized or underrepresented.

Ultimately, the journey to feeling "pretty enough" is both personal and collective, encouraging a reevaluation of what we consider beautiful. It invites us to celebrate our differences and unique qualities rather than conforming to a narrow definition, fostering a broader and more inclusive understanding of beauty.