An annual event dedicated to empowering women in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., is preparing to take the stage for its fourth iteration. The Cities and Oceans body-positive fashion show will be held at The Grand Gardens on Nov. 1, featuring a cast of nearly all first-time models curated by founder Connie Carello. Combating negativity through confidence and community What began as a platform for Carello to showcase her online boutique quickly evolved into a mission of empowerment. The founder openly discusses the personal challenges that shaped the event’s purpose, highlighting the need for resilience in the face of societal criticism. “It’s a body positive shop, and I mean I will be the very first person to say, being body positive and a curvier woman, definitely requires you to have thick skin,” Carello said. “I don’t know if I want to word it that way, but it’s true.” Carello’s commitment stems from direct experience with the very issues she aims to dismantle. “I’ve had a lot of negative flack for wearing a swimsuit or promoting body positivity because unfortunately, body shaming and negativity is a is a real thing,” she said. “I’m trying to combat that. So, I’m trying to empower people to feel confident in what they’re wearing.” From first-time nerves to unshakable confidence The show features women from their 20s to their 50s, with Kaitlyn Kohler being the sole returning model. She recalls the initial anxiety that is common among participants, a feeling that quickly transforms throughout the experience. “As the years go by you get a lot more comfortable and you meet a lot of people and you get to try so many new things on and it’s a great experience and a lot of the people that start, they end up having a great time and they’re really nervous at first as well,” said Kohler. Newcomer Eilayna Prosser was drawn to participate specifically because of Carello’s affirming approach, which resonates with universal female struggles. “Every woman kind of struggles with, ‘Oh, my God, I look like that,’ and she just kind of lightens the mood and makes you feel confident and she’s like, ‘No, you own it. Like, that’s that’s you. That’s who you are. You should love yourself,’” said Prosser. “More women should be like that.” Kohler emphasizes the show’s power in representing all women, creating a visible counter-narrative to harmful standards. “It empowers like every age, every body type and like just women in general, its just nice to see different body types and different age groups and it’s awesome to see,” she said. Kohler also pointed to the source of these pervasive pressures. “I think on like social media and different ads and stuff like that, you have this like expectation to be a certain way, be a certain size and like it’s hard to be up to that standard.” Swimwear, fundraising and a focus on the future The evening’s event will feature casual wear, formal wear and swimwear, with the latter category often presenting the biggest hurdle for models. Prosser, a mother of two, shared her personal journey with that segment. “I have had 2 children, and one by C-section, so I wasn’t feeling confident in bikinis. I picked out a nice one-piece and am hoping everyone will be like ‘Yeah, rock it, girl!’” Carello’s philosophy offers unwavering support for such moments, championing a life lived without fear. The fashion show also serves as a significant fundraiser. Past events have supported causes including spina bifida and hydrocephalus, Multiple Sclerosis research, and ARCH Hospice. This year, proceeds will fund a confidence and empowerment conference for youth aged 9 to 15, an initiative that aligns directly with the show’s core message. “For me, it would have been a great workshop to have during that age group,” Carello said. “I feel like it definitely helps people develop a better self-image and with that, you’re going to have a better outlook on life.” The youth workshop is planned for next spring. Meanwhile, few tickets remain for the upcoming fashion show and can be purchased through the Cities and Oceans website while seats are still available.
