Annchristine Velazquez is a NYC-based freelance plus size model who is an advocate for body positivity, diversity, and acknowledgment of non-mainstream body ideals.
Get to know her below!
Can you tell us about your background?
I am a 21 year old Puerto Rican-Dominican AmeRICAN as well as a New York native. I have always loved being creative no matter what it was. I went to High School for Fashion Design (I still love fashion but creating it not so much) and performed on off Broadway shows on the weekends. At the time I really enjoyed theatre and acting. Once I got into college my Instagram gained attention for my body positive posts which came with opportunities and ultimately led to me modeling. Shortly after, I created my YouTube channel to showcase more of my personality. Making videos is something I enjoy because it is content that I am interested in making, editing, and posting online to connect with my audience. It’s a space where I can be unapologetically me.
How would you describe your personal style? How did you develop your personal style over time?
My personal style always changes, and I get inspiration from everywhere. I typically dress how I want to feel. So for instance, if I am feeling down I would put together an outfit I really like because I do believe if you look good you’re going to feel good inside. It also depends on the season. I like to wear dark colors all year around but in the summer I enjoy playing around with bright neon colors which makes my melanin pop! I also like to tailor my own clothes to fit my body the way I want them to. Also tailoring your own clothes decreases the chances of you bumping into someone with the same exact outfit as you.
Why is fashion and style important to you?
Fashion is fun, it’s a way of expressing yourself and it can really effect your mood and self esteem. It is your personal costume — it is whatever you want it to be. Trends come and go, but my personal style sticks with me. So whatever spin I put on an outfit is completely mine.
What are some of your favorite places to shop?
I love thrifting (because it’s affordable) and I go to Forever21 for fun accessories. I also love shopping online on Fashion Nova curve. I like that most brands are expanding their lines and making their straight-sized clothing plus because often plus size clothing aren’t very youthful and stylish, they tend to hide your body but some of us want to show a bit of skin!
Who are your go-to makeup/beauty brands?
I love Fenty beauty (WOC owned*), Kat Von D (WOC owned)! I also like Glossier, Milk, ColourPop and e.l.f.!
What role does social media play for you in terms of community building and connection?
Before social media we were all limited to communicating with people within our region, but now I can connect with people internationally who have common interests. Building a community is important because even thought it’s through the internet, I have connected with people I’ve never even met and they have impacted my life in a positive way. Living in NYC I have the privilege of being in a city where it’s okay to be different. That is why I created a separate Instagram account — to highlight and shine light on people where it is not socially accepted to be different and they are shunned from the world. I want to build a safe space and a community of love for one another even if we are far apart.
What advice would you give to someone looking to find their personal style and feel comfortable with who they are?
The most inexpensive and important thing you can wear is confidence. Once that is out of the way know that you have the freedom to physically express yourself. Try to unlearn that certain clothing or even colors belong to a specific gender. Experiment with clothes. See what works and what doesn’t! If you know what you don’t like that’s a step in the right direction, and as for feeling comfortable with who you are know that it is a journey and you’re constantly evolving but you’re exactly where you should be.
More about AnnChristine:
Pronoun: She & Her
Sun Sign: Sagittarius
Rising Sign: Sagittarius
Moon Sign: Sagittarius
Editorial Credits:
Producer: Winter Mendelson
Photography: Ryan Bevans
Senior Photo Director: Asher Torres
Creative Director: Morgan T Stuart
*WOC = women of color
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