FIF: Barbie Ferreira

Hello and welcome once again to MTV Breaks’ F**k It Friday where we say a big “f**k yeah” to the most excellent people who’ve said “f**k it!” (probably) and taken a leap of faith to make big things happen.

Cos it’s not about just having ideas – it’s about driving them forward against all odds!

So who’s next to sit on the FIF throne this week? It’s BARBIE FERREIRA!

Barbie is a 19-year-old model from New York who works day in, day out to promote the use of healthy, varied and REAL female bodies in the media. Because, let’s face it, there’s nothing sexy about girls who are forced to starve themselves, or who get Photoshopped to oblivion.

She’s modelled for everyone from American Apparel, to ASOS, to Missguided, to American Eagle and she has more than 370K followers on Instagram. She’s had a huge impact on the modelling industry and inspired millions worldwide… but how did she get here?

Back when she was younger, Barbie was actually pretty insecure and used to post selfies on Tumblr of only her face, hiding her body. BUT when someone messaged her saying she should send some pictures to American Apparel, she just said one gigantic “f**k it!” (probably) and decided to do just that. And boom - her career was born.

It hasn’t been easy. The modelling industry is constantly trying to show us their definition of beauty, and frankly – it’s kinda boring.  . But instead of silently taking the sly insults thrown her way, Barbie is always very open about her experiences behind the scenes. “After I posted the picture of my stretch marks, not even a few hours later I was stood naked at work in front of strangers (super vulnerable position) and got asked what was wrong with my hips.. Pointing at my stretch marks. By a woman,” she commented on Instagram. “I’d be lying through my teeth if I didn't say micro-aggressions like this don't happen on the daily for me in this industry.”

Yet, like the true “f**k it!” Queen she is, Barbie takes it on the chin and battles on every day to prove that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and that there is no such thing as the perfect body type. She preaches self-love, acceptance, and body positivity, and we couldn’t be more proud that she’s out there doing it for curvy girls around the globe.

HAPPY FRIDAY EVERYONE!