By Abbie Miranda
Celebrating the simple pleasure of being together again, be introduced to Tais, Sue and Izzy. A snapshot of their friendship written by Sue explains their connection. 'Tais and I go back a long way from Brazil. We have a similar background and outlook on life and became even more connected during the pandemic when we started doing hip opening sessions via zoom (Tais is a great yoga instructor!) Izzy and I are friends and flatmates for almost a year, and we clicked from day one. Her sense of humour and chilled vibe are contagious! Old and new friends, it is all about strong bonds and real relationships.
About Sue:
Brazilian by birth, Londoner by choice. I have an easy going and relaxed personality. Interested in human beings and our complexities. I am currently investing time in and with myself, strengthening the connection between my body and mind by deprogramming certain habits, decoding memorised data. It’s been a powerful and enjoyable process and hopefully I will have more to share with this experience.
Why did you want to be part of this project?
Your Christmas campaign’s idea resonates with me. Moving to the UK many years ago was a huge step in my life and having a supportive group of friends gave me strength and resilience. I feel fortunate to say that these friends became my family in London.
What’s your relationship like with your body?
I am learning to respect my body and give it space to heal
What advice would you give to your younger self?
You are unique and beautiful – you don’t need to fit in
End this sentence. “All I want for Christmas is…”.
A delicious feijoada! My friends and I decided to cook a meal that we love this year!
How did it feel doing a lingerie shoot together?
I am camera shy (I usually take pictures of myself with a remote control) but doing the shooting with Tais and Izzy made the whole difference. It was fun and I forgot that we were wearing lingerie at one point!
Do you have a piece of advice you’d like to share with each other?
More like a piece of advice to myself: Embrace life!
About Izzy:
Despite my Northern roots, my interests fit the perfect east London stereotype; I make pottery, I have a lot of house plants and I pootle about Victoria Park on my road bike. I’m not totally beyond redemption though - I have not been converted to vegan cheese and I can’t bring myself to put plant-based milks in my morning cup of Yorkshire tea.
Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’m 26, moved to London last year and really love meeting new people and trying new places for food. I’m a huge foodie so love to both cook and eat, and I also really enjoy being creative – in the last few years I’ve started doing ceramics which is hugely enjoyable.
What’s your relationship like with your body?
Definitely evolving, and always changing. Sometimes I like my body and sometimes I want to leave the corporeal realm entirely. I have definitely learned the more you love your body and take care of it then it does love you back and you can feel more comfortable in your own skin.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
Don’t be so self-conscious – no one is thinking about you as much as you, in fact they’re mostly thinking about themselves too!
Describe each other in three words.
Sue – positive, calm, tenacious. Tais – easy going, adventurous, brave
How did it feel doing a lingerie shoot together?
Surprisingly relaxed – it was fun! Fae made me feel totally at ease and I forgot I was actually in underwear. 
Do you have a piece of advice you’d like to share with each other?
You can always try again tomorrow – I need to bear this in mind myself.
About Tais:
Granddaughter of a native Brazilian indigenous spiritual healer, I have ancestry from both indigenous and the African diaspora in Brazil. I am a yoga and dance instructor, reiki healer, meditation teacher and a community outreach worker in East London.
Why did you want to be part of this project?
I love the brand concept - no filter, no editing. Showing women how they are is a very powerful statement and I resonate with it.
What’s your relationship like with your body?
My relationship with my body is one with harmony, but I cannot deny the fact that I still find imperfections and I am working on embracing them.
What advice would you give to your younger self?
You can’t make everyone happy.
Who are you looking forward to spending time with this Christmas?
My son
How did it feel doing a lingerie shoot together?
It was very natural. I felt safe and had fun!
Do you have a piece of advice you’d like to share with each other?
No matter what, embrace your authentic self.
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