Laura Wagner Meyer during a photoshoot in Lundadno beach
By Zizipho Soldat
Beauty standards that are set by cultural influences and the media industry have created unrealistic expectations around people’s appearance over many years, influencing brands and beauty companies to require a certain standard look for females. This is usually a light skin colour, a size-28 body accompanied by a 173cm height and complimented by an able-bodied structure with all four functioning limbs.
This is the typical look for those taking part in beauty pageants or considering modelling as a career. However, these beauty standards do not exist when it comes to Laura Wagner Meyer (24), a fashion designer and professional model who has a congenital spinal defect. She has worked with well-known brands such as Foschini beauty, H&M and Lorne.
Meyer got many tongues wagging when she entered the 2022 Miss SA beauty pageant. Even though she did not make the top 20 in the competition, she had been brave enough to challenge the standard criteria of a pageant. ThisAbility caught up with Meyer and learnt that she aims to shine against all odds, defining beauty her own way.
How did the idea of entering Miss SA come about?
It was a matter of seeing the advertisement on social media and thinking “Can I actually do this?” I even smiled to myself as I read it because my heart kind of knew before my brain did!
What was your motive for entering this pageant?
I knew that my journey would be something that was beyond me. I was so determined to get out there and do it for those, like me, who don’t conform to the whole notion of a “normal” body shape. I wanted to use this platform as a way to amplify my journey towards a more inclusive society.
What were you anticipating when you entered?
I honestly thought that I would be faced with some negative feedback. I was mentally preparing myself to receive hurtful comments. I was legitimately preparing myself for the worst.
What kind of feedback did you receive publicly?
It was such a beautiful reaction. My entry was met with so much love and support. I felt so emotional in that first week because I was proud of the fact that others were ready for this. I received so many messages and kind words from supporters just saying that they have been dying for this kind of a change in the world. I was truly motivated by every single person who took the time to support and encourage me.
What is your take on current beauty standards ?
I think that they are still unrealistic, especially in the mainstream media. We’re just inundated with unrealistic representations of society.
Given the ability to do so what would you change in the Miss SA pageant and why?
I wouldn’t necessarily change anything; they had a wonderful approach to ensuring that their candidates are well-rounded individuals.
Any last words for someone with a disability who would like to partake in such pageants?
I think it’s always important to go out there and just try your best. You have to believe in yourself and trust the process.
Sian Shuttleworth who is in charge of international placement and imaging at Topco modelling agency that manages Meyer, could not stop complimenting her on how professional and punctual she is when it comes to work, making it easier to work with clients and producing outstanding results at the end of each project she is assigned in.
Meyer’s twin, Emma Meyer, said that her sister’s career has impacted their family in a positive way. “Regarding her Miss SA entry, I encouraged her to enter because I believe she has so much potential to win and the response she received from the community was very positive. However, we also felt a bit disappointed that Miss SA was not ready to take on a candidate with a disability [but] that did not discourage Laura because she said she will try again in future.”
