My body, my story
What do our bodies say about us?
What words do we choose to describe them?
How would we talk to them, if it were possible?
Through this new series of portraits, NOO celebrates the plurality, resilience, beauty and strength of our bodies.
Sincere and profound conversations, to examine the relationship we have with them, the way we look at them, the weight of norms and the quest for a love that is often tumultuous.
In the intimacy of her Marseille home, we met Parysatis , co-founder of the Harmony Homes collection of hotel houses, who spoke to us about years of control, the revelation of motherhood and the weight of social networks.
The photographs are by Sabrina Hadj-Hacène .
Who are you, Parysatis?
I am the co-founder of Harmony Homes , a collection of hotel properties that offers both travel and investment opportunities. A resident of Marseille for the past five years, I live here with my family, my daughter and my husband.
What is your relationship with your body today?
I would say I'm in transition. I spent many years controlling my body, until after childbirth when I experienced a complete letting go. Today, with the help of reading in particular, I'm learning to see my body as a friend, almost a temple even. I really want to take care of it now, to give it good things—both externally and internally.
You mentioned reading. Can you share with us the books that have had a fundamental impact on your relationship with your body?
There are three. The first is *Make Your Glucose Revolution* by Jessie Inchauspé. I would also mention *Your Health Optimized* by Emilie Steinbach. And the last is *Let Them Theory * by Mel Robbins. It tells—among other things—the story of an obese man who does nothing to change, and his wife who fights against it. The underlying themes are willpower, awareness, effort… and the present moment. The author explains that human beings almost always choose immediate pleasure over long-term well-being—smoking a cigarette, eating a burger… For me, having been obese when I was young, it was a real eye-opener. No one had ever explained to me in those words the concept of immediate pleasure and the long-term distress it can generate, along with all the guilt that comes with it. The guilt of not being strong enough, brave enough, or capable enough to take control of my life.
How has motherhood changed your relationship with your body?
Motherhood, quite unanimously, transforms a woman. Having a child means confronting an inevitable letting go, since by nature, you cannot control a baby - its crying, its emotions... This inevitably has repercussions on the way we see our body. For my part, I have always been in control. I was obese young, I lost 25 kilos at 15, then I fell into anorexia and bulimia. I always tried to get out of it, with phases where things were better... But without ever really getting rid of the obsession with control.
Having a daughter at 30 made me realize that you can't control everything, starting with your body. My postpartum period was accompanied by hormonal fluctuations, water retention... And the desire to focus on things more important than my physical appearance. But it's not a closed subject. Today, I still have a few pregnancy pounds that I would like to get rid of, but I try to eat healthy, to nourish my body with what it needs, without ever falling into guilt. It's still a challenge.
You have over 60,000 followers on Instagram. How does this outside perspective—likes, comments—influence your own perception of your body and your self-confidence?
I'm lucky to have a very supportive community, but I genuinely regret this like system. I don't know any content creator who is comfortable with this numbering. It's a constant obsession, which inevitably has an impact on what we choose to show and how we see ourselves.
For my part, for example, I carefully choose the photos I share, especially since my wedding in 2023. To feel good in my dresses and have full confidence in myself on that day, I did something that you should definitely not do, which is very traumatic for the body: I lost 6 kilos in 1.5 months. Obviously, I gained it all back in 3 weeks and since then, I haven't been comfortable with these extra pounds. I don't want to lie to my community, pretend to be comfortable in my body when that's not the case. In all honesty, I think that if I weren't followed by so many people, I would still want to lose these pounds, but I would feel freer in the content I share.
What has been the biggest surprise your body has given you in recent years?
Giving birth, without hesitation. And dealing with everything postpartum: being there every day for 4 years, despite shorter nights, the stress of work, and all the ups and downs of everyday life. It's just crazy.
If you could talk to your body, what would you like to say to it?
Just one thing - sorry.
In what situation do you feel most comfortable in your body?
I would say it's when I do things that are good for it, quite simply. When I exercise, when I eat a balanced and healthy diet, when I drink water. It's a virtuous circle.
Does fashion play a role in your self-esteem? How do your clothes help you affirm, love, or celebrate your body? Absolutely. In fact, I need fashion more when I don't feel very aligned with my body than when I do. When I feel great about myself, I could be naked, honestly! When things aren't going so well, though, I need clothes to divert attention away from my body. I think that's why I've loved fashion since I was a child. They're like armor.
What's your go-to outfit when you don't feel super comfortable in your body?
Sexy clothes. When I put on an ultra-sensual and feminine outfit, I immediately think , "Okay, let's go, everything's going to be alright." It gives me a real boost.
How do you feel when you wear a NOO bodysuit?
Always sexy. I feel beautiful, and that definitely gives me more confidence. But also comfortable, free to move.
For me, the girl who wears NOO is that fascinating yet never unattainable girl. A confident, fun, and self-assured friend! I love that sexy side that never crosses the line into vulgarity. The colors, often classic, enhance the daring cuts, slits, and necklines. It's that perfect balance between power and lightness, seduction and simplicity.
What's your favorite bodysuit from the new collection?
The High Black bodysuit.
