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 possible?
Through this new series of portraits, NOO celebrates the plurality, resilience, beauty and strength of our bodies.
Sincere and profound conversations, to question the relationship we have with them, the way we look at them, the weight of norms and the quest for an often tumultuous love.
In the privacy of her Marseille home, we met Parysatis , co-founder of the Harmony Homes collection of hotel homes, who spoke to us about the years of control, the revelation of motherhood and the weight of social networks.
The photographs are signed Sabrina Hadj-Hacène .
Who are you, Parysatis?
I am the co-founder of a collection of hotel homes, Harmony Homes , which offers both travel and investment opportunities. A Marseille resident for 5 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 my postpartum period when I experienced a total 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 today, to bring it good things - on the outside, but also on the inside.
You mentioned reading. Can you share with us some of the ones that 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 called The Let Them Theory , by Mel Robbins. We discover - among other things - the story of an obese man, who does nothing to change, and his wife who fights against it. In the subtext, the subjects raised are those of willpower, awareness, effort... and the present moment. The author explains that human beings almost always choose immediate pleasure rather than long-term well-being - smoking a cigarette, eating a burger... For me, who was obese when I was young, it was a real turning point. No one had explained to me in these words the concept of immediate pleasure and the discomfort it can generate in the long term, with all the guilt that goes with it. The guilt of not being strong enough, courageous enough, or capable of taking control of one's 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 best in your body?
I would say it's when I do good to him, 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. I actually need fashion more when I don't feel very aligned with my body than the other way around. When I feel really good about myself, I could honestly be naked! When things aren't going so well, however, I need clothes to distract from my body. I think that's why I've loved fashion since I was a kid. They're like armor.
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 say to myself , "Come on, let's go, everything's going to be fine." It's a real boost for me.
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 this fascinating but never unattainable girl. A fun, confident, and uninhibited friend! I love this sexy side that never falls into vulgarity. The colors, often classic, enhance the daring cuts, slits, and necklines. It's this perfect balance between power and lightness, seduction and simplicity.
Your favorite bodysuit from the new collection?
The High Black bodysuit.
