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 duplex, we met Zéphyrine , director and DJ, who spoke to us about pretty privilege, stereotypes to deconstruct and the need to surround oneself with the right people.
The photographs are by Sabrina Hadj-Hacène .
Who are you, Zephyrine?
I'm a director, I live in Marseille and I'm 37 years old. My passion is meeting people who have managed to maintain a certain freedom, whether in their lifestyle, their profession or their mentality. I created a podcast where I record these moments: Grandes . Otherwise, I make video portraits for brands.
My passions change a lot, I'm always happy to learn something new. Right now, I'm really enjoying playing music with my DJ collective Karma Drama . We mixed for the NOO x Uni pop-up in Marseille, it was great.
I recently picked up the harp again. I was at the conservatory when I was little and I completely gave up—I'm not very disciplined—but I think there's nothing better than playing music to clear your head and feel alive. Or singing and dancing.
I'm surrounded by great people. I have exceptional women around me who inspire me a lot: bosses, entrepreneurs, artists, authors, creatives, mothers, editors. All boss ladies .
What is your relationship with your body?
I'm doing my best to refocus on my feelings without letting society influence me, because it took up far too much space during the first part of my life. But it's my body. If I had to listen to all the expectations placed on women, I'd never leave the house.
On tough days, I try to see myself through the eyes of the people I love: my nephews and nieces, my boyfriend, my family, my best friends. If they find me beautiful, then that's all that matters. I believe them. And besides, you can just "be" without necessarily wanting to please or perform; that's fine too.
Do you remember the moment in your childhood or adolescence when your relationship with your body changed?
There were several changes: my hair became curly during my teenage years, and I started to stand out. I grew suddenly, reaching almost 1.80 meters (5'11"), and I became even less inconspicuous. I think that's when the comments started. When you're young, it's harder to set boundaries, to say that you don't particularly want to hear just anyone's opinion.
I also observed weight gain linked to a hormonal imbalance at age 25.
Looking back, I regret being so hard on myself. My body did what it could; it held me up until now and allows me to experience exceptional moments. We're making peace little by little.
You were diagnosed with polycystic ovary syndrome at 25. How did you cope with that, physically and psychologically?
It was very strange. I gained weight quickly and significantly. I felt guilty, and looking back, I find it so unfair: I didn't particularly change my lifestyle or do anything to cause it.
The diagnosis was fairly clear, but the syndrome varies depending on the individual and evolves over time. There isn't much information or research on the subject. The body changes, and so does how others see it. At the time, I was devastated to give up what could be called "pretty privilege," but in the end, I think it was a good opportunity for me to deconstruct the stereotypes we're bombarded with every day, whether they concern me directly (for example, "if you're fat, you're not athletic") or people around me.
Jennifer Padjemi's book Selfie helped me to take a step back from all of this.
What was the most pleasant surprise your body has given you in recent years?
Being healthy. I think that gaining my professional and emotional independence was crucial for me, but it's very stressful.
Thankfully, I was coached by an incredible woman: Ophélie De Zutter. I developed my project, chose my partners, my city, my house. I feel like I've built a lot and made my choices without too much pressure or hindrance. It was well worth a few gray hairs.
Otherwise, I broke a wooden board with my bare hands during a RIPOSTE self-defense course, I still have my splits and I've been able to do the bridge since this morning.
What was your path to healing the way you see yourself?
I allowed myself to be happy. I'm not claiming anything. I didn't choose what happened to me, but I'm not going to apologize for existing anymore. I'm doing the best I can, for me.
If you could talk to your body, what would you like to say to it?
Enjoy. Time flies. Every day you can find an opportunity to do something good for yourself.
When do you feel best in your body?
When I dance, when I swim, when I laugh, when I sing.
I'm going hiking soon with Yamae, who organizes hikes for women in Marseille. Something special happens when you spend a lot of time in nature. My body is resilient; I can walk for a long time without getting tired.
Sometimes in my family we turn the music up loud and dance in the living room. These moments give me a lot of energy, we let loose, we party.
A book that fundamentally improved your relationship with your body?
Without hesitation, I would recommend the one by my therapist Zina Mebkhout, "Eating Without Guilt ." It helped me to soothe a lot of suffering, to accept being angry too, to set my boundaries, and ultimately to achieve much more lightness in my daily life.
Otherwise, I keep recommending the 4 Quarts d'Heure podcast to all my girlfriends. Funny and insightful women who share their ups and downs every week, offering tips, book recommendations, movie recommendations... Whenever I feel like I'm losing motivation, listening to them lifts my spirits and makes me want to get moving.
Journalist Mélody Thomas's newsletter , La Perce-Oreille, on Substack, offers a fresh perspective on issues of inclusivity in fashion and our relationship with shopping (I recommend reading the article "Shopping Therapy: Delulu is the Solulu"). She also shares a wealth of reading material, exhibitions to see, podcasts, and albums to listen to.
And more recently, the film Au Bain des Dames by Margaux Fournier, a must-see. That's how I want to grow old.
A detail that makes you unique, physically, and that you are proud of?
I'm happy to embrace my curly hair. I'm brunette because I had a coloring treatment, but I've actually had a lot of gray hair since I was 20.
It didn't bother me so much, but over the years I realized that it wasn't necessarily seen as a good thing. The next step: fully embracing my curly, white hair.
Does fashion play a role in your self-esteem? How do your clothes help you affirm, love, or celebrate your body?
Of course, it's a means of expression and affirmation in all cultures. I dress second-hand as much as possible: I love the Digger Club boutique in Marseille, Chloé has a selection of crazy things and always has good advice.
Afterwards, it's not always easy to find large sizes, so I allow myself new pieces from time to time, paying attention to their manufacture and durability.
It took me a while to figure out how to highlight my body shape. I found inspiration on social media by following profiles that resemble me. I like the Insta account @watchingnewyork , it gives me lots of ideas. I definitely stopped following micro-trends to focus on a more timeless style, one that suits me and that I could keep for years while evolving it, having fun.
This summer, on vacation with my friends, I tried a low-cut maxi dress, even though I usually tended to hide it. I'm becoming more and more comfortable with my curves and femininity. Feeling comfortable is the most important thing.
Your go-to outfit when you don't feel super comfortable in your body?
Wearing high-waisted pants and a bodysuit, I dry my hair upside down, feeling like Fran Fine. Jewelry from Romane Prunières and Capobianco serves as my armor.
How do you feel when you wear a NOO bodysuit?
Fatale. I had the chance to participate in the development (still in progress) of plus-size bodysuits and I was touched to see what was being implemented for body inclusivity by the NOO teams in the Marseille workshop. Thank you for that!
Your favorite bodysuit from the new collection?
The Straight Lines bodysuit, the perfect balance between comfort and transparency.
