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 duplex, we met Zéphyrine , director and DJ, who spoke to us about pretty privilege, stereotypes to deconstruct and the need to surround yourself with the right people.
The photographs are signed 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 do my best to refocus on my feelings without letting myself be influenced by society, because it took up too much space during the first part of my life. But it's my body. If I had to listen to all the injunctions imposed on women, I would no longer leave my house.
On days when things are complicated, 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 these people find me beautiful, then that's all that matters. I believe them. And you can just "be" without necessarily wanting to please or perform, that's good too.
Do you remember a time in your childhood or adolescence when your relationship with your body changed?
There were several changes: my hair got curly as a teenager, and I was getting noticed. I grew up suddenly, reaching almost 1.80m, and I was even less inconspicuous. I think that's when the comments started. When you're young, it's harder to set a limit, to say that you don't particularly want to receive opinions from just anyone.
I also noticed weight gain linked to hormonal imbalance at age 25.
When I look back, I regret having been so hard on myself. My body did what it could, it held me up to this point and allowed me to experience exceptional moments. We are reconciling little by little.
You were diagnosed with polycystic ovarian syndrome at 25. How did you cope with it, 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 specifically change my lifestyle or do anything to cause it.
The diagnosis was pretty clear, but the syndrome varies depending on the profile and it evolves over time. There isn't much information or research on the subject. The body changes, and so does the way others see it. At the time, I was disappointed 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 served up every day, whether they concern me directly (for example, "if you're fat, you're not athletic") or the people around me.
Jennifer Padjemi's book "Selfie" helped me take a step back from all of this.
What has been the biggest surprise your body has given you in recent years?
Being healthy. I think gaining my professional and emotional independence has been instrumental for me, but it's a lot of stress.
Luckily, I was coached by an incredible woman: Ophélie De Zutter. I set up my project, chose my partners, my city, my house. I feel like I've built a lot of things and made my choices without too much pressure or restraint. 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 to go hiking soon with Yamae, who organizes hikes for women in Marseille. Something special happens when you spend a long time in nature. My body is resilient; I can walk for a long time without getting tired.
Sometimes in my family we turn up the music and dance in the living room. These moments give me a lot of energy, we let go, we celebrate.
A book that fundamentally improved your relationship with your body?
Without hesitation, that of my psychologist Zina Mebkhout , Eating without guilt . She helped me to soothe a lot of suffering, to accept being angry too, to set my limits and ultimately to access much more lightness in my daily life.
Otherwise, I keep recommending the podcast 4 quarts d'heures to all my friends. Funny and relevant girls who give their ups and downs each week by sharing good tips, book recommendations, movies... As soon as 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, allows us to take a step back from the issues of inclusivity in fashion and our relationship with shopping (I recommend reading the article "Shopping therapy: Delulu is la Solulu"). She also shares a gold mine of readings, 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.
