Supermodel, actress, business woman and new author Emily Ratajkowski has been stomping the pavement in expertly curated ensembles throughout her book tour for her new collection of essays dubbed My Body.
What is personal autonomy if not the freedom of self expression, be it through the written word or the way in which you choose to present yourself?
In her New York Times best seller, the multi-hyphenate public figure grapples with the complicated relationship between sexual empowerment and objectification that often rears its ugly head within the modeling industry, of which Ratajkowski has been apart since she was a mere 14-years-old.
“I wrote this book to better understand the experiences that have impacted my beliefs and politics. Some of the most valuable, insightful and open conversations I’ve ever had have been with my close female friends. I tried to tap into the vulnerability I’ve known in those moments in these essays.” She posted to Instagram, “My only hope for this book is that, before you form an opinion, you do me the favor of reading my story in my own words.”
Calling pressing issues to light, EmRata references the glaring misogyny within modeling as well as the predatory behavior she has experienced firsthand. Ever-present throughout her essays is the obscured line between ownership or one’s body- showing it off as much as you’d like or covering up- and the underlying exploitation of young women for the financial (or otherwise) benefit of men in the industry. Ratajkowski has always been a symbol of sexual liberation, coming to the defense of Kim Kardashian in 2016 for posting what some perceived to be risqué images, Ratajkowski posted to Instagram stating, “We are more than just our bodies, but that doesn’t mean we have to be shamed for them or our sexuality. #liberated.”
Hitting plenty of bookstores throughout her press junket, Ratajkowski has also made stops at talk shows such as The View and Late Night with Seth Meyers. While extending her tour to London this week, the model has showcased a plethora of fuzzy millinery by Emma Brewin whilst maintaining a retro aesthetic throughout her wardrobe. Perhaps intentionally, the Inamorata founder seems to be evoking a form of ‘70s chic, appropriately tied to the movements of both the sexual revolution and women’s liberation. Repeatedly donning the key article of clothing most directly related to sexual liberation, the mini skirt was born in the mid-1960s with the introduction of the birth control pill. Clad in Canadian tuxedos and wide flare legged slacks, Ratajkowski may be attempting to capture the essence of trailblazing female writers of the time, Joan Didion or Gloria Steinem.
Self expression is what you make of it, be it though what you choose to wear or not to wear. The burgeoning writer, more than anything, exemplifies the notion of choice, both sexually and sartorially. Here, Grazia has compiled Ratajkowski’s best looks from the book tour for My Body.
