These photos probably aren't what you'd imagine when you hear the words "retro pinup" — and that's a good thing.
Chrissy Metz stars in a new photo series for Harper's Bazaar, and the images are stunning. Photographer Lauren Dukoff captured Metz channeling serious 1950s vibes, complete with plenty of halter tops, polka dots, and a swimsuit. (We're dying over those Le Specs sunglasses, too.)
"When I first heard Harper's Bazaar wanted me to be sexy," Metz told the magazine, "I was like, 'Who, me?' I knew y'all were edgy, but this is incredible — it's validation."
Metz's statement hits on an idea that's all too common in society — we refuse to see plus-size people as sexy. And these photos challenge that ideal.
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In various interviews, Metz has admitted that she identifies with her This Is Us character, Kate. The first season of the show has seen Kate deal with various weight-related storylines, including going to a weight loss wellness retreat and contemplating bariatric surgery.
"I'm on this journey to inspire people, and to encourage them," Metz told Harper's Bazaar, referring to playing Kate on the show. "We are all deserving of true happiness, so it's much more than just acting. It's like, forget you're on this amazing television show, you're changing lives and opening discussion."
The actress's interview also included plenty of inspiring words about being a plus-size woman in the industry.
"If you can't love who you are now, you can't get to the place you want to be... It's a daily lesson for all of us," Metz told the magazine. "I'm paving the way for other women and men who know they're destined for greatness but they don't believe it yet."
She also noted that Hollywood is becoming more accepting of people who break the mold than it has been in the past. "There's more room for all of us now — no matter our sexuality, race, body size, gender, or whatever else," Metz told Harper's Bazaar. And that's a great thing.