Model sparks ‘embrace acne’ movement after walking the runway with pimples

There’s a widespread perception that models have naturally flawless skin, but one model is on a mission to debunk that image of perfection by embracing her skin, acne and all — and she’s encouraging others who struggle with skin blemishes to do the same.

When Starlie Smith, or “Queen Starlie” as her Instagram fans know her, strutted the catwalk at the Dolce & Gabbana show during Milan Fashion Week last month, it wasn’t her perfectly-coiffed raven tresses that had the Internet talking.

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“Here’s some acne positivity,” one person commented in a Reddit thread, alongside a runway photo of Starlie where she displays less than flawless skin. “This girl walked for D&G’s most recent show!”

The post wasn’t used to acne-shame the model, instead, people related to Starlie’s blemished skin and breathed a collective sigh of relief that a model/performer (Starlie sings in the band The Atomics) struggles skin issues, too.

“I thought that this could be uplifting for those struggling with acne. I certainly did feel better about myself after seeing this. It sounds silly but its true,” the original poster admitted.

“This makes me feel a lot better,” one woman responded. “I’m an actress and I always get very self conscious showing up to set without makeup on because of my acne. Thanks for posting.”

“It makes you realize that models are literally just people like you and me,” another user commented.

The supportive comments encouraged Starlie to write a ‘love note’ to herself and to others with less than perfect skin and bodies.

“Trying to love my body as it is #honest,” the note begins, alongside a bikini-clad photo of the beauty.

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She concludes the love note in another post, alongside a very revealing close-up of her acne: “Also, WHO CARES IF YOU HAVE ACNE YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL (A love note to myself & others struggling) #honest”

Her fans certainly appreciate her candidness:

“Thank you for the beautiful reminder,” one woman commented. “Honestly it’s really frustrating that we have to be someone who isn’t us. on behalf of those who are struggling, i wanna thank you for this inspirational post. it just made my day.”

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