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Rankin's new photography book challenges perceptions of beauty

Raiche, Charity Worker and Burns Survivor, London: Rankin
Raiche, Charity Worker and Burns Survivor, London: Rankin

A young Londoner who suffered severe burns in a fire is among 16 women chosen to appear in fashion photographer Rankin’s latest book challenging perceptions of beauty.

The models in #PortraitPositive are ambassadors for the charity Changing Faces, which works with more than 1.3 million people across the UK with visible differences and disfigurements.

It aims to “break down barriers and change the narrow view of beauty that exists in society, especially in the fashion industry”.

Raiché Mederick, 23, of Romford, suffered third-degree burns to 70 per cent of her face and body in an accidental house fire as an 18-months-old.

Her left-hand fingers and toes had to be amputated and she still regularly undergoes extensive reconstruction surgery. As a teenager she was bullied for her appearance.

Gail Porter (Dave Benett)
Gail Porter (Dave Benett)

Ms Mederick, who was named young Londoner of the year at the Mayor’s Fund For London Awards in 2016, said: “We live in a world where people with differences are under-represented and misunderstood, from scars, to skin colour, to abilities and everything in between.

“We need to start that conversation, embrace our differences and help other to realise that times are changing — what makes you different is what makes you most beautiful.”

The project was created by designer Steven Tai, Stephen Bell for Changing Faces with all portraits by Rankin. The photographer’s previous subjects have included Kate Moss, Madonna, David Bowie and the Queen. He said it was an “honour” to work with Ms Mederick and her colleagues.

Rankin added: “Living with a visible difference you are literally judged by your appearance and compared to what I think is a fake idea of what it is to be beautiful or even ‘normal’. The only way to shift this perception is to talk about it and face it head on.”

TV presenter and former model Gail Porter, 47, who lost her hair to alopecia, is hosting a book launch event this evening. She said: “Seeing these brilliant women taking a stand and being photographed by Rankin, celebrating and highlighting their differences, has been so powerful to behold.”

Approximately one in 111 people in the UK have a significant visible facial difference, according to the charity. Changing Faces CEO Becky Hewitt said the “amazing” images in Rankin’s book would “help address the stigma”.

She added: “We want to see brands, publications and designers work with real people of all appearances so that fashion is accessible to all.”

Portrait Positive is a project created by designer Steven Tai (Canadian, london based and Events Manager (chelsea) Stephen Bell for UK charity Changing Faces with all portraits by Rankin. The book launches today and is priced £29.95, designed by Carter studio.

All proceeds will go to the charity from the book.