Kris Foster, Embracing Self-Love: A Journey of Personal Discovery

You probably know Kris Foster for his extremely contemporary fashion photography. A person with Down Syndrome, Kris is breaking down disability stereotypes, and showing the fashion industry what representation should look like. I asked Kris what his style inspiration was, here’s what he said…

 

Kris, a fair skinned man with facial hair is scrolling his phone. He wears a charcoal grey tracksuit and silver trainers. 

Hey everyone,

Today, I want to open up and share a part of my journey with you all. It's a story of self-discovery, resilience, and the pursuit of genuine self-love.

Growing up in a diverse community in North London, I was immediately captivated by the world of fashion and style. However, as a person with Down syndrome, I faced challenges that made me question my identity. The lack of representation and the negative portrayal of individuals like me, left me yearning for a positive connection with my true self.

Kris, a fair skinned man with facial hair is on his phone. He wears khaki cargo trousers, a sage green fisherman jacket, and off-white trainers, with a beige beanie hat.

My passion for footwear emerged as a way to navigate the pressures and judgments I faced. Those fresh pairs of Nike Airs became my armor, shifting the focus from scrutinizing my appearance to admiring the shoes on my feet. It gave me a sense of control and allowed me to express myself in a way that felt empowering.

But over time, I realized that true self-love runs much deeper than the external. Superficial validation couldn't sustain me in the long run, and it took a toll on my mental health. I lost sight of who I truly was and needed to find a way back to myself.

Kris, a fair skinned man with facial hair is carrying a brown paper bag. He wears a forest green tracksuit and multicoloured trainers.

In the transformative year of 2020, I embarked on a journey of self-love and self-discovery. It was a time of reflection, growth, and finding a balance that nourished my soul. I learned that self-love involves more than just the clothes we wear or the external image we project. It's about embracing our unique qualities, accepting our flaws, and nurturing our inner selves with kindness and compassion.

Throughout this journey, I've explored various self-care practices to support my mental and emotional well-being. Therapy, mindfulness, journaling, and surrounding myself with a loving support system have played pivotal roles in my healing process. I've discovered the importance of connecting with my inner self, finding joy in simple moments, and cultivating a mindset of gratitude.

Kris, a fair skinned man with facial hair is on his phone. He wears a burgundy tracksuit with a navy coat over the top, with dark coloured trainers.

Let me tell you, self-love is a lifelong journey. It has its ups and downs, but the key is to keep moving forward, celebrating every step of progress along the way. Remember, it's okay to seek guidance and support, as we all need a helping hand on this path of self-discovery.

I share my story with you all today, not as an expert or someone who has it all figured out, but as someone who is still learning, growing, and embracing their authentic self. Let's embark on this journey together, supporting and uplifting one another.

Kris, a fair skinned man with facial hair is holding an umbrella. He wears burgundy tracksuit with light trainers.

If there's one thing I've learned, it's that true self-love radiates from within. Let's celebrate our uniqueness, embrace our journeys, and remember that we are worthy of love, acceptance, and happiness.

With love and gratitude,

Kris

 

I don’t know about you, but that was a reminder I needed to hear today!! It really shows, fashion isn’t all about vanity, it can truly change peoples lives and their perceptions of themselves. Here’s to better representation and stylish clothes!