The First Thing with Sophie Walker
If you were to describe the true essence of what is portrayed in photos featured in First Thing underwear’s ads and website, it would be comfortable confidence. That not an emotional space that most of us would fall into when wearing nothing but undergarments but it is a space that the Australian company intends its customers to exist within. The basic premise of the brand and its founder is that the first thing a woman puts on in the morning should make her feel good and inspire happiness with self-assuredness. To instill this idea, those who are featured in the photos presenting First Thing’s apparel must possess this very quality in a manner that emanates so profoundly that customers can use it as inspiration. Model Sophie Walker is the most recent to fill this position for First Thing and is perhaps the most successful at projecting the core ideals of the company. Women are defining themselves these days; this is happening at the hands of female filmmakers, female politicians, and just about every vocation imaginable. The female founder of First Thing saw her company’s most recent campaign shot by internationally acclaimed female photographer Kristina Yenko (noted for her work with Marie Claire, Levi’s, and others) and featuring a diverse array of powerful and magnetic female models.
First Thing has been praised by many for its embrace of inclusivity and diversity. This company champions the premise that there is not one sole definition of beauty or a singular body type that is attractive. Everyone has their individual tastes whether in regard to how they present themselves or what they find appealing in others. This contemporary perspective engages a paradigm shift but doesn’t cancel previous held preferences, it simply expands upon them. Sophie remarks, “Whilst working with First Thing Underwear it was so rewarding to see and to be a part of a company that celebrates such inclusivity and diversity. Being able to see a variety of body types represented and celebrated is really empowering for women. The brand reinforced the idea that beauty comes in so many forms and that every body is valuable and unique. It’s so important to break down these traditional beauty standards and make it accessible and relatable to the wider community. To be a part of this movement with such positive influence was so fulfilling.”
Like most things, the definition of what is femininity evolves. How does someone like Ms. Walker who is seen as helping to redefine this in present day see the concept as one of the faces of First Thing? Sophie notes, “I feel the modern version of a confident feminine woman is someone who embraces both strength and sensitivity, someone who is able to authentically be themselves with both confidence and kindness. This confidence comes from not conforming to external expectations but more intrinsically understanding her own values and scope. The modern woman embraces all her uniqueness and accepts and supports her surrounding communities’ qualities too. She is able to be comfortable in her own skin. I feel this modern version really values her independence and strives to define and control her own sense of self and success.”
Despite the underlying gravitas of spotlighting different shades of beauty with this campaign, the climate of the shoot was a deluge of positive energy and levity. This tone is evident in the photos which can be seen on First Thing’s website. Sophie comments, “Shooting with Kristina Yenko on this project was really exciting and comfortable. There is certainly a unique set of challenges when it comes to being able to have the confidence and comfortability to be not only secure within your body but also to convey that feeling towards the camera. The fact that Kristina and I had previously worked together allowed for that level of comfort and confidence to shine through. Knowing how each other operates on set gave us a great system which supported us in having an efficient day. For the First Thing Underwear Campaign Kristina discussed a fun, cheeky and confident energy to portray through the images, having experience in swimwear shoots helped me feel that confidence whilst on set. With these directions and my previous work I was able to understand which angles and ways to highlight each garment the best.”
Writer : Calvin Honey
