We’re so excited to introduce you to Brianna. 🫶
Brianna is someone we’ve had the joy of taking up space with again and again at our New York Pop-Up, and we love her more every time. From our Grand Opening red carpet, to putting herself out there at our Open Call Casting, to walking in our Fashion Show (and absolutely owning it), Brianna has been a constant, bright presence in our community.
In this Community Spotlight, Brianna shares how her style has evolved alongside her journey of rejecting diet culture, letting go of the spanx, and learning to celebrate her body instead of hiding it. She talks about confidence, joy, and what it’s meant to feel welcomed and celebrated in spaces like this one.
Keep reading to get to know Brianna, in her own words.
Can you please introduce yourself?
Hi, I’m Brianna Adkins (she/they) and I’m based in Brooklyn, NY.
How would you describe your style right now?
I would describe my style as bright, bold, and vintage. I love mixing my vintage/thrifted pieces with my newer small designer pieces.
What’s one piece you wear that makes you feel most like yourself?
Absolutely my Abacaxi Moon Bubbles dress—I've never felt more ethereal in any piece of clothing in my life. Second place goes to my Tyler McGillivary Lea Dress in Atomic Print or my hot pink vintage White Stag suede button up.
What messages did you absorb about bodies + fashion growing up? What do you reject now?
I absorbed the typical diet culture trash growing up. I reject it all, especially now, as fatphobia has grown dangerously rampant. People of all bodies deserve respect. And fat people deserve beautiful clothes too!
What would you tell a younger version of yourself about getting dressed?
I would tell younger me to stop holding her breath and to let go of the spanx. I would tell her she’s beautiful the way she is and to wear whatever makes her happy.
Has your relationship with style changed over time? How?
My acceptance of both who I am as a person internally and my appearance has drastically improved my relationship with style. I used to use clothes to hide my shape and now I use them to celebrate it.
What do you do for work, and what are you passionate about?
I’m a Media Manager/Strategist in the luxury beauty space, which means I work on the media strategy for beauty and fragrance campaigns. I’m so grateful for this position and am passionate about plus size people being included in the beauty and fashion spaces. Showing up to work each day makes me feel like I’m a step closer to that.
What do you hope people feel the first time they walk into a Viva Voce space or join the community?
I hope they feel welcomed and celebrated for who they are. Because that’s exactly how I felt walking in the first time!
If people want to connect with you: what topics are you open to being reached out about?
People can connect with me about almost anything, but I love connecting on the beauty and fashion industries, collecting stuffed animals/trinkets, and where to find the best vintage plus size clothes.