EXCLUSIVE 'I hated my big boobs': Ashley James reveals she nearly had a breast reduction as she blasts 'irresponsible' designers for using super-skinny models at Fashion Week
She's proud of her curves and has displayed her fantastic figure to front lingerie campaigns.
But Ashley James has revealed that she didn't always love her hourglass figure, and as a teenager she was so unhappy that she wanted to have a breast reduction.
Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, the 29-year-old reality star admitted that she got as far as having a consultation after finding her ample bust was being sexualised by her peers and even her teachers.
Beach babe: Ashley James has revealed that she didn't always love her hourglass figure, and as a teenager she was so unhappy that she wanted to have a breast reduction
'When I was 15 me and my mum went for a consultation about a breast reduction just because I hated [my breasts],' she revealed.
'But at the moment I don't think I would have cosmetic surgery... but I totally understand why people would. Each to their own.'
Ashley, who previously suffered from body dysmorphia, explained that she thinks the condition stemmed from the constant attention her chest received, as she explained: 'I think a lot of it comes from having big boobs.'
Self acceptance: The 29-year-old reality star admitted that she got as far as having a consultation in her teens after finding her ample bust was being sexualised by her peers
'I think there's a lot of judgement and sexualisation around boobs - but it's not like I've bought them - they're part of my body!' she continued.
'I tried to dress a lot frumpier and older than I was to avoid comments from boys and teachers even.'
She added that she is still held back by her ample bosom now, as she revealed: 'Just yesterday a brand wouldn't use an image as it was "too sexual" - but it wasn't, my cleavage was just on show!'
Blonde beauty: Ashley, who previously suffered from body dysmorphia, explained that she thinks the condition stemmed from the constant attention her chest received
The former Made In Chelsea star revealed she has learnt to control her body dysmorphia, but admitted she was concerned about the messages some designers could be sending out as fashion week approaches.
Discussing the controversial use of super slim models on the catwalk, Ashley said: 'If I were to see girls who quite clearly have an eating disorder on the catwalk then that would make me really sad.
'It's really disappointing that fashion houses can be that irresponsible because it's giving out a specific message but so unhealthy.
'No one should need to be skinny to work.'
Happy and healthy: The former Made In Chelsea star revealed she has learnt to control her body dysmorphia, but admitted she was concerned about seeing super-skinny models
She explained that there was some hope, however, as she reasoned: 'Fashion week is changing. There are definitely different shapes emerging on the catwalk.'
But she added that there were plenty of women in the shows who had been criticised for being of slender build, which she was strongly against.
She reasoned: 'There's a problem with skinny shaming as well. There are some models who are naturally slim and I think it's just as bad to skinny shame as it is to fat shame.'
Sexy at all sizes: Ashley revealed she had just as much a problem with skinny shaming as she did with fat shaming as she encouraged everyone to love their body shape
As for maintaining her own healthy weight, Ashley has kept active by competing in the London Marathon and continuing her training, but doesn't keep anything off limits.
'I have a healthy view of exercise but don't restrict myself with food,' she explained. 'I had a McDonalds yesterday and I'm okay with that!
'I'm being kinder to myself - we all get cellulite. You have to embrace your body shape and pick good body role models.'
Fit and fabulous: As for maintaining her own healthy weight, Ashley has kept active by competing in the marathons and continuing her training, but doesn't keep anything off limits
Ashley also has role models in the form of her tight-knit group of female friends, as she explained she had been shunning boyfriends in favour of female company.
'I'm not thinking about relationships and men at the moment,' she revealed. 'I'm in a happier place hanging out with my friends and girls in the industry.
'I'm trying to concentrate on female relationships and work - it's made me so much happier than failed relationships!'
Single and thriving: Ashley also has role models in the form of her tight-knit group of female friends, as she explained she had been shunning boyfriends in favour of female company
With Ashley feeling so confident and positive, she was the obvious choice to be the UK ambassador of the orchid and work on a new European Union co-funded three year campaign called Show Who You Are.
Clad in a sheer white dress with lace panels protecting her modesty, the star was a vision of beauty as she promoted the initiative.
The campaign aims to demonstrate the wide variety of species of orchid, with over 25,000 to choose from, and highlight how you can match your personality to a specific one. Take the test for yourself at orchitypes.
Pretty as a petal: With Ashley feeling so confident, she was the obvious choice to be the UK ambassador of the orchid and work on new EU co-founded campaign, Show Who You Are
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