After an amazing 12 weeks and without a doubt one of the best Star in a Bra competitions to date, we got in touch with our second and third runners up and some of our other finalists who, even though they didn’t win, still had a blast along the way. They may have been pipped to the post by our gorgeous Sophie, but they’re all winners in our book and are flying the flag for gorgeous, healthy curves everywhere!

Congratulations to all of our fabulous top 10, top 30 and all the girls who were confident in their own skin enough to enter, you’re all bra stars!

Charlotte Upton, second place winner:

“I entered the competition initially as I’d had so much encouragement from the people around me to do it … I have to admit, I didn’t really believe I’d get anywhere … however, from the moment I found I’d made it into the final 30 until now I’ve just grown and grown in body confidence ! I would never have imagined feeling as comfortable as I do … friends, family, colleagues, all seeing me in my underwear … the feedback, comments and encouragement have taken away any negatives I might have thought or felt … My curves, shape and bust have definitely become my favourite assets … they’re not issues to tackle, they’re benefits to promote!”

 

Abby Russell, third place winner:

“The professional photo shoot in London was a really fun day and all the Curvy Kate staff was brilliant at making us girls comfortable and confident. I was really surprised at how natural it all felt given I have never done anything like this before and being first up allowed me to then chill out and take in the day with everybody. I’m glad I took along my Ukulele as the Curvy Kate song was so much fun performing – I really didn’t know that you guys would love it so much ! Also props to the professional hair and make up artists as this was the first time I have experienced it.”

 

Hattie Bland, top 10 finalist:

“The competition has given me a huge confidence boost and made me feel completely happy with my body and curves. I have never had huge body confidence issues but have felt fat and frumpy a few times over the years. I have also always felt I needed to watch what I ate and weigh myself a lot however I have always liked the size of my bust, just had trouble finding nice lingerie to fit! The competition has definitely blown away all my worries about watching what I eat and looking fat as I have realised that It doesn’t matter what size you are, you can still look flawless in underwear and ooze confidence.”

 

 
Victoria Holmden, top 10 finalist:
“I’ve always struggled with body confidence issues, as I’m sure most people have. I’ve spent most of my life trying to diet and failed miserably. I’m 31, I’ve had children, between work and family, I don’t have time to go the gym or spend days at the spa and I love food. I think most women can really relate to that.

It’s funny because simply sending in my entry pictures was such a confidence boost; it feels almost freeing that you always keep your curves covered and now you’re taking pictures and sending them in for potentially the world to see.”

Rachael Holmes, top 10 finalist:

“The competition has truly done wonders for my confidence. Before I was always worrying about what I looked like and comparing myself to other girls of different shapes and body types and wondering why I couldn’t look like them. Now I’ve found I just don’t care! I’ve learnt to embrace my curves, and that I can’t change my body so I may as well make the best of it.

I’ve had plenty of well-wishers, and loads of women telling me how they think what I’m doing is fantastic and inspiring. It means so much to me that people are supported me and understood why I entered in the first place and what the competition represents.”

 

And that’s it for the UK for another year, here’s to finding our next curvy girl over the pond in America! The top 30 goes live on the USA Facebook page on Thursday, 10th May and we can’t wait to see what gorgeous curves the USA has to offer…