BEYOND TRESSES: CELEBRATING BALD AND BEAUTIFUL WITH MODEL COCO LABBEE
By: Srishti Sharma
In a world where conventional beauty standards often dictate the narrative, there are remarkable individuals who are shattering stereotypes and redefining the fashion landscape. At the onset of this year, Ashley Tisdale's candid revelation about her diagnosis of alopecia areata sent reverberations throughout the glam world. Jada Pinkett Smith is another celebrity who hasn’t shied away from discussing her struggle with alopecia and hair loss over the years.
According to the Canadian Alopecia Areata Foundation (CANAAF), alopecia areata (AA) is a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease affecting the hair follicles. What this means is that immune system cells, called T cells, wrongfully recognize the cells of the hair follicles as foreign, and attack them. The foundation supports those affected by the condition, promotes awareness and education of this auto-immune disease, and raises funds for research.
AnnKM had the privilege of engaging in a candid conversation with Coco Labbée, Paris-based fashion model and a strong supporter of CANAAF, who serves as a living testament to the ever-evolving standards of beauty.
Credit: Marco Tassini for @the_edgy_mag
Coco was born in the small city of Trois-Rivières and later moved to Montreal at the age of 19 to pursue her dreams of being a part of the global fashion industry. She shares, “At age 10, I lost all my hair suddenly due to Alopecia Areata. Not ready to accept this for myself, I chose to wear wigs to school, a veil to conceal my alopecia.” Surprisingly, Labbée’s hair grew back only to fall out once more at the age of 19. Despite the challenges, she decided to ‘cover it up’, and started her career in fashion with her ‘big secret’. In 2017, she took to Instagram with a daring proclamation of self-love, a "Coming Out" post that echoed with authenticity.
Credit: @Thanassis Krikis for @Elle Greece
Today, Labbée is a familiar presence on the runway, and she derives inspiration from trailblazers such as Winnie Harlow. She expresses, “I aspire to serve as an inspiration for young girls globally. I strongly believe in embracing one's true self, navigating their unique journey, and having faith in the personal process.” She recently graced Paris Fashion Week and received a nomination as Fresh Face of the Year at the CAFA Awards, underscoring her rising prominence in the fashion world. She has walked the runways for designers such as Rick Owens, Moncler, Pierre Cardin, Mowalola, Weinsanto, and has been featured on the cover pages of Citizen K and The Pap magazines. She has also been a lead on The Chainsmokers’ video called Jungle.
Labbée admits that it all did not come easy; during her younger days, she struggled with depression, while her parents tried to help but there was a lack of awareness. She shares that it is important to have communities like CANAAF to find camaraderie and a sense of belonging. Despite her busy schedule, Labbée is involved with the work of CANAAF. She says that being bald comes with its advantages as it is like a blank canvas, and you can do a lot on a bald head. “Hairstylists love to experiment on her head and put on crazy hair pieces for editorials,” she quips. For editorial features, she becomes a willing muse, embracing the opportunity for hairstylists to push boundaries and experiment with audacious and eccentric hairpieces that transform her baldness into a captivating work of art.
Credit: @sabinevilliard for @pap_magazine
Michael Suba, owner of Continental Hair, brings a unique perspective to the conversation. Michael's journey intertwines with a personal battle with cancer, a six-month odyssey through chemotherapy. It was this experience that ignited his passion for personalized solutions for women facing the emotional turmoil of hair loss. Continental Hair isn't just a salon; it's a haven where each strand tells a unique story. Wigs and toupees aren't merely crafted; they're woven with care, consideration, and a touch of artistry. Michael's commitment stretches beyond the doors of Continental Hair; he too is a fervent supporter of CANAAF, contributing to a landscape where women with AA are not just acknowledged but celebrated. He says, “I'm here to help women feel confident, with or without wigs. It's not just about making hairpieces; it's about making sure every woman feels beautiful and comfortable in her own skin.”
Michael Suba at a CANAAF Conference (Pictures Credits: Michael)
The impact of representation can be seen in the words of 10-year-old Charlotte Snaith, who was diagnosed with alopecia totalis at the tender age of 3. She loves flaunting her headbands and beanies and has even got two beautiful wigs that she wears for fun at home. She finds inspiration in celebrities like Coco Labbée, Christie Valdisseri, and Jeana Turner on Instagram. She says, “I’m comfortable without anything covering my head, seeing others like Coco do the same with confidence inspires me to be who I am. I also love trying different out different fashion styles, especially when my hair comes and goes.”
All the individuals quoted are members of CANAAF. Run by a volunteer Board of Directors, the foundation actively welcomes and appreciates donations from individuals, businesses, and organizations. CANAAF’s Wig Lending Library offers a selection of wigs available for loan.
Cover Photo - At @parisfashionweek for @rickowensonline photo by Jarel Zhang ; Charles Abbatucci @voguerunway