BODfest: All The Highlights From The Self-Love Festival

Ever been to a festival so epic that you can't help but want to relive the best moments? That's how we feel about BODfest.

On October 8, over 600 guests came down to Paddington Town Hall for Australia's first mini-festival of self-love. Presented by OGX and powered by Australia's most-loved brands, including BEAUTYcrew, ELLE and marie claire, the day was filled with all things body love, sex, mental health, wellness, and inclusive fashion and beauty.

From inspiring panel talks featuring international and local talent, to beauty pop-ups and more, these were some of our favourite highlights from the day...

#1 / Virtual chats with Em Rata and Remi Bader

The festival kicked off with one hell of a headliner: Emily Ratajkowski. In her virtual interview, she spoke openly about her relationship with her body, as well as her experience in the modelling industry, and the rise in the sexualisation of girls.

And although she wasn't "back again with another realistic try-on haul", curve model and TikTok creator Remi Bader did pop up on-screen in the afternoon for an in-depth chat about fashion inclusivity and her personal journey.

#2 / An open conversation about mental health

Mental health can be difficult to talk about at the best of times, which is why the Brave Together panel starring Brooke Blurton, AJ Clementine and Dominic Porras was so powerful. These talented creators opened up about their own experiences and how they first sought help in an inspiring and raw conversation that could've continued for hours.

#3/ Hair makeovers and beauty pop-ups

In between the inspiring stage talks, there were surrounding stalls for attendees to explore. The OGX hair bar was always pumping, and we've never seen so many heads filled with glorious curls. There were also skin checks taking place courtesy of La Roche-Posay, a pop-up bar with refreshing spritzes and healthy Lakanto snacks to sample.

#4/ Breaking sex stereotypes with Maria Thatill

We loved seeing our former cover star Maria Thatill take to the stage as part of the 'Normal Sex' panel. Alongside former escort and journalist Amanda Goff, the two spoke honestly about sexual empowerment and experimentation.

#5/ The finale

To close out BODfest, musician Amy Sheppard opened up alongside Moana Hope and Isabella Manfredi about navigating life in the public eye, motherhood, and the challenges of keeping positive. And then, she sang. Guests were treated to an intimate performance and we still get chills thinking about Sheppard's sweet singing voice.