No Babes is a non-profit organization in which we question taboos and beauty ideals together by offering an educational platform. Our goal? Promoting the mental well-being of young people in particular.
Think for example of our workshops, photo shoots, events and voice in the media. Will you join us?
THE FOUNDER OF NO BABES
Morgane Gielen (b. 1994) is a lifestyle and fashion photographer based in Belgium. She focuses on creating more inclusivity and diversity in the fashion industry.
In 2019, Morgane Gielen started going fulltime as a lifestyle and fashion photographer. The same year, she also kicked off No Babes VZW. An organization that questions beauty ideals and wants to make taboos discussable.
It began as a photo project on Instagram. Since then it has grown into a photo book published in collaboration with Borgerhoff & Lamberigts, several exhibitions, collaborations with organizations such as Stad Gent, Dito VZW and SAAMO, a column on Iedereen Beroemd, a podcast called Taboo Talk, and more. In 2022, she also took the step of founding Belgium's first inclusive modeling agency called No Babes Agency.
Having experienced traumatic events herself and struggling with an inferiority complex, Morgane set out to find like-minded people: "From a young age, I've had a kind of sense of justice. I am very troubled by injustice and I will also do anything to stand up for people who don't get a voice."
And although body positivity is a major topic in her photography, Morgane does not limit herself to just that: "When I started 'No Babes,' I wanted to tell and share the raw stories of real people. I wanted to eradicate "box-thinking" and show that it is okay to be vulnerable. So excluding people was not an option for me. From the LGBTQIA+ community to paralympians: with me, everyone is seen."
WHAT CAN WE OFFER?
PHOTO SHOOTS
This is for the die hards, the daredevils, the one who is ready to dive deep into their own taboo-breaking story. We take the time to get acquainted and to zoom in on how we tell your story and translate it to image. Many label this shoot as something therapeutic, because it leaves a powerful impact.
EVENTS
We are very happy to join forces with like-minded organizations to make a statement. This can range from organizing an exhibition about a certain theme, to helping in organizing inclusive events.
We also organize events within our own community so that they have a place where they can be themselves.
WORKSHOPS
Through lectures and workshops, we raise awareness about the fact that inclusivity is still in its baby shoes in Belgium.
That's why we think it's important to educate people about what the impact of unrealistic ideals created by society has on our own self-image, but also on everything and everyone around us.
ARTICLES
De Morgen: Stap voor stap zijn wij het nieuwe normaal
VRT NWS: No Babes Agency wilt meer diversiteit
Marie-Claire: Woman To Watch
Humo: Ik wil mensen ontdoen van hun oogkleppen
HLN: Na #nofilter in Iedereen Beroemd
Knack: Niet perfect, wel model
VRT - #nofilter - No Babes: watch it here
GOPLAY - Inside The Box - Inclusivity in fashion : watch it here
MENT TV - Trendsetters: watch it here
Mar10's - Vol zelfvertrouwen voor de camera : watch it here
NRJ - Open radio: watch it here
EXPOSITIONS
Saintklet, Brussel (2020)
Femmeniste, Antwerpen (2020)
Broei, Gent (2021)
Fire Is Gold Festival (2021)
Ampere Open Air Festival (2021)
Piet Moodshop, Gent (2021)
Factor Club, Brugge (2021)
Bib Kortenberg (2022)
Het Geuzenhuis, Gent (2022)
Sorry Not Sorry Festival (2022)
Z33 Hasselt (2022)
TIMELINE
2019: No Babes originated as a photo project on social media
2020: Creation of the podcast Taboo Talk
2021: Launch photo book 'No Babes' in collaboration with publisher Borgerhoff & Lamberigts
2021: First exhibition to promote the book at Duivelsteen Castle in Ghent
2021: TV column on 'Iedereen Beroemd' called #nofilter
2022: Creation of No Babes Agency - Belgium's first inclusive modeling agency
2023: No Babes officially becomes a non-profit organization