It’s 2020! Rihanna has just presented her Savage x Fenty Vol. 2 collection with models of every shape, size and colour. The #BlackLivesMatter movement has rallied for more inclusivity and diversity, not just on the runway, but also in workplaces. Now, it’s not surprising to spot Aliet Sarah and Ashley Graham walking in the same show. The industry has never looked better. But, has it always been this way? No!
For decades, the fashion industry has (or seemed to) catered to a specific body type and, there are good reason why. 1. It’s cost effective to create samples in small sizes. 2. These samples can be fitted on just about any model with little or no alterations. 3. A healthy skinny appearance is considered sexy.
This made a lot of sense, but in the long run had a grave impact on our perception. When young ‘normal looking’ impressionable girls watched fashion shows, or flipped through glossies and saw no one there looking like them, they often resorted to an unhealthy diet culture leading to eating disorders and body dysmorphia.
Also, curvier women felt excluded from the fashion conversation, only left to obsess about how to look smaller and shrink themselves. Their insecurities were capitalised on, with items like spanx and corsets promising an illusion of ‘that dream body’. We’ve come a long way from that dark place, and still have a long way to go, but waking up to Vogue’s latest issue with Lizzo on the cover, and fashion bloggers of every shape and size sitting front row at fashion shows is a step in the right direction. It has become glaringly clear that consumers now demand for more representation which has (almost reluctantly) led fashion to adapt. But for curvy girls everywhere, we’ll take a win any way we can get it.
This month we chat with four curvy models; Anena Sharon, Cecilia Edoh, Barbara Ainembabazi and Esther Namawanda, who open up about their experiences and what real inclusivity looks like. Representation is a unifying factor for each of them, and they can’t stop gushing about it.
Barbara: 24, fashion model and business woman
Have you always viewed your curves in a positive light?
No! Initially I didn’t, and it’s because of the toxic ideals and standards set by the world we live in that you’re supposed to look a certain way. However, along the way, all that changed when I learned to put myself first, to love myself and also embrace my individuality.
What has been your biggest obstacle as a curvy girl working in fashion?
I believe every plus-size model’s obstacle is the lack of diversity in the industry. There’s a perception that models are supposed to look a certain way.
What do you love most about your body?
Nice one! Let me first say that I love my body as a whole. I also love my round hips and bum bum.
Did you look up to any model before your start as a model?
There was none for starters. But, along the way as I got more invested into the business, I learned that there’s Ashley Graham and many other plus-size models who inspire me now.
Sharon: 25, fashion model and baker (runs her own bakery called A&N Bakery)
At what point did you fall in love with your body?
After spending a lot of money and quality time (which I can’t get back) trying to access every slimming pill on the market, and later coming to the realisation that they all didn’t work, and that I was just setting up myself for an early disaster, I learned to love this body that I call mine. I’ve achieved so much since then, and I’ve never felt better.
What has been your biggest obstacle as a curvy girl working in fashion?
It always sucks to get body shamed by fellow models. The first people to understand and appreciate us should be fellow models; it’s heartbreaking to get let down by a colleague. However, the fact that I’m using my curves to restore confidence in others keeps me going. I use every opportunity I get to advocate for body positivity.
Body shaming?
That’s not all. There’s a casting I went for which went successfully because I met the requirements they were looking for. When I went to fit in the clothes, I heard the designer say “I can’t work with that fat girl because their clothes waste fabric.” She made the statement in Luganda probably thinking I didn’t speak the language.
Esther: 23, Banker
Have your curves stifled your dreams in any way?
Well, opportunities are less for curvy models because designers prefer to work with a size that’s smaller than mine. Also, people tend to assume I come from the West which isn’t true because I come from the Central. Not that it’s a big deal, but there’s something about this shape that compels people to put you in a box.
What do you love most about your body?
Interestingly, I love everything about my body. But, I love that my curves look good in form-fitting clothes. This boosts my confidence. I believe curvy women are blessed with that feminine physique which that can rock any outfit and look amazingly gorgeous in it.
Cecilia Edoh: 24, actor and writer
Why do you think it is important for fashion to embrace curvy models?
The fashion business is a very big platform with influential space which comes with great responsibility because it impacts so many people. That’s why it’s important for it to be inclusive. If we exclude a certain body shape, we’re not acknowledging its existence and therefore saying it doesn’t have as much value.
We need to see ourselves in others to know that it’s possible for us to thrive too. It’s important for young people to understand that the picture of health is not confined to having a flat tummy or six packs. It’s important to see curvy bodies be celebrated and accepted, to prevent young people from developing unrealistic body ideals.
In order to kill the shame of having back rolls or stretch marks fashion needs to come to the realisation that these bodies exist and they need to represented.
Take SAVAGE X FENTY for example. Rihanna and her team have understood the importance of representation. They’ve also cracked the code on sales because the truth is, if a wider range of people can see themselves wearing your brand, the better it is for your business.
Embracing curvy models is not only good for the psychology well-being of people, it also means good business for designers/ creatives.
What do you love most about your body?
I love the fact that my skin is so soft. I used to hate the fact that my thighs rub together when I walk, but now I embrace it because it gives me that extra swagger and fierceness when I walk on the runway. What I love most about my body and my curves is that it’s completely unique to me. It doesn’t look like anyone else’s. This makes me feel special, beautiful and powerful because these stretch marks on my body tell my story.
Was there any model you drew inspiration from before getting into this business?
Definitely Tyra Banks! America’s Next Top Model was one of my favorite TV shows growing up. My cousin and I used to watch it all the time. We would then walk around the small hallways of our home putting on our own runway shows just for fun.
Clearly we still have a long way to go when it comes to embracing our uniqueness and embracing bodies that are a true representation of who we really are.
Credits:
Photographer: Banji Bagwana
Stylist: Elton_Brasson
Clothing: Bold in Africa
MUA: Tesi Glam
Model: Anena Sharon
Model: Cecilia Amara Edoh
Model: Namawanda Esther
Model: Ainembabazi Barbra
Assistant: Chris Bashinge
atwiine@satisfashionug.com
