We are so used to watching stick-thin catwalk queens in fashion weeks that we rarely expect to see plus size models given the same kind of star treatment.
Recently plus size models from Delhi and North Indian cities participated in a pageant in Punjab to strut with style. With beaming faces and positive body language, they were a picture of confidence and pride. It was almost as if they were mocking the much-exalted standards of good height, toned bodies and fair complexion that the majority of fashion shows endorse year after year.
A few weeks before the event, many of these models were unsure of participating in the event. Hurdles like parental reservation and societal apathy loomed large. But they found hope in Hardeep Arora, choreographer, who was organising Ms Plus Size North India 2017.
Recounting his experience, Hardeep says: “I was on the jury of Mrs Punjab pageant when I came across a talented contestant whose waist size was 37. She had all the winning qualities for a model, yet couldn’t make the mark as the size was limited to 34. As she left disappointed, I felt that something seriously needed to be done about this. I have overweight ladies in my family too and never felt embarrassed with them. So why should we keep differently sized models with aptitude away from ramp?”
Celebrity motivator
Hardeep had his share of problems as designers, coaxed to come to Chandigarh, stayed away. “Fifty women came for auditions. Their families were reluctant as they thought people would laugh at them. So they needed time to make up their minds.”
Hardeep found a supporter in Bishamber Das, a famous British Asian plus size model, who encouraged him to go ahead with a pageant for plus size models. “To convince reluctant applicants, we screened Bishamber’s video where she explained how big women can overcome their apprehensions and how they can appear on the ramp with grace and style. Now Bishamber has a huge fan following on the social media,” says Hardeep.
Gradually things started improving as there was realisation that this pageant was an opportunity knocking at their doors. “A number of applicants from Delhi sent us their video previews. We did not specify any ideal measurements because we were promoting their size,” says Hardeep.
Forty women from theatre, media and other professions participated in the event that had displayed ethnic and Western wear.
“The finale was beyond our expectations; it got an overwhelming response. This show succeeded in changing the impression that plus size people are lazy and eat badly. What came out instead was that they also have zeal to pursue their passion and make their dreams come true.”
Normal sizes please
Silky Chopra, a public relations consultant, who had quit fashion to take up theatre because of her size, recalls, “While graduating I could not get clothes of my size. I felt ashamed. Now we have brands that are making fashionable garments in bigger sizes. I love my size. Happiness is about being yourself and not worrying about size,” says Silky.
Couturier Poonam Bhagat, Associate Member, Fashion Design Council of India (FDCI), says fashion weeks must have a mix of regular and large models. “Ninety per cent of my clothes are worn by plus size women.”
Plus size models look better in clothes that are designed to suit their body shape, she says. “We can have them on ramp along with regular ones but not in outlandish designs. Plus size models need to appear good in clothes. Once we give them that respect on the ramp, then more customers would be able to relate to designers’ products,” she says.
Social acceptance
Apurva Suman, plus size model who looked radiant in lehenga on the ramp, says: “Those three days were fantastic; they made me feel like a model. I learned how to have a positive outlook. Someone would always be better-looking than you, but that doesn’t make you any less. Another thing I learnt was not to skip breakfast and eat the right amount. I have never starved myself.”
For the first time in her career, veteran fashion expert Rita Gangwani conducted a workshop for plus size models. It was to give them confidence on stage and enhance their personality.
“Having been humiliated before, these models had genuine concerns that people wouldn’t accept them. I told them how my lack of height did not come in the way of me being a positive person. I also guided them on eye contact and engaging with the audience. The emphasis was on right colours, make up, right body language.”
Illusion dressing was also recommended. Beseeching Indian designers to make clothes for plus size women, Rita says: “Right now these girls are buying imported dresses. Our markets need to be flooded with double XL, triple XL Western garments. Not all of them like to go in for sari which helps in covering up large bodied women.”
Designers like Shruti Sancheti, a strong proponent for special shows for plus size women, says, “While creating outfits, I ensure that they are suitable for women of all waist sizes. Plus size women, like other women, wear and endorse my garments. It is easy to make a thin fashion model look good but if an ordinary person looks good, it is an achievement for me,” she sums up.
