Last weekend, during the East Africa Plus Size Fashion Affair in Kisumu, western Kenya, plus-size models joyfully celebrated African curves by dancing and twirling down the catwalk in form-fitting evening gowns and brightly coloured wax print dresses. Winnie Wenga Walcott, the founder of the yearly event, which is currently in its ninth year, claims that it is the only one of its like in Kenya and that it was inspired by the goal of redefining beauty standards and restoring the self-esteem of women with larger bodies. “We have observed that the media is making a concerted effort to highlight a particular body type of women,” Walcott told AFP. “And in doing so, this has had a significant impact on their self-esteem.”
A bold alternative to runway norms
In contrast to traditional haute couture exhibitions, the Kisumu event was full of celebration, excitement, and rhythm. As a dozen amateur models walked the catwalk, smiling and dancing in ways that accentuated their natural curves, over 300 spectators cheered. One of the models, entrepreneur Oprah Odhiambo, expressed her hope that the event will assist others in overcoming the stigma associated with having a larger body in public. “I feel happy because plus-size can do what the petite can,” she remarked. Some women who are overweight are hiding because they fear being body shamed. I hope this alters their self-perception.
‘Big mama’ breaks barriers
Rosemary Odire, a model and singer who goes by the stage name Nyakusa Nyamama, also participated in the event. She remembered the jeering she had received onstage while wearing a leopard-skin skirt. “I’ve run into so many issues… “Yo big mama,” she remarked, “what are you going to do there? You can’t dance. Get off the stage.” “However, I’m here to show off my African beauty, not just any beauty or plus-size beauty.”
From self-doubt to centre stage
The transformation for many of the women was profound. Training began in March, and according to Walcott, the participants were far from confident at first.
‘They were very timid about their body sizes,’ she said. ‘But now, there’s a huge difference.’
For Walcott, the show is deeply personal. She created it in honour of her mother, Seline Aoko, who supported her through body image struggles. ‘You see how big I am, I really hated my body, but she really encouraged me,’ said Aoko from behind her fruit stall in Kisumu.
‘I want her to see herself as beautiful,’ Walcott said of her mother, adding that the show also highlights health and fashion challenges faced by curvy women, particularly the lack of accessible clothing options.
As music thumped and hips swayed on the catwalk, Aoko beamed: ‘Big is beautiful!’
