01 Nov 2017

The objectives of the fashion show featuring plus-size models was to celebrate them, as well as to empower local designers who have a dream of making a mark in the local fashion industry.According to its organiser, Lorato Maretlwaneng, the fashion show which was held in Francistown on Friday, was aimed at promoting local full-figured models.

She explained that the show, titled The big, the Bold and the Beautiful, aspired to empower designers to grow.

She said it also promoted self-acceptance and self-value among full-figured individuals.Maretlwaneng further noted that the fashion show provided a unique opportunity for the fashion industry to grow and assisted local entrepreneurs to grab the attention of potential clients.

 She said the show was positioned to take the fashion industry to greater heights.In addition, Maretlwaneng said it was unfortunate that full-figured models were discriminated against for being plus-sized, something that she noted resulted in them being excluded from the entertainment industry.

Giving a brief history of the show, she stated that it started in Masunga in 2015 in partnership with the Ministry of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development and had become an annual event.

She further noted that as the event grew, they were hopeful that more men would partake in the fashion show and promote male plus-size models.

The show, hosted under the theme My Culture, My Identity, was brought to the city of Francistown as a way to celebrate the city’s 120 years of existence.It however elicited little interest from residents of Francistown as only a few people turned up for it. BOPA