Recap : Edith Wekesa For PlusFab Magazine

A big applause to the likes of plus-size bloggers and models such as Kristine of TrendyCurvy, Philomena Kwao, Lesego “Thick Leeyonce” Legobane, Lala Tshabalala “Miss Curvy Lala” and Ashley Graham – women with curves have become the new “HOT” in the modeling world; in a world that has infamously been about petite and super-thin muses being plastered on the cover of both men’s and women’s magazines. Perhaps this is due to the changing demographics and cultural shift towards more full-size women who seem more realistic and relatable.

Men have always had a primal attraction to women with curves that dates back to the Stone Age, and even more so, women come in all shapes and sizes, and thanks to nature, men—and society in general—are beginning to embrace it.

Enter Edith Wekesa. Her self-confidence is an admirable quality that makes her an ideal curve model.

In addition to her modeling, Edith has featured in a number of roles under Plus Fabulosity as well as her debut as the cover model in our Style Issue —in which she gave us her opinion piece discussing her experiences as a plus-size model. She loves the positivity and support she experiences working within the plus size modelling industry however prefers the term curve model – which is a term we totally feel should catch on!

Below is a Q and A in which we discuss her thoughts on the growth of plus-size models in the modeling world, feminism and the industry at large.

Was modeling always your dream growing up?

Not really no. I wouldn’t say it was always a dream of mine growing up, modelling is something I stumbled upon. However, i must say, fashion and style is something that has always been part of me.

Even as a kid, i was always very choosy with what I wore and I always stood out, always looked extra nice and stylish. I’ve always wanted to show that  you could look amazing in whatever size, and when modelling crossed my path I thought it was the perfect platform and so I went with it.

What are your thoughts on the Plus size modeling industry in Kenya?

I think it’s coming up. It has been almost non-existent, which I think is rather ironic as we are an African country and most people are a little bigger as compared to the west where the norm are sizes twos an fours. I’m glad the plus size industry is coming up in the country and continent at large. Our runways are finally reflecting the reality in our homes.

What according to you is the biggest misconception about plus size models?

That we are unhealthy.

Most people don’t understand that you can be a size 8 and unhealthy yet at the same time one can be a size 18 or whatever and be of perfect health. It all depends on the genes and bone structure and some people cannot become a size 8 no matter how hard they tried. Just as there are some size  4’s that would love to go up a few sizes but can’t. It’s all just biology and people should stop the misconception of thinking a big person eats a lot or should work out. Chances are, they do eat right and they do work out it’s just the way they are made up and they are perfectly healthy.

Having covered a couple of shows, what is one thing about modeling that you didn’t know that you have learnt along the way?

Modelling is hard work! I didn’t know that going in. I just thought it was a chance to be dolled up and play dress up! Not the case. A lot goes into preparing for a show, there’s a bunch of things to learn and despite what people have always thought of models, you actually have to be smart and well mannered to succeed in the modeling industry.

What is the most challenging aspect of modeling as a profession?

The fashion industry in the country is not as established therefore there aren’t many modelling jobs neither are they consistent; that way, models can not entirely rely on modeling to make a living, and the same gigs, few as they are do not pay very well as opposed to the first world where modelling pays big and models make a living out of it. The situation is even worse for plus size models.

With regard to highlighting body positivity in individuality – did you always feel so comfortable with yourself and your body?

I have always been comfortable with my body, whatever size I have been. I’m a little bigger right now than I have always been,(though never really skinny. Always been a 12.I’m a 14 right now) but I love my body regardless! It’s all about learning how to dress your body size. I learnt pretty early that not everything that is fashionable will look good on me, so I put on what suits me and I’m comfortable in. That and a touch of confidence will always work.

What are your positive affirmations that give you the oomph and confidence?

Self acceptance i’d say. I’m not the kind of person who goes looking for validation from other people. I feel like you should first love and accept yourself just the way you are for anyone else to love and accept you. Plus it shouldn’t really matter if people love you or not, you should love you enough.That and a positive attitude. I  always try to take things positively,It gives me the confidence to face the modeling industry and life in general.

If your modeling days are to be over tomorrow, what would you want to remember?

I would want to remember having made a positive impact in our modeling and fashion industry as a whole. To redefine beauty and style. I’d like to have been living proof that you do not have to conform to any set beauty standard to be a great model. That you can be amazing by just being authentically you.

How would you define your personal style? What do you feel most beautiful wearing?

I dress depending on my mood and of course occasion, i don’t really have any particular thing I don’t wear. I love my pair of jeans and sneakers, i love jumpsuits/rompers but I must say, i feel most beautiful in my LBD  and most definitely my 6 inch heels! A nice pair of high heels just give me life!!!

And what are some of the heroes of your wardrobe? What is in your model bag?