By L.K. Hewlett
St. Kitts Reporter
Shirma Roberts and her plus sized models at Step By Step Modelling Agency are attempting to change the face of beauty and fashion at an upcoming fashion show.
The fashion extravaganza will be held at the Bird Rock Beach Hotel this Saturday.
Roberts said she realised that the plus size elements was noticeably absent at all the other fashion shows being held in St. Kitts.
“The fashion scene here does not shine any light on plus sized fashion and that segment of our society. This void needs to be addressed and that’s why we are featuring the big, luscious girls in this show,” Roberts said.
As the organizer, Roberts said the girls underwent intensive training; not just for modelling on the catwalk but also for reaching that mindset that no matter their size they were all beautiful.
“There are people out there who still ridicule people if they are not skinny so we had to train the girls to be prepared for any kind of negativity they may encounter on the runway and on the streets. More and more top international designers are tapping into that market as they realise that the average woman is not a size zero. St. Kitts fashion industry and modelling agencies can no longer ignore the full figured woman.”
Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, Roberts said, adding that ‘big girls’ could be fashionable too.
The model turned agency head told The Observer that some of the more noted design houses in St. Kitts would be featured on the runway, including Brown Sugar, Caribelle Batik and Island Hopper.
These local designers she explained, were starting to look more closely at the earning potential of plus sized fashion and have begun casting plus sized models for their advertising campaigns.
“The ladies have worked really hard and they are ready to prove themselves.
Their excitement level is unbelievable and I think people will enjoy the atmosphere and energy created by these women. And they are doing all of this for charity as the proceeds will go towards the elderly in our society,” Roberts commented.
The thirteen ladies will make several appearances in lingerie, beachwear, casual wear and other segments of clothing.
