#BEAUTY HAS NO SIZE OR COLOUR?

 
Happy New Year to you all.

 

A person I met in passing, (A white lady around 45+) had asked me, why are black plus size women so confident and know how to dress for their body type so well? This isn’t the first time mind you, I have been asked a question like this.

I firstly told the lady, (who was also dressed beautifully) that not all of us are as confident as we seem, but culturally being plus size seems to be more accepting in our culture for many years. Many black plus size women dress to compliment there shape and size. (Please bare in mind, I am not saying all black women, many have grown up with nothing but difficulty in dealing with their size. And I’m also NOT saying that other races do not do the same. )

This got me thinking. Why women of colour aren’t, represented in the plus size UK fashion industry. Women of colour buy clothes, they spend money on items that brands put out, So why is there so little representation in the plus size Fashion?

I find that the UK do not embrace the plus size women of colour, when it comes to PS fashion. I have always admired how the US incorporates all ethnicities when it comes to fashion and I would love to have the same in the UK.

Growing up in the 80s I can remember seeing much more plus size black and Asian women than I did any other colour.

One memory that I can regularly remember from a young age, is when I had to go to church with my mum.

So many women who were plus size put on some outfits that was their church best. You had colour, vibrancy and confidence that was always complimented on when you saw them.

My mum as a dark skinned Caribbean woman always had on so much colour when going to church.

The African culture also live in colour items and dressed up in their vibrant tribal patterns which always had colour, which made them look so nice and complimented their skin tones.

No matter what size these ladies were they looked good and especially when it came to attending church.

The Asian plus size community would also be similar, when seeing the ladies wear their sarees that showed their bellies and yes plus size Asian showed their stomachs.

And they never appeared worried about anyone seeing their stomach rolls.

All this and so much diversity but still not recognised in the industry and celebrated/acknowledged much at all, In the UK.

I strive to make a conscious effort, to have a melting pot of ethnicities when I post on social media. I must be honest I really struggle to find Asian or oriental plus size women photos in the UK, models or any who blog about plus size issues, but this is a work in progress and once I find them I will definitely be sharing.

If we look into any form of UK Plus Size ceremonies or awards, very few women of colour will be nominated or even win an award, this should not be the case at all.

 

But in the meantime, here are some of the plus size women of colour in the UK that I feel should get recognition for what they do and you should check out if you haven’t already.

 

http://www.chanelboateng.co.uk/

http://www.nerdabouttown.com/2015/12/2015-a-year-in-style.html

http://www.graciefrancesca.com/?m=1

http://www.beautyfulyouniverse.blogspot.co.uk/

http://www.ucantwearthat.com/

 

I would love to see more plus size women of colour get recognition for their style and contribution to the plus size industry, especially as you have trending styles that come from their own communities and cultures. Inclusion of ethnicities are just as important as body shaming and also contributes to body positivity. So if you want to shout out about these topics, let’s at least include the basics first.

 

 

Below are some plus size fashionista from overseas

http://www.mycurvesandcurls.com

http://garnerstyle.blogspot.co.uk/

http://www.insidealliesworld.com/

http://www.curvygirlchic.com/

http://www.fatinthecity.com/

http://girlwithcurves.com/

http://everythingcurvyandchic.com/

http://www.essiegolden.com/

http://www.chardline.com/

http://curiousfancy.com/

Xxx Fran xxX