These Women From Kochi Can Show You That Style Is Not About Size
- 22 Oct 2016
- Rheanna Mathews
- Features
A conversation with six women who confidently prove that being fashionable does not mean fitting into a mannequin’s mould. FWD Life Magazine defied mannequins with this photoshoot.
GANGA G NAIR
Executive Assistant
Has your weight ever come in the way of choosing a style?
Yes and I believe all these no-nos are in our head. When I first tried on the pencil skirt, I realised I look fabulous in western wear.
Have you broken any fashion rule?
No. the golden rule is to be comfortable in whatever you wear.
Do you feel pressured by the popular body image?
My size was never a burden for me, it never limited me from the life I wanted to live. However, occasionally the implications my weight has on health concerns me.
MONISHA SINHA
Pastry Chef
What is the one thing you take into consideration while choosing an outfit?
Wear what your heart says; nothing and no one can define your body but you.
What is your comfort zone?
Sometimes more than the cut or pattern of clothes, the quality is what matters, because it reflects on you. I indulge in quality, because it makes me feel good.
What’s your major fashion faux pas?
Giving into wearing clothes that the society won’t judge me for. The first rule of being a confident dresser is to set fashion guidelines for myself.
SWETHA VINESH
Fashion Designer
What do you think about the term “fat”?
It doesn’t matter. I used to be a model eight years ago, and I gained weight after becoming a designer. This outlook of an ideal size is a ridiculous concept.
As a designer, what fashion guidelines have you refused to follow?
In Kerala, ladies are on the heftier side, they often prefer wearing sarees and salwar suits. Personally, I have ditched loose pants, and settled for some well-fitted pants and tops. After all, curves are in.
What should be tossed out of a suitcase?
Low self-esteem. It is not the shape of your body that matters, it is the attitude. You will feel beautiful when people see you the way you are and not by your size.
SHALU GEORGE
Make-up Artist
Are you conscious to admit that you are a plus size?
(Laughs) Or conscious to say I am in a plus-sized model shoot? No, I think it is a beautiful experience.
The big fashion crime?
I am not sure why there is so much restriction on wearing sleeveless tops. Listening to these comments, makes us too conscious and objectify our bodies. I personally don’t listen to them and wear whatever I feel like.
What are your thoughts on body image?
The society, media and the world of modeling have set a lot of standards. I feel understanding your body is like understanding yourself and not letting others define you.
JASEENA KADAVIL
Make-up and Hair Stylist
What was one thing you took away from the shoot?
Sometimes you feel that very fashionable things can only be worn rarely. Whenever I head for shoots, I wear loose shirts and jeans just so I don’t feel too concious. Usually, designing plus size costumes are not a speciality for everyone, thus dressing up casually and fashionable is something that I never imagined.
What surprises you about the popular body image?
It’s funny that I am a makeup and hair style artist, and I usually do styling for brides and models. They all set the standards when it comes to being a perfect size, and I have wondered how it is to be a plus sized model? FWD brought out a refreshing side to it.
Trying out something new for your wardrobe?
Definitely important, but I realise it’s not the clothes you wear but how confident you are. In the end, that’s what brings an ensemble to life.
ANITHA KURIAKOSE
Marketing Executive
What plus-sized clichés have you had to fight against?
(Laughs) Sometimes people dress up based on others’ opinions of how they should dress. My mother used to tell me to wear long and loose kurtas, and to avoid short sleeves and leggings. But when you find a certain comfort factor, you realise you wear what you want to wear. I was most pleased to find a comfortable pair of palazzos.
Has size ever been a hindrance while shopping?
There are times when you see a wonderful dress in a store and wish you could lose tonnes of weight to pull it off. But there is always something suitable, and fashionable for each of us. When I go to work I love mixing my attire with formal pants, dresses and even skirts. What matters at the end is that when you look at the mirror, you should feel content.
Do you feel pressurised by your own body image?
The truth is I would love to lose weight, not just for the sake of looking good, but feeling good. There are health concerns when you are overweight, body image is the least of it.
Words: Atheena Wilson
Photography: Jinson Abraham
Styling: Lakshmi
Makeup: Jeena
Adapted from an article that originally appeared in FWDlife magazine, August 2016 issue.
