Meet the Woman behind Nigeria’s first Plus Size Fashion Week

To celebrate this month’s Body beautiful theme, ELLE  interviewed  the remarkable Temi Aboderin Alao,  the woman behind Curvy agency, one of the first plus-size modelling agencies in Nigeria and the founder of Nigeria’s first ever plus size fashion week.

What is plus size? In the fashion industry especially high fashion, “plus size” is considered a size 8 and above. For me, I feel plus size starts from size 16 and above. We must remember that what is most important, is the health and well-being of the woman.

How does it feel to have the first plus-size fashion week in Nigeria?I feel very grateful to be the vessel used to bring the vision of plus size Fashion Week Africa to life in Nigeria. It’s a wonderful feeling, especially working alongside other beautiful and strong plus size women, who understand what we are trying to achieve.

 What is the current scope of the commercial market lacking for plus size women? The Commercial market lacks the stylish pieces in a variety of sizes, plus size women want to look gorgeous just like every other woman. They will also like to “shop until they drop” if the market has what will definitely fit their shape and style

Who has inspired you in the plus-size industry? Sphie Dahl. She was pretty much the first plus-size supermodel from around 1996 to the year 2000. She has modelled for high-end designers like Yves St Laurent and Jean Paul Gaultier. Although she had a short career as a plus-size model, she inspired me enough to believe that it is possible to create a massive impact in my own way in the plus size industry.

 Do you feel that there are enough plus size fashion designers in the market to see the growth for Plus size fashion week? Absolutely Yes. Even here in Nigeria its looked like we only have a few plus size designers and which include me as one of the pioneers but Plussize Fashion Week Africa has successfully created a platform to bring these designers to the limelight of plus size fashion. This includes designers who are extending their range to cover plus size as well.

What do you see for the future of your clothing brand and the plus size Fashion show? Plus size Fashion Week Africa is already seen as an international brand and I see it becoming more international given more designers like myself more visibility on the international fashion scene which will include more indigenous African plus-size models.

If you had one wish for the women of the African continent what would it be? I wish they should be happy, live a fulfilling life, manifesting their destiny and using their talent and abilities to make Africa a better place for the future.

Your message to women who don’t feel beautiful in their bodies?

My message is.

You are Beautiful

You are Relevant

You are capable

And you are Precious.

Embrace yourself and Embrace your body.

Love who you are and remember you are a Queen fearfully and wonderfully made by God.

You can follow Temi on Instagram: @iamkinghadassah / @Pfwafrica