Dubai As fashion statements go, there is nothing more inclusive than Fashion For All (FFA), the region’s only plus-size fashion event which takes place every year. So when FFA returns to Dubai in its sixth edition on October 15, the 50-odd models who will walk the ramp will be as varied as they can possibly get as they come from all sizes, ages and ethnicities.
Twenty-six-year-old Komal Chhatwani, who will be appearing for the fifth year, said the idea behind the show greatly appeals to her. “I am a plus-size model with a lot of confidence. I keep coming back to inspire more people to feel good about themselves.”
Body-shaming
In an emphatic message, the young Indian talent manager said, “Stop the body-shaming. There’s too much of that happening around us. There is a misconception that only slim and zero size models can walk the ramp, but what we need is to have more ‘real women’ out there.”
For most plus-size models, FFA has come to symbolise beauty beyond all barriers.
]“True beauty lies within, and this show provides people an opportunity to flaunt their worth.”
Zareen Khan, founder of woman2woman Events which organises FFA, said, “This edition of FFA represents diversity. We have models from India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Uganda, Nigeria, Russia, England, France and America. The age range is from 12 to 55.”
She said all models undergo a full month of training on posture, catwalk, nutrition, skin and hair care, self-esteem and dance.
“They have been trained by the likes of health and beauty expert Malini Ohri, NLP and confidence trainer Ruqya Khan, fashion stylist Alefia Tambawala, dance trainers from MAD (Mad About Dance Institute) and yoga and meditation specialist Sucheta Chadda.”
Khan said confidence and attitude are what matter. “Wearing the right attitude on your sleeve is the best embellishment you can give yourself. Everything pales in the face of this very important feature.”
She said FFA 2016 will also be showcasing the works of several fashion designers like SASH, Sandhya and Sheetal Rajan, Yashraj Chhatwani, Henna P. Aswani, Radhika Dhanwatay, Sabira Shah Nawaz and others. She said this year’s FFA is also hosting a ‘Super Heroes’ documentary series.
“These documentaries are a collaborative production between Selfie TV and woman2woman to showcase real life role models from the community; individuals who are making a difference and living out their passions at the same time.”
What: FFA 2016
When: October 15, 7 to 10pm
Who: Plus-size models
Where: THE FRIDGE – Al Serkal Avenue (Al Qouz)
How: By invitation only
