Before I go on, let me define what a plus-size model is. Plus size models are also known as “full-figured models,” “extended-sizes model,” and “outsize model”.

A good working definition comes from Wikipedia which defines  a plus-size model as “a person who is engaged primarily in modeling plus-size clothing. Plus-size models also engage in work that is not strictly related to selling large-sized clothing e.g., stock photography and advertising photography for cosmetics, household and pharmaceutical products and sunglasses, footwear and watches. Therefore, plus-size models do not exclusively wear garments marketed as plus-size clothing. This is especially true when participating in fashion editorials for mainstream fashion magazines.”

This is in contrast to the  skinny models used in Nigeria. In fact, Nigeria has the epitome of what the ideal model looks like, thanks to the successful Nigerian model Oluchi Onweagba-Orlandi. Oluchi has walked the runways in many countries in and out of Africa and now has her own agency called O Model Africa. Oluchi is skinny and has a thin frame with a size/frame that fits the American and European model industry standards of size 2-6. The question though is, is Oluchi and other skinny models (aka Lepas) like her the only standard of beauty in Nigeria’s modeling industry that  should be used in Nigeria? (If most Nigerian women are not a size 2-6, why create an image for them to attain that they cannot? Is this the launch of body image issues for young Nigerian girls to come?)

There is a huge market for plus size models in Nigeria and, all over Africa for that matter, plus sizes ranging from 10-14. Even Western nations are also now valuing plus-size models’ so why is Nigeria where a larger percentage of the women are plus size, not doing the same?

For example, according to the same Wikipedia, “Fashion designers are starting to look more closely at the earning potential from plus-size clothing, and have used plus-size models for their advertising campaigns and catwalks. Jean-Paul Gaultier and John Galliano both used plus-size models in their Spring 2006 showings in Paris. Italian plus-size fashion house Elena Mirò now regularly stages biannual prêt-à-porter shows during Fashion Week in Milan. Mark Fast andWilliam Tempest each used plus-size models during their own London Fashion Weekshowings for Spring 2009, and again as part of All Walks Beyond the Catwalk event held on September 19, 2009 in association with the British Fashion Council.”

So this makes me wonder why Nigeria’s modeling industry is not embracing plus-size models. One reason I have heard is that of acceptance in the industry. Indeed the lack of acceptance is why “The International Fuller Woman Network” was created to connect initiatives around the world that support the size acceptance and plus empowerment movement.” This network has also forged partnership with Big Sister Magazine in Nigeria which is the only “one of its kind that is published in Nigeria and West Africa.” This magazine aims to improve confidence by “encouraging the plus size woman to look fabulous and as such, features some of the best and outfits from the plus size wardrobe…” (http://bigsistermagazine.blogspot.com/)

The average Nigerian woman, for the most part, is a “real” African woman. She isn’t skinny and shapeless. She is a woman with curves and great assets in the backside and the bust. (So, if Nigerian corporate companies are hiring models to sell their products to the average Nigerian woman, shouldn’t they be using plus size models just as much as they use skinny models, if not more?)

Also, most African men, if not all, appear to desire these kinds of average plus-size women. So, if the average Nigerian woman is desired and continues to be desired, increasingly, by Nigerian and African men, why isn’t the plus size model industry introduced into the Nigerian market? (Have you seen Nollywood movies lately? Name one skinny actress you know. Most of them are plump compared to their Hollywood counterparts. If Nollywood is not changing the standard of beauty in Nigeria and is comfortable exporting that to the world, why is Nigeria’s fashion industry insisting only on the Lepa shandis (skinny women?))

The definition of a skinny model came from the West because of its culture and foods. Nigerian/African culture is different. As the industry is still in its infancy state, perhaps a (more expanded view of beauty) is needed that caters to its citizens, its culture and customs.

I’m just wondering and saying, where are all the plus-size models in Nigeria?

What do you guys think? Please share your thoughts.

-Priscilla Bamfo
-Photocredit: Curvyspot/ Model Toccara Jones, Former America’s Next Top Model Contestant

The brand also produces beautifully handcrafted bags, belts, neck and hair accessories. Like the tee-shirts, these pieces are made by hand combining local African fabric with the finest modern fabrics and materials available. Indeed Tayo Shonekan, the creative force behind Aimas has been able to effortlessly express her style in a sassy afrocentric manner. The quirky afrocentric tee-shirt and accessories label launched its store “Aimas room” on Sunday the 29th of May 2011.

Aimas has also released its latest collection ‘Mamas Garden” which is inspired by the stunning blooms that grace her Mother’s garden.

Check out some of the pieces of the collection we liked.

-Bola Oyedele

SHOP AIMAS AT:

Aimas Room
32 Alexander Avenue,
Ikoyi Lagos.
www.aimas.com.ng
info@aimas.com.ng
+234 8098824627
+234 7028028918

Stockists
Terra Kulture Boutique
Plot 1376 Tiamiyu Savage
Off Ahmadu Bello Way
Victoria Island, Lagos.

The Zebra Boutique
33 Sinari Daranijo Street
Off Ligali Ayorinde Street
Victoria Island

www.myasho.com

Photo description: Bunmi Ademokoya at AFI Capetown Fashion Week
Photocredit: Simon Deiner/SDR

What Makes Ikoro Successful? He tells us, ” I am a very fun (and) exciting (person) to work with. I am very professional, hard working, a fast learner and (g)ood at taking directions.

If you are a designer looking to book Emmanuel for model gigs, you may reach him at eogbuja@yahoo.co.uk
Height: 6’2
Origin:Nigeria
Chest: 96-101 cm
Waist: 30-32cm
Shoe size: 11
Eye: Brown
Hair: Black

Experience: Photo shoot, Catwalk.

If you want to be profiled as a Nigerian model, email us at info@ladybrillenigeria.com

~All photos provided by Emmanuel Ikoro

There is no set rule on who makes a cover. The question is whether a magazine’s team feels you are or will be the hottest sensation; and y have a look that speaks to their demographics/audience.

Benefits
You literally “don arrive.”
More opportunities become available to you in the fashion world and at times beyond.

Disadvantages
Barely pays well. Covers can range from zero, depending on the magazine to $500 on a good day with the average being $200-250.

ARLENIS SOSA ON MAKING THE COVER OF LATINA MAGAZINE

Enjoy fashion model Arlenis Sosa, who makes one of of Latina Magazine’s Cover as she describes what it feels like to be the chosen one!

~by Uduak Oduok
~Photo: Iman makes Ladybrille Cover Sept. 2008

PRINT WORK
Print work means you model for magazines, newspapers, catalogs and books. For novices who might not know, it is called “print” because it is in print i.e. paper.  The most common types of print work are magazines and catalogs.

MAGAZINES- EDITORIAL MODELING
When you model for a magazine, you appear usually in a “spread” i.e. an “editorial.” A spread is essentially a story told through photos that the photographer shot of you. It is displayed across two pages of the magazine it will appear in. The spread is a way for a magazine to tell its readers/followers and industry experts, depending on its reach, who or what is hot. The magazine can choose to do a spread/editorial that is focused on the latest clothes or beauty trends.

Either way, a spread in a magazine is usually very artistic and the magazine typically has control over the overall aesthetics and what it is looking to achieve. Within Nigeria, True Love West Africa and Genevieve provide these kinds of fashion editorials/spreads in their magazine pages. Outside Nigeria, there are numerous magazines who also have editorials including, of course, Ladybrille Magazine.

Advantages of Editorial Work
1. Increased demand for your services as a model
2. Travel near and yonder to model in exotic places
3. Your face and name becomes known
4. You build a strong Portfolio

Disadvantages
1. Editorial work does not pay much at all
2. Magazines feel that they are doing you a big favor by featuring you in their spreads. The market and competition is fierce. Of all the wannbe models out there, they are saying you are the ideal beauty, the “hotness.” They open the door for you to get really good model jobs. The icing on the cake is if you also make the cover of that magazine.

CATALOG MODELING
Nigeria’s fashion industry is not quite there when it comes to catalog modeling. However, in the USA, Europe and Asia, catalog modeling is alive and is where the big money is made. Companies that use catalog models often inlcude: J.Crew, Macys, Nordstrom and Spiegel.

The point of catalog is for you the model and also the company to sell clothes. So, shots are a lot less artistic and are aimed to serve the purpose of selling clothes.

Advantages
1. Steady source of income- if they like you and you connect with their customers, they use you over and over again.
2. Pays well
3. Reach a wider audience (a magazine can be limited in terms of audience. With catalogs, your image can reach a much wider audience).

Disadvantage
Not very creative

To see a sample of a spread/editorial, visit Ladybrille Magazine April 2010 Issue here.

The model Zaya used in this article is who we used for that issue. She was shot by Photographer Stephanie Matthews.

~Article by Uduak Oduok

Elite model Management is organizing a nationwide search in Nigeria. It is an essential platform of scouting for Elite’s 37 worldwide agencies.

The elite model look competition gives the agencies’ managers the opportunity to evaluate their contestants and give them a chance to launch successful careers as professional models.

This year auditions would be held on Saturday July 10th 2010 @ REHAB pool lounge 288b Ajose Adeogun street Victoria Island Lagos. The finalists will be chosen from the open auditions by Elite representatives from PARIS.

Throughout the years, the Elite Model Look contest has offered many young girls a chance to start a career of international model at the highest level. From the 60 finalists, 16 are chosen by the jury to participate at the elite model look Nigeria finale.

Selected contestants will be accommodated in September for a week of intensive grooming. This training will cover all the professional aspects of modeling.

The 16 finalists will experience and undergo fitness training, makeovers, nutrition lectures, professional photo sessions as well as a run through of the event.

With a website that can only spell, “Nigeria Fashion Industry Open for Serious Business,” Nigeria International Fashion Week 2010 prepares for its inaugural launch with a line up of  the country’s most creative fashion designers, “to project authentic Nigerian designs to the world.” NIFW organizers explain, the “goal of the fashion week is promoting exportation of Nigerian fashion. Everyone knows Nigerian fashion is the most stylish on the globe.”

The five day fashion week includes: “Fashion Presentations, Designs on Catwalk,One on One fashion presentation with foreign and Nigerian media, Sales of designers clothes at Event, Special Celebrity auctions for 4 star and 5 star participants, Business Networking and Interactive business forum with investors, bankers and exporters on modalities for export and business growth.”

See detailed program below and visit Nigeria International Fashion Week website for more details.

According to Linda,

“The two-day event, billed to take place in April 2010, in Lagos, will involve a five kilometre walk on the streets of Lagos on a Saturday in April and a Gala Night/Fashion Show the next evening. The 5km walk will feature Nigerian models, designers, make-up artists, fashion photographers and writers. (Celebs and concerned youths interested in joining us are welcome). The Gala Night will feature top Nigerian models and celebrities on the runway, dressed by the best Naija Designers.”

The event needs sponsors so please contact Linda Ikeji directly on 08033595004 or lindaikeji@gmail.com or contact the event’s Creative Director, Odega Shawa on 08038387370.