Colombia’s fashion week showcases plus size styles

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Some Colombian women may be known for their curvy body shapes. But on the fashion runways of Colombia’s largest fashion expo, Colombiamoda, the same skinny trend was strutting down the catwalk.

But this year for the first time in its history, the Colombian runway was responding to consumer needs. Plus-size models walked the catwalk for the new Colombian plus size label, Elena.

“We wanted them to be rebellious women in fashion. Break all those rules and forget about it and just feel good about themselves,” Natalia Franco Valencia, designer for Elena said.

The collection named “size revolution” was a refreshing change for not only the audience but its models. One plus-size model says local retailers don’t have much of a clothing selection for women sizes 14 and up.

“There is a poor selection. You only find clothing for women 50 to 60 years old. Jeans and clothing for grandmas. So it is very frustrating when you feel like you don’t fit in this world and you have to settle for what there is,” Monica Patricia Cuartas, a plus-size model said.

And there is a market for plus size women. According to government statistics, 51 percent of Colombia’s population is overweight or obese.

By having a brand like Elena that designs for curvy body types, the Elena team hopes to give women a label that allows them to express themselves.

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