A obese fashion show in front of the Eiffel Tower to...

Paris: On Sunday, hundreds of obese women braved the rain and the Covid-19 pandemic in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris to demand more variety in costumes and help people accept themselves.

Women of all weights gathered on the catwalk under the gray skies of Paris and under the cold temperatures, as they wore masks, in an activity organized by the “Paddy Positive” movement.

In Trocadero Square, models of all sizes swayed with their bodies that did not conform to the stereotypical image of supermodels. Some of the men did not hesitate to join them on the stage.

Georgia Stein, who is behind the “Paddy Postev” movement, told AFP that the show, which was held for the fourth time, “was a real challenge, as 500 exhibitors participated in it despite the virus and restrictions, who came from all over France and Belgium, which proves that the movement is gaining momentum.”

The mannequins wore costumes from Chinese brand “Shin”. “I didn’t find a French brand. I would have liked to have found one,” Stein said, but she noticed, however, that things are starting to improve in France, which is reflected in the advertising campaigns and even on the catwalks of Fashion Week.

And in March, Chanel hired a 40-size model, whose “natural” shape was distinct from other skinny models.

Stein expressed her satisfaction that the French designer Jacquemus carried the torch of the cause advocated by “Buddy Positive”, after Jean-Paul Gaultier was a pioneer in this field.

“All battles take time. We have developed tremendously in two years, and this proves that people need this movement to find themselves in it, accept themselves and feel happy,” said Stein.

Higher education teacher Emily Dore, 30, proudly wore a lace ensemble highlighting her curves during this show to prove that “all women are beautiful.”

Christina Constantin, a 27-year-old travel agent, wore a skin-colored bra and black sweatpants. “I am very proud to be here. We are women and we accept ourselves,” she said.

As for Dawson Barba, a 30-year-old saleswoman, she discovered “Buddy Positive” on social media, and this show was her first. She says her participation in it is a “great joy”. It’s her way of protesting against a society that cultivates “typical” beauty.