Zendaya goes big with her collection

Collection exclusively featured size-inclusive models of colour on the runway

ZENDAYA, THE 22-year-old actress, has teamed up with designer Tommy Hilfiger for an exclusive Spring 2019 TommyXZendaya range – which is available from size 4 to 24 and features silhouettes and rainbow stripes – and the star debuted her collection at Paris’s Theatre du Champs Elysees with a runway that was filled exclusively with models of colour.

Speaking to US Elle, Zendaya said: “I want to make a show inspired by the women who made it possible for me to be in the position where I am now. Honestly, I just wanted to say ‘thank you’ to them through this show.

“I said to Tommy, ‘If we do a show, this is what it needs to be about’. And Tommy said, ‘Great. Go for it’. And he actually meant it. I mean, look.”

Also on the catwalk were Winnie Harlow, Janiece Dilone, Debra Shaw, and Chrystèle Saint Louis Augustin, Jourdan Dunn, Beverly Johnson, Veronica Webb, and Beverly Peele to name a few.

The runway featured 59 black models – aged 18 to 70 – including Grace Jones.

After the show, Zendaya tweeted: “I’m still in shock and so emotional and moved by this show...I’m speechless. Thank you a million times @TommyHilfiger #TommyxZendaya. (sic)”

Local designers who advocate for size-inclusive models:

It’s refreshing to see that more and more designers are featuring all types of body shapes for their runway shows. Using curvy models as a statement to promote body positivity and self-love is growing both in the South African fashion scene and abroad. The diversity of models on the runways is more visible than ever. The face of fashion as we knew it is changing.

| Reuters TOMMY Hilfiger and Zendaya at the show at Paris Fashion Week.

SINCE day one, Khosi Nkosi has always been about making clothes that makes women feel good regardless of their size. Her clothing is feminine, flattering and will hug your curves in all the right places.

THIS Ruff Tung showcase received a standing ovation in Joburg, sealing the stamp of approval for inclusive runway shows. The Ruff Tung aesthetic is about making women feel glamourous, especially plus-size women in cuts and fabrics that they wouldn’t normally consider wearing.