It is not an alienated fact that Body diversities that women possess was something that was rarely made a focal point in the fashion spreads and advertising sector. Thereby, making it seem unusual even when it is an ordinary trait and germinating self doubt among women. From a very early age, they are taught to meet the unattainable beauty standards that society has set for them. They are expected to have no body hair, have a flat stomach, always smell like daisies and roses, and be the embodiment of a Barbie. It is challenging to live up to something that is so unachievable, particularly starting at a young age like three. It can be intellectually and physically taxing to have a normalised yet remarkable societal meaning pounded into you from the moment you are born. One such name that is tirelessly working in the same realm is “Empowering Plus”, India’s first plus-size fashion magazine.
With the intent to focus on empowering women in general, including plus-size women, independent of “Body Image Issue”, this magazine was established by Somwya Sharma. It covers fashion and lifestyle problems that affect women of all ages in their unique and informative stories and features. Recently, the magazine became a front-runner again by organising India’s first plus size award show named , “Empowering Award 2022” in Dr. Zombie, Connaught Place. The show was organised at a grand level and was a complete success with Avneet Kaur, Shreya Tyagi, Anjali Kapoor, and Tunisha Khandkabose as the cover models of it. Brijesh Goyal who is the National Chairman- Chamber of Trade & Industry (CTI) and the Member of Delhi Govt – Economic & Financial committee also witnessed this grand occurrence as the chief guest. The event staunted a stir advocating for body positivity and “self-love”.
The sole purpose behind this event was to spread the message that to fulfil a divine destiny, a perfect physique is not necessary. Being thin or a size zero should never be seen as the definition of beauty. There are many distinct body types and shapes, each with its own equilibrium. Being fit and healthy is more important than being thin. Talking about the same, the Editor-In-Chief of Empowering Plus, Somwya Sharma who is also a Fashion Designer stated, “The cause behind organising this event was that I have often felt that there are extremely high societal expectations for women that must stop being imposed on us. It develops early self-hatred and confidence issues. Because it is not natural, self-love is a path less taken. It might be challenging to accept oneself in a society where everything is based on appearance and clothing. We frequently become enraged with our bodies when they don’t behave or appear the way we want them to.Hence, this event helps women with plus sizes cherish their bodies and accept it the way it is.”
Empowering Plus is very well versed with the fact that body image issues can have a significant impact on many facets of a person’s life. Naturally, this also indicates that having a positive body image can benefit one’s overall welfare and mental and physical health. This magazine specialises in Messy size fashion decodes and delivers stories of women of all shapes and sizes which not only makes them heard but also provides hope to them who have similar stories. It is demonstrating to the masses that having physical flaws and blemishes does not make one more or less beautiful. Instead of avoiding them or retouching them, a person should embrace them.
