It’s not everyday that you get to brush shoulders with a plus-size model who endured the obstacles of seeing her dreams come true. 25-year old Loretta Lucia grew up wanting to be a model and through a lot of hard work, she made it happen. She started small, and soon saw herself walking the catwalk for local plus-size fashion house Flow. However, things didn’t go the way she wanted to, and she soon decided to leave the industry.
We managed to sit down with one of Malaysia’s plus-size models to discuss the plus-size modeling industry in Malaysia and to find out about some of the challenges she faced.
Q. When did you realize that you wanted to model and what inspired it?
I first discovered that I wanted to model as a teenager. I played dress-up with my schoolmates and we’d sometimes imagine we were strutting down the runway, but soon I realized I wanted to do it real life. Sadly there was no demand for plus-size models in Malaysia, so I never really tried to pursue it, but I found a few plus-size models like Tara Lynn to be an inspiration.
Q. How did you approach clients/ how did you score modeling gigs?
It honestly wasn’t easy at all. There are very few companies that required plus-size models and a majority of them were plus-size fashion retailers like Flow. I approached them with the help of social media and recommendations.
Q. When modeling, were you ever criticized for being too chubby/disproportionate?
People on social media can be extremely heartless when you don’t live up to their expectations. I won the “Face of Zalora” modeling contest and I have to admit that their followers were unhappy for crowning a plus-size woman as an ambassador. I thought it was amazing of Zalora for wanting an “average” Malaysian as someone to represent them, but I ended up being bashed for my waistline. People are so used to seeing thin models that they’re entirely disgusted at the fact of seeing someone normal.
Q. In your perspective, how would you describe the Malaysian plus-size modeling industry?
I think it’ll reach its peak, but it’ll probably take a while. Asians in general seem to have a very negative view on plus-size models or anyone without ‘ideal’ measurements. I find that the on-going Ms Jumbo Queen pageant in Malaysia to be empowering, but the way I see it, the contestants are quietly being ridiculed among the audience and general public. It’s quite an insulting title too, so why not change it to something more positive like “Miss Plus Malaysia”?
Q. You left the modeling scene after a brief stint. Can you tell us why?
The number one reason is because of my tattoos. Apparently, models aren’t supposed to have tattoos so I find it quite odd. I think your skill as a model shouldn’t be defined by what’s on your skin, but how you represent the company that hires you. You can be tattooed, pierced or flawed, but that’s something you’re meant to work with. I feel that the industry here is so focused on perfection. It’s too old-fashioned, and they would even ask their plus-size models to lose weight. Isn’t that ironic? Honestly, I am happy the way I am and the criticism is just too much to handle.
Q. Do you have any word of advice for plus-size women who want to try out modeling?
Don’t hold your dreams back. Go for it, but be thick-skinned and don’t let other people’s criticism of you get in the way of your self-esteem. If it’s something you can let go, all the more power to you!
