THE KIT

After a three-year hiatus, the third Toronto Plus Size Fashion Show took place at Artscape Daniels Launchpad on Saturday, Sept. 2, showcasing the best in size-inclusive fashion, from loungewear and lingerie to men’s streetwear and wedding gowns.

Designers, retailers, influencers and guests gathered for the event, which featured runway shows from six plus-size designers and retailers, as well as shopping pop-ups and a panel discussion on artificial intelligence and fashion. Models of all genders, shapes and abilities walked the runway beaming with confidence to cheers and whoops from the crowd. 

Everywhere I looked backstage at the Toronto Plus Size Fashion Show, models were excitedly chatting, practicing their walks together and trading compliments.

The laid-back mood was very unlike the chaotic atmosphere I’ve encountered behind the scenes at fashion shows in Toronto, New York and Paris. The supportive energy here was so strong that I was reminded of a nightclub ladies’ room around midnight — everyone ready to touch up someone else’s makeup or give a reassuring hug at any moment.

Modjom's experience in a modelling agency brought a whole new understanding of how things work in the industry — including the challenges facing plus-sized models.

"They don't actually accept you as a model or as part of the fashion industry because you don't meet the standard," she said.

"I started to meet some of the girls in town who were facing the same issue. I would see them on social media with great pictures, but nothing was moving. I really started to question the whole industry."

 In the fashion industry, change often trickles down from top and Modjom recognizes the importance of getting everyone on board to make sure genuine change can occur. With Malia Indigo, Modjom’s goal is to create a community that is welcoming to everybody and moves the fashion industry towards a more inclusive state. “Being part of the platform means you embrace the vision, you embrace the mission. That means we speak the same language, and we’re going to grow all together.” 

Une industrie de la mode inclusive, c’est une industrie qui inclut des personnes de toutes tailles, de toutes morphologies et de toutes couleurs de peau. Quand on parle d’inclusivité, on doit voir une diversité et une mixité dans l’industrie, explique la fondatrice de Malia Indigo, une entreprise dédiée à la mode grande taille, Josiane Laure Modjom.

Entre 2014 et 2020, il y avait un mouvement de positivité corporelle, surtout aux États-Unis. On a vu un certain changement, une petite inclusion. Le message est passé, mais à moitié, estime Josiane Laure Modjom.

Fashion Art Toronto est de retour pour son événement annuel. Cette semaine de la mode est l'une des plus inclusives de l'industrie canadienne. Créateurs et mannequins de tous les horizons participeront aux défilés du 10 au 13 novembre.

Never feeling as though she fit into the beauty standard growing up, CEO and Founder Josiane Modjom decided it was time to take action against the limited standard of beauty in the fashion world. Through her networking platform Malia Indigo, she’s building a community and safe space for fashion professionals of all diversities so they can connect, collaborate, work, and ultimately help redefine the industry’s ideals.

We chatted with Josiane about diversity in the fashion and beauty world and how she’s hoping to change the status quo.

 She founded the Malia Indigo Corporation as a response to those who didn’t understand what she was experiencing or where she fit in. The organization has created an international directory for professionals in the plus-size fashion industry, in addition to producing three international fashion shows in Toronto and Paris, creating visibility for under-represented models, designers, make-up artists, influencers, photographers and other industry professionals. Now, she’s just released Malia Indigo, a new networking platform that connects fashion professionals while empowering all embodiment, backgrounds and identities.  

 After noticing a lack of representation within the fashion industry, entrepreneur Josiane Laure Modjom decided to set up a networking platform dedicated to providing visibility for those often overlooked or without a voice. The result is Malia Indigo, and has already connected a number of models, designers and influencers worldwide. It has also hosted panels with body positivity activists and designers, discussing representation in the sector