LEGACY IN LONDON
When we think of the word Legacy, we might think of family, generations, or blood line, but I want to shine some light on a legacy that has been created for and fueled by an entire community of people of absolutely no blood relation. A legacy that is driven by the intent to remove fatphobia from the grid all together.
Fatphobia, also known as anti-fat, is the implicit and explicit bias of overweight individuals that is rooted in a sense of blame and presumed moral failing - (Boston Medical Center). Stereotypes and societal norms tell us that fat people have no place in fashion. I don't think people as a whole, realize how absolutely crippling that ideal can be for some people. As we enter mental health awareness month, it's important to touch on the issue.
Fashion is so amazing it can connect us all, no matter blood, size, nationality, sex, or creed. Fashion goes so much deeper than the surface, and can be used to hurt, as well as to uplift in the very same context. The way we look directly impacts how we feel, but the way we think and talk about how we look directly impacts our overall well-being. What does the word "fat" mean when it's used? What is the usual intention of its use? Does it truly have any place in fashion?
LaQuinta Davis has spent years working tirelessly to create and build something that is more than just a fashion brand, but a real legacy to be left behind for the community to benefit from long after she's gone. If you have ever experienced even a piece of the plus community, you should know Diva Bigg. Whether it is a pre-COVID face mask that matches a banging look, or the fashionable pieces seen on runways and magazines that push all boundaries, while still elevating our heightened fashion senses, but on some level, we have experienced parts of this legacy. LaQuinta's vision has always been to showcase plus bodies in high fashion couture, and why the hell not??!!! She has always intended to alter the connotation of the word "fat” and create alternate moods when hearing the word spoken. Before inclusive brand sizing and plus mannequins, LaQuinta created spaces for plus bodies in places they had never been before. Before Versace brought out PreciousLeeXoXo, or anyone knew of a Christian Siriano, LaQuinta Davis @DivaBigg was building a legacy that also transformed the feelings felt when seeing a fat body on a runway, in a magazine, and even hearing the word "fat" being used for us all.
In February, LaQuinta Davis and the beauties of #DivaBigg, took over London Fashion week in a three-part show. One of the show segments was dedicated solely to Diva Bigg and the London Premiere of the heavily anticipated documentary, "Fat Is Fashion", which takes a deeper dive into the who, what, when, where, and why's of this legacy. Needless to say the ladies and gents across the pond were beyond excited for this debut, as this was not the first runway appearances for LaQuinta and her crew. As pictured here, we can get a taste of the fire that was brought per her usual performance, but there was nothing usual about this visit. This time was different, this time the legacy was left on the runway in London.
There is more Legacy left to be shared in 2023, with two additional opportunities to take part in this monumental happening, be sure to follow Divabigg and check out www.fatisfashion.com for more information, tickets to upcoming premieres in Atlanta and NYC, along with ways to sponsor and support this legacy.
all images in this feature shot by Surjit Pardesi @pardesiphoto
