Kuils River plus-size male model Alex MacDonad wants to encourage others to accept and embrace their bodies despite society’s expectations.
The 29-year-old marketing student was seen strutting his stuff on the red carpet at the Winter Wonderland Fashion Show held at Kenilworth Racecourse on Friday, September 13.
Dressed by Denzil Pillay Designs, Alex was in an all-black outfit with shiny gold chains running over the top of his T-shirt.
Alex says he was a teenager when he first thought of modelling, but he didn’t know where to start. So, instead, he became a choreographer in his hometown of Vredendal.
When he moved to Cape Town four years ago to pursue his studies, he picked up more than 23kg and the idea of modelling was swept under the rug.
“I struggled a lot with my weight and to get back in shape but juggling my studies and work became a problem, and in time I just found myself picking up the extra pounds,” says Alex.
However, he says, once he learnt to accept his new look, he gave his modelling another shot.
He says since showing off his plus-size looks, he has gained confidence, but he is still on a mission to work off the weight.
“The opportunities for male plus-size models are rapidly growing. However, I don’t think that the industry creates enough exposure and experience these models need, especially in Cape Town.”
Self-love is important, he says, because being a plus-size model isn’t all glitz and glam.
“Society brainwashed us with a specific idea of what perfection is. We see it in our clothing shops, but that needs to change. Every size, curve and shape should be embraced and reclaimed as perfection.”
Alex has dreams of merging his marketing experiences with people in the modelling and fashion industry.
On Saturday September 28, Alex can be seen at the Winter in Summer Fashion Show at Inside On The Greens in Wynberg. Tickets are sold on Quicket.