Kiwis launch plus-size calendar

Kiwis launch plus-size calendar

A Kiwi woman has launched the country's first plus-size-only calendar in a continued bid to push the body positive movement.

It follows a plus-size-only fashion weekend, which drew fierce criticism online.

It's another nervous milestone for Regina Alai, launching a special kind of calendar – a first for New Zealand.

"I wanted to be able to show the world that we make a woman look glam and at that level of professional model, without the body size and the facial features and fitting the traditional template," says Ms Alai.

The New Zealand plus-size calendar is exactly what the title suggests.

For most, it was the first time in front of a professional photographer's lens.

"It represents people who are mothers, people who have lived, people who have issues with their bodies, putting themselves out there. And it's a confidence boost as well," says Beth Stapleton.

"There's a major stigma around being plus-sized in New Zealand. It's about showing people we can be beautiful; we don't have to be skinny to be beautiful," says Tiare Strickland.

The calendar is a natural progression for organiser Ms Alai, whom 3 News first met back in October.

Then, in the build-up to her first plus-size-only fashion show, online trolls were hateful. A fierce fat-shaming debate took off online when pictures to promote the event were posted. Since then, she says, it's been smooth sailing.

The calendar for these women is all part of what they say is a body positive movement taking over our shores. The next milestone for Ms Alai will be another plus-size-only fashion weekend in June.

"It's super cool. Seriously, I'm not this big personality or anything. But I have a passion for things that are right," says Ms Alai.

And that, Ms Alai hopes, will keep this movement going.

For more information, please visit the Regina and Peachtree website.

3 News