The Hongkongers not afraid to challenge stereotypes and say big can be beautiful
Mainstream media pushes the ‘slim equals beautiful’ line, but some plus-size Hongkongers are defying the convention that openly criticising and ostracising fat people is socially acceptable
Standards of beauty that emphasise a slim and sleek look are being challenged by plus-size fashion models such as Tess Holliday and Ashley Graham. Celebrities including comedienne Amy Schumer and actress Jennifer Lawrence have spoken out against the body image ideals promoted by Hollywood, starting a cultural conversation about the issue.
That’s in the West. In Asia, however, the “slim equals beautiful” standard remains firmly entrenched, although Hong Kong is not without people willing to challenge convention.
Bertha Chan is a marketing manager by day and a fashion blogger by night. Weighing almost 82kg, she may not fit the mould of a typical stylist, but dressed in a colour-block romper suit, she exudes style and confidence.
In her blog, The Curvasian, she shares advice on fashion, where to buy plus-size clothing, and her personal story. The blog has evolved over a decade into a platform championing body positivity, but Chan says it’s a difficult message to hammer home.
“I think it’s part of Chinese culture for people to openly discuss your physical appearance,” she says, “especially if you are fat. It will easily make you a target of verbal abuse.”