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| Zaihani Mohd Zain |
Fashion community hits back at fat-shaming style critic
Sarawakian designer Tom Abang Saufi says weight has never been an issue. — Picture via Instagram/Tom Abang Saufi
MALAYMAIL ONLINE
PETALING JAYA, April 17 — More Malaysian fashion designers have taken to social media to express their anger over style critic Zaihani Mohd Zain's fat-shaming post.
Zaihani, known as Kak Zai in the fashion industry, said those who weigh above 60kg should not be attending fashion shows, prompting criticism from the public.
Earlier today, designer Calvin Thoo responded on Facebook, saying that Zaihani had no right to stop plus-size individuals from attending runway shows.
Sarawakian designer Datuk Tom Abang Saufi followed suit, uploading not one but two Instagram posts.
Tom’s first post was a collage of influential fashion figures — who come in different shapes and sizes — such as former Vogue editor-at-large Andre Leon Talley and British fashion critic Suzy Menkes pictured with Vogue editor Anna Wintour.
"Front row HEAVY WEIGHTS... fashion royalty...sizes and weight ..NO ISSUE..," posted Tom.
In her second post, the Bornean designer shared pictures of her younger self and one with the Hermes brothers in Paris, France, depicting changes in her weight.
“[I’ve] been many kilos different and done and attended many shows globally but never has weight been an issue,” captioned Tom in the post.
Batik and songket designer Adila Long also hit back with an Instagram story post with a screengrab of Zaihani’s message along with the captions, “I don’t understand why people still kiss ur @$$ and think you’re a guru.”
Adila slammed Zaihani on Instagram story.
Our industry has no more room for cattyness. Maybe it time for the veterans to make way for more socially conscious, fresh people. #pahamelimpah #StopBodyShaming
Zaihani, a celebrated fashion stylist and critic said sitting next to a plus-size person whose thighs were spilling over was “awkward and uncomfortable”.
