A plus-size male model from Parklands is taking part in plus-size male fashion show this evening.
Andile Sam, 39, is one of 12 models who will strut down the catwalk wearing a new plus-size men’s range designed by a secret designer.
The show takes place at the Radisson Red Hotel at the V&A Waterfront.
Andile, an engineer by trade, joined a modelling agency only last year and landed his first gig as an extra just a few months later.
“It’s a very competitive environment and very difficult to land modelling jobs especially as a plus-size male model,” he said.
Earlier this month, Andile attended the #PlusIsEqual casting call and was one of the few selected from 60 models.
“I hope the fashion and modelling world acknowledges the fact that there are a variety of body sizes globally and that plus-size bodies should be embraced and treated equally with equal opportunities for all,” he said.
Married to his high school sweetheart with two teenage daughters, Andile’s schedule is full but he makes time to stay fit by running half marathons, hiking Lion’s Head and Table Mountain, doing ballroom dancing and gyming at least four days a week.
He says men suffer the same insecurities about their bodies women do but society teaches most men from a young age to not show weakness.
“It’s time for society to know that a plus- size man also wants to be represented in the fashion world and also want to have designer clothing sizes made readily available. We don’t want to have to always compromise on fashion to just get the size that tends to fit.”