Natural Plus-Size Model Philomena Kwao Wins National Modeling Contest in U.K.

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I don't usually get too hyped on model news, and no, this isn't an America's Next Top Model rehash.

But I'm glad that Brit Philomena Kwao, 22, won a UK national search for the new face of the high street fashion chain Evans. Kwao, of Ghanian descent, has also been in clothing ads and in spreads in Cosmo.  She also has a top modeling contract with Models 1, which has represented Naomi Campbell and other top models like Linda Evangelista and Claudia Schiffer.

And, did I mention she's natural? Naturals, represent!

The Bristol University economics grad, international health management grad student and self-described "geek" is stunning, whether sporting  her trademark faded hairstyle or rocking a weave. Though some have dubbed her the UK's first "Black plus-size pin up," I like that Kwao doesn't emphasize beauty over brains.


“I hope to use this as a platform by which I can hopefully empower girls and young women like myself.," said Kwao, quoted in the Daily Mail via Coco and Creme. I also want to be a figurehead for young girls today who sometimes may become disillusioned by ‘the glamorous lifestyle. I want to show them that you can really do it all if you try; that is to pursue your dreams, whatever they maybe and get an education. Your education doesn’t have to suffer! I also want to help spread the message that there is beauty in everything: every shape, colour, size, and height … whatever. We are all beautiful.”

Curvy Models To The Rescue?
Kwao,who is a size 16, is among a wave of "curvier" models who  have recently begun to grace magazine spreads and runways. Though designers have for years of focused on size 0 and 2 models, they have begun to rethink their so-called "heroin chic" look  and we've begun to see models with slightly more realistic bodies.

Though what the modeling industry calls "plus-size" a lot of times really isn't; it's just average.

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What do you think? Do you think that more designers are embracing "curvier" models? Are more natural models next?

New Black Hair Documentary: In Our Heads About Our Hair

Source: In Our Heads About Our Hair trailer

The fascination with Black hair continues, this time with filmmaker's Hemamset Angaza's documentary, "In Our Heads About Our Hair."

According to an article in Coco and Creme, the film is a humorous and candid documentary that delves into how hair is tied into self esteem and promotes acceptance of all styles. While I'll go on the record and say that more -- not less -- information about our natural hair is needed, I'd like to see the issue examined a bit further.

What About Us?
What's missing is a natural hair documentary from a Black woman's perspective. After all, when it comes to Black hair, who knows it better than Black women? Not saying that men don't have their issues -- they do -- but a woman's crown is her glory and it's a burden that we largely bear.

I know men are inextricably tied to our hair; I get that. One of my top HairNista posts that still gets the most traffic months later is about a husband threatening to leave his wife over her natural hair. Blogs about natural hair and dating -- rather, if natural hair will turn off or turn on men --will be controversial, guaranteed.

Why "Good Hair" Was A Good Start, But More Is Needed
Chris Rock's "Good Hair" a few years ago featured Black women like actresses Meagan Good and Nia Long, but it was still written, I felt, from a man's perspective. It was a good first shot, but it barely scratched the surface. Rock's Good Hair was lighthearted and a good first start, but our hair care practices extend far beyond $1,500 weaves.

I'd love to see a more historical perspective about Black hair -- there is a reason why we act the way we do when it comes to hair -- that needs to be explored to fully understand our hair struggles.And so many women are going natural that it's a topic that needs to be explored as well.

There are so many cultural "land mines" when it comes to Black hair; only now are we just starting to understand how we are affected by our hair, the systemic dislike of it that has been historically passed down for generations, and how to love our kinks, curls and coils.

In Our Heads About Our Hair will be shown at the New Voices In Black Cinema Festival at the Brooklyn Academy of Music (BAM) in February. No word on other dates in other cities.

What would you like to see in a black hair documentary? Are you a fan or not a fan of hair documentaries like Good Hair?