This archive report was first published on 5 July 2019.
On August 3, the Miss Plus World competition will be held in Houston, USA, with Kenya's representative to be crowned at the Miss Kenya Plus World beauty pageant, set to take place on Saturday at Garden City Roof Top.
Founded by Neomi Ng'ang'a, the pageant seeks to challenge traditional beauty standards by celebrating diversity and creativity in plus-size women. The event is part of the Miss Plus World franchise, which aims to showcase the beauty and talent of women worldwide.
With over 450 models attending the national auditions, the competition will see 29 finalists battle it out for the prize. The judging panel includes Massawe Japanni, Michelle Ntalami, Christine Khasinah, Muthoni Gatheka, and Neomi herself.
According to Neomi, the vision of the Miss Plus World Pageant is to showcase the diversity, creativity, leadership, style, grace, and beauty of women worldwide. She adds that the full-figured African black woman has never truly been celebrated and showcased as an icon of beauty.
As part of the event, celebrated creative Teddy Michener has created a concept that will speak to the wondrous beauty that is the African woman. In collaboration with Neomi, he has brought to life the illustrations of Duane Bryer, popularising Hilda, the plus-size pin-up girl who graced many a calendar from the 1950s through the 1980s.
