‘Beauty has no rigid look’ – Wits fashion show aims to empower women and celebrate diversity

In a triumphant return, In Her Skin, a fashion show by students from the University of the Witwatersrand’s Girton Hall, reclaimed the runway after two years of pandemic-induced silence.

The show, which was previously called Love Yours, aims to challenge society’s conventional standards of beauty while empowering women to be confident in their skin.

Naomi Tshimanga, the student development officer at the university residence and the driving force behind the show, said it was a tradition at Girton Hall.

“The aim of it is always to build confidence within the ladies in any space they are in, as evidenced by the variety of categories that the event showcases, including formal, workspace or occupation and tradition.

“Building body positivity within females is important, especially in the society where we are, with a lot of normalised standards of perfection which often leave many feeling less beautiful. Unfortunately, because of Covid-19, the event could not happen in the last two years.”

In Her Skin featured 11 students, who each had their own reason for participating. However, they all shared a common thread of personal transformation through the show. Most were not professional models.

Takalani Ratshibvumo, one of the participants, said: “The event meant healing and empowerment for me. I joined the In Her Skin show because I wanted to gain confidence and self-esteem and be reminded of my beauty and power in [the hope] it could inspire others. There were times in my life when I didn’t necessarily feel beautiful in comparison to others.

“So this event meant a lot to me, meaning I could help heal the inner child and experiences from the past,” Ratshibvumo said.

Another participant, Amy Scholtz, said she found empowerment in the entire journey.

“The show and the whole process leading up to it was empowering for me, because arriving at university and residence was difficult for me to adjust to and be confident in who I was. Walking on the In Her Skin show with the other ladies was a chance for me to convince myself to project that confidence and claim who I am.”

Read more in Daily Maverick: Hard road to empowerment – 286 years is too long to wait for equality among the genders

Reflecting on her personal growth, participant Mathuto Motaung said: “As much as people often tell me I have a beautiful body, I was not confident in myself.

“Joining the In Her Skin campaign has been beneficial for me because through it I have gained a sisterhood. I am generally a shy person in public, so being around the ladies I have had to work on my communication skills, making friends, and being comfortable with more people in my space.

“And I do think the event achieved its objective. I, for one, walked away from the event more confident and I was not worried about anything; I just enjoyed embracing myself,” said Motaung.

Speaking about her lifelong desire to be a model, Mihla Mabono said: “Now I feel that I can walk anywhere and take up space.

“Despite enjoying modelling growing up, I didn’t look a certain way acceptable by society, so I often got teased. This event was a platform for me to start. Post the event, I have been receiving assurances and compliments that are boosting my confidence.”

Body positivity is not only about the applause you get when on stage, but also about engaging in practices that help you maintain your self-confidence.