Dania Beckford’s full-figured designs
Arguably, most women are self-conscious when it comes to their bodies; moreso plus sized women. For some ‘fluffy’ women, their body consciousness can be the cause of low self-esteem. However, one young Jamaican woman is actively taking steps to bring about a paradigm shift.
Self-dubbed full figured woman (FFW) Dania Beckford has been designing swimsuits for women like herself through her Broadtail Designs swimwear line.
Originally from Discovery Bay, St Ann, this ‘lifeoholic’ said she loved going to the beach as a child, her favourite place in the world.
However, there was a dilemma when she was confronted with the limited options when it came to appealing swimsuit options which would complement her voluptuousness.
“I can remember growing up I would always wear a swimsuit my mother gave to me from the 70s which I thought was so sexy and vintage,” she laughed.
As the years passed, she added her own personal touch to her swimsuit wardrobe, and came up with her own set of unique designs.
Her love for fashion and rocking pieces which accentuate her own body type led her to posting pictures of her pieces on social media.
“When I started to post online, women of all body types would ask me where I bought my swimsuits. Then I was encouraged to start sharing my designs,” she said.
“Peacocks are one of my favourite birds. When they are confident and want to show off — they open their beautiful tails and strut around. Similarly, when we as women feel confident and sexy we show off and strut around. Plus ‘broad’ is a common word that Jamaicans use to describe women who are full figured,” she said explaining her business name.
She said she wants FFWs to look and feel good about themselves.
“No longer will the colour black be used to hide the body of a full-figured woman. They will not be afraid of whites and prints. But one thing is for sure, the sexiness of the designs will remain constant.”
She said she constantly gets expressions of gratitude from other full-figured women.
“They share with me how confident and sexy they feel when they wear my designs. For them it allows them to bring out their inner fierceness.”
She added: “There is strength, beauty and an inner roar in every woman. Love yourselves, pay keen attention to the spirit that guides you, and never think that anything is too good for you. Whatever you want or strive for, you deserve it. So choose well and stay sophisticated and sexy!”
