When one door closes, another can swing wide open. Just a few weeks ago, amidst the viral trend of “Hi, my name is… and this is my submission to walk at GTCO Fashion Week,” Alexandra Obochi—affectionately known as Diaryofafatshionista—set social media alight. Her video submission, bold and unapologetic, was less an application and more a wake-up call to the fashion industry. Her words struck a chord. With striking honesty, Alexandra challenged an industry that still shies away from embracing women above a size 8. And although her video faced backlash from trolls urging her to take it down, she refused to back down. Alexandra’s message was bigger than herself; it was about making space for all women.

@fatshionistaa

I attended gtco fashion weeked last year. I didnt see any plus size model on their runway. And by plus size i don’t mean mean a size 12 with a huge behind, i mean a woman that looks like me and bigger in fact. Rolls ,fupa and more. I said i wasn’t going to apply this year because its always one disappointment after the other, but after i thought about the reason i keep coming back to preach body positivity i decided to apply and use it as a avenue to educate y’all. For the people in the comments that bodyshame me, remember , your sisters and mothers and friends and family look like me and most even bigger, how would they feel if you told them what youre telling me ? Exactly !!! So here’s to hoping once again. #gtcofashionweekend #plussizemodel #plussizetiktok #model #abujatiktokers

♬ Active – Asake & Travis Scott

A Powerful Challenge

In her powerful video, Alexandra began, “Hi GTCO, my name is Alexandra Obochi. I am 176 cm tall, 5’9”, and based in Abuja, Nigeria, and this is my entry for GTCO Fashion Week.” She went on to challenge the industry, saying, “You and I know GTCO isn’t gonna pick me. You’ve never seen a woman like me on GTCO’s runway, have you?” Alexandra pointed out that size 12 is not a true plus size, noting that the average African woman is a size 14 or above, yet plus-sized models remain absent on many African runways. “Fashion isn’t just for size zeros,” she argued. “Curves, fupa, and rolls—all these deserve to be celebrated.” Her call to action was clear: “GTCO, if you’re truly celebrating fashion, then it’s time to showcase all women. Fashion belongs to all of us. It’s time to catch up.”

A Moment of Inclusivity for Diaryofafatshionista

Against all odds, Alexandra’s call for inclusivity finally found a stage. She walked the runway at the recently concluded Lagos Fashion Week, modelling a piece from the Oshobor SS25 collection. Her outfit was a stylised Edo traditional bridal outfit. It was a stunning nod to Edo culture, created with incredible detail and pride. Each stitch, each fold of fabric, honoured the spirit of Benin, bringing heritage and artistry to life on the LFW runway. Watching Alexandra take her well-earned place was more than just a fashion moment; it was a beautiful celebration of dreams, identity, and change.