The reality show “GGBeauty”, from Channel E! Entertainment, is in its third season, which will end next Thursday (21st). In the new phase, the program showed the evolution of the careers of Fluvia Lacerda, Mayara Russi, Nahuane Drumond and Elisa Fava, and also follows the new Ford models who seek a space in the world of curvy and plus size fashion. Among these, the highlight is the Argentinian Mica D Fuego.
OR “Them on the red carpet” spoke with model Mica D Fuego, who turns 24 on December 15, to talk about the differences in the market between Argentina and Brazil for plus size models, fashion for fat people and how to love yourself, regardless of your body . “Argentina is a very fatphobic country – or has been for many years. Recently the situation has started to change, and plus-size models and fat women have started to have space in magazines and the media,” she said she.

Mica is also an actress and began her career in the audiovisual sector, on Disney Channel. “I was the first fat Disney character in Latin America. It was 2018. I see how, in fact, nowadays the space for non-standard women has increased,” said the new participant of “GGBeauty”, pioneer in showcasing this plus size fashion market and bringing the issue of fatphobia into the debate. “This series, in addition to being a great success, breaks with these exclusive beauty standards that dominate the media and brings representation, something essential for a more inclusive and less prejudiced society,” said Marcello Coltro, senior vice president of NBCUniversal in Latin America, in the third season premiere.
Watch the interview with Mica D Fuego.
Them on the red carpet – You moved to Brazil in search of a warmer market. What is the market for plus size/curvy models like in Argentina? In your opinion, why are the two countries different in this respect?
Mica D Fuego – The market for plus size models in Argentina is very small compared to Brazil, as there are no big brands like this here. These are all initiatives that will grow as the years go by, but we are still around 10 or 15 models working there in Argentina and all trying to look for opportunities in other countries. In my opinion the two countries are very different in this respect. Firstly because Argentina is a very fatphobic country, or has been for many years. Not long ago the situation began to change and plus size models and fat women began to have space in magazines and the media. Little by little, this market is expanding. But, as a model, I can say that the productions I do there are very small compared to the opportunities I have here in Brazil.

Them on the red carpet – You are also an actress. Do you think there are good opportunities for non-standard women in the audiovisual sector nowadays? In this sense, is there a difference between Brazil and Argentina?
Mica D Fuego – Yes, I am an actress and I started my career in the audiovisual sector, on Disney Channel. I played the first fat Disney character in Latin America. It was 2018. I notice how, in fact, nowadays the space for non-standard women has increased. I feel that differences and diversity are celebrated more lately. But I also feel that, somehow, they continue to cast these non-standard women into certain types of characters: funny or a little caricatured, but never protagonists. But yes, I have to admit that there is more space than when I was a teenager and had no references. Nowadays, I can see myself represented in the media. Not as much as I would like, but I feel like we’re making progress. And I think this is more evident here in Brazil than in Argentina. Maybe the fact that Brazil is bigger, has many more inhabitants, makes it advance faster, because there is much more market. I feel that the difference also goes in that direction, in Argentina things happen a little slower.
Them on the red carpet – What are the biggest doubts that plus size women have when dressing?
Mica D Fuego – I don’t know if there are common doubts. I think every woman is different, every woman has a different shape and a different personality, so I don’t like to put all plus size women in the same bag. I think fat women are constantly practicing courage and that’s very interesting in fashion because, in my case, I feel something very healing. Through fashion, I find the courage to show off my curves, wear colors and highlight my personality. I don’t know if plus size women have doubts about what clothes to wear, what looks good on their body, but first and foremost comes self-esteem, which comes from a place of its own. So, fashion and clothes can help you enhance your beauty.

Them on the red carpet – What are the biggest lies GGs are used to hearing when they get dressed?
Mica D Fuego – I don’t know if they are lies, but legends. There are many myths about fat bodies, such as “wear a longer skirt to cover your knees”, “don’t wear horizontal stripes, because they make you fat”, “wear black, to disguise it” and even “don’t wear white, that makes you fat.” There are many things that are not certain, they are myths. And I think fashion helps break that down and having plus size models, so that women can see how beautiful our bodies can be in form fitting clothing, in colour, that highlights our curves, increases the our inspiration as women.
Them on the red carpet – What is the fashion industry missing to meet the needs of plus size women?
Mica D Fuego – I see that, compared to Argentina, there is a lot more variety and brands that fit size 50 and up, but I think there is a little more variety and boldness. There are few brands that dare in this sense, with sexier pieces, with a deep neckline, for example. It’s all very similar. In my case, for example, when I have a gala event, a red carpet, I find few designers who have a size 46 for me. Depending on the dress, they may not be available.
Them on the red carpet – There has been progress, but there is still a long way to go. In your opinion, how can society help women accept themselves, without listening to prejudices?
Mica D Fuego – Syes, there are still many prejudices. I think having fat women in the entertainment market helps a lot. There are many women on social media who create support networks with each other. I am inspired by many plus size models who show off their bodies. On days when I feel sad or have low self-esteem, for example, I watch videos of these women and see myself reflected in them: this gives me a lot of strength. Obviously prejudices exist, there is a part that only expresses hatred and not only towards fat bodies, but towards everything. I can’t change everyone’s opinion, but I can speak up louder and be proud of who I am.

Them on the red carpet – What are the most common mistakes made by plus size women when dressing?
Mica D Fuego – I think there are no mistakes when it comes to dressing. If you like what you’re wearing, then that’s fine. I’m no one to say whether someone is dressed well or badly.
Them on the red carpet – What is the hardest piece of clothing for an XL woman to find on the market?
Mica D Fuego – For me, for example, who has a lot of breasts, it’s about finding a good strapless bra. To date I haven’t found a strapless bra that doesn’t actually fall down. Even physically it is difficult, because it is not easy to find pieces with good support. Jeans can also be very difficult. At least in my case, in Argentina, I never found jeans that fit me. I bought the first pair of jeans I wore when I was 21, when I went to live in Mexico: they were the first that fit and looked good on me.
Them on the red carpet – Is there anything forbidden for the GG woman?
Mica D Fuego – Nothing is forbidden to the GG woman! But I have heard many phrases in this sense throughout my life. They banned us from many things, like fat women, mainly so we wouldn’t feel sexy in our bodies. “Don’t wear it because it marks your fat” or “this item shows your cellulite” or “we only have one size”. But nowadays nothing is forbidden.
Them on the red carpet – We talk a lot about women, but do plus size men also have difficulties? What are their biggest difficulties and how to overcome them?
Mica D Fuego – Exactly, we talk a lot about plus size women and I know that very few men define themselves that way. It’s a topic that still needs a little more light. I don’t want to give a judgment because I don’t know the topic well. But, for example, my brother is a fat man, in Argentina, and all the clothes he buys come from outside the country, because he has no way of dressing there. Obviously there are some things, but if you want something more different or a little more daring and youthful, it’s hard to find it in Argentina.
Them on the red carpet – Give advice you think is important for plus-size people, both about fashion and life.
Mica D Fuego – I think the journey with our body is eternal. And I would be lying if I told you that I wake up every day with absolute self-confidence. But I’m sure my body is pure magic. I am a super powerful woman by simply existing. There is a phrase that I really like: “Our physical body is the vehicle that carries our soul on its path of evolution”. So, this body is our machine, the one in charge of bringing our soul to all these experiences on this path that is life. It’s very important to honor him and say nice things about him, from head to toe. I think that the exercise I do of looking in the mirror and saying “I am enough” is important, even if the whole world told me the opposite for a long time, that I was wrong, that I didn’t deserve to dress that way. I wanted it or not, I had to feel beautiful just the way I am. Today, when I look in the mirror and say that I am enough, I really believe it. And it’s true.
Source: Terra

Ben Stock is a lifestyle journalist and author at Gossipify. He writes about topics such as health, wellness, travel, food and home decor. He provides practical advice and inspiration to improve well-being, keeps readers up to date with latest lifestyle news and trends, known for his engaging writing style, in-depth analysis and unique perspectives.