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Sabyasachi's latest campaign features a plus-sized model and we love the representation

Sabyasachi's latest campaign features a plus-sized model and we love the representation

Designer says he was mesmerised by Varshita Thatavarthi from the moment he saw her.
10 Apr, 2021

Plus-sized, sporting a dusky complexion and flaunting those curves — Sabyasachi's latest model for its upcoming bridal collection is the representation we've all been looking for.

The model flaunts a red chanderi printed sari with a deep cut blouse and three-quarter sleeves. The collection is an ode to real brides and the model has paired some traditional gold jewellery and medium-sized jhumkas with the clothes and we love the entire look.

According to the designer, he has been mesmerised by model Varshita Thatavarthi's beauty since the first time he saw her.

"One day I was sitting in my Chennai store and saw this beautiful woman coming in to buy saris from my store with her friends. I couldn’t take my eyes off her. I loved the way she looked and I must admit I have never done this before but I ran behind her after she left the store," he told The Asian Age.

"She was quite taken aback when I asked if she had ever done modelling. She replied in the negative. I urged her to be part of my campaign. She couldn’t believe it. As she broke down, she told me that she had been rejected by all the modelling agencies due to her weight and skin colour."

He then added how it took some convincing to make her part of the campaign due to her low self-esteem.

"I told her the two most amazing things about her were her colour and weight. This incident took place two years ago and besides being a model she is also my muse and good friend now!” he added.

We're not the only ones appreciating the designer for breaking stereotypes and exploring diversity.

Many people have taken to social media to laud the move.

Way to go Sabyasachi!

Comments

Anwar Apr 10, 2021 02:17pm
This article is not going to go down well with IK's haya brigade.
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truth Apr 10, 2021 02:42pm
kudos but revealing skin to sell products not good sabya!
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Shah Jee Apr 10, 2021 03:11pm
highly unethical of dawn news to show Bollywood entertainment news and gossips despite its banned in Pakistan. respect the laws
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Chrís Dăn Apr 10, 2021 04:31pm
Looking so elegent .
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Tanvir Khan Apr 10, 2021 04:36pm
She is a charming eye-catcher because she is authentic.
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Chrís Dăn Apr 10, 2021 04:37pm
@truth it is not"revealing"-its that just a fact that skin exists there . In summer ,hot days,how one can expect a human being/woman covered top to toe & having attacks if palpitations. Skin exists. Body exists,bone exists and all skin ,all bones,all body is NOT mere sex. Its a body to get some air in summer. If men are not trained in childhood to maintain a self control & to understand that all flesh is not sex-then its menś problem in Pakistan.
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M. Saeed Apr 10, 2021 05:53pm
Beauty definitely lies in the eyes of the beholder. Now, look at Mona Lisa, not far from a plus size, a lady of the 15th century, still baffling the world.
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D’Souza Apr 10, 2021 06:34pm
@truth “ kudos but revealing skin to sell products not good sabya!” Your pm revealed skin when he was wearing short shorts during cricket practice to sell products no. Who are you to say what’s good/bad?
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Browngirl Apr 10, 2021 07:09pm
Brands are making tons of money selling high-priced clothes to KFC-binging women.
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well-wisher Apr 10, 2021 07:20pm
Break the steriotype of women model. This is genuine as nature intended.
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Asif Apr 10, 2021 07:36pm
@truth He doesnt need skin to sell it. His products are hot sell out. He likes sensual femininity and doesn't find them taboo.
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Haris Apr 10, 2021 07:44pm
@Anwar you like it? Then order one for your wife.
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Haris Apr 10, 2021 07:44pm
Is this even a news?
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It's me Apr 10, 2021 08:29pm
@Chrís Dăn really admire your attention to details and the respect you have shown. When will we see ladies from your household clad in the same attire? Kindly point us in that direction as well. Looking forward to learning from you and your family.
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Laila Apr 10, 2021 08:49pm
My initial reaction was shock because of the cleavage and I was thinking this can not be Pakistani fashion. The second reaction was that she has something about her. Even as a female, I find myself almost captivating by her. I guess it's that IT factor model recruiters talk about.
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Waheed UK Apr 10, 2021 08:55pm
Can’t really understand why a woman has to be treated as a object to help sell merchandise and various products. The society must learn to do without “models” as the world has done for thousands of years prior to these new developments. Women must resist the urge to be used as commercial products and regain some genuine respect!
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Asma Sayeed Apr 10, 2021 09:14pm
I don't think those tiers look good health wise and to the eyes....literally kuch bhi!!
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Zulfiqar Apr 10, 2021 10:14pm
That’s not genuine at all. Women have been used to further other interests and this continues the trend. That’s just another example of reactionary fashion.
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Waheed UK Apr 10, 2021 11:05pm
@Laila thanks for your genuine reactions but don’t you think women should not be treated as objects and used to sell commercial products rather than treated in a dignified way and respected and loved as human beings with feelings. It was not the purpose of their creation to be treated as a stimulus to sell products! wahid687@aol.com.
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Zulfiqar Apr 10, 2021 11:56pm
@Waheed UK are you still using aol?
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Laila Apr 11, 2021 03:01am
@Waheed UK Dear Waheed, I think its up to women (and me) to define what they will/won't participate in. I can't speak for her. The article said she wanted to do this and had faced rejection. If this is what makes her happy and secure then that's her call. She is an adult after all. But yes, women, nd to a lesser degree, men are indeed objectified. Even in Pakistan. Not sure it will ever change. Its getting worse especially with the internet, social media digital age.
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Jalal Apr 11, 2021 05:38am
@Waheed UK why are there so many molesters, child abusers and rapists among the so called preachers of dignity and respect when it comes to women . The truth is the more you suppress the more they oppress. The records set by pornography related search from this country prove only one thing that Pakistani society refuses to speak the truth with itself .
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Ibrahim S Apr 11, 2021 06:22am
Sone people have very good eyes to notice the skin . Did someone look at her Charming and somewhat baffled expression on her face . It was directed at those men who had a microscopic vision .
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Syeda abidi Apr 11, 2021 07:30am
Disrespectful and disgusting image no need to show her body like this where rape level going to be hight due to provoking image used by magazine, news paper ,and movies . Its good that you have introduced the new trend by showcasing over size brides and models, but please maintain some decencies
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Khan De Bannu Apr 11, 2021 09:16am
Get this cleavage trend started and earn eternal rewards for your next life, good going.... The generations will follow your guidance and you'll get the deeds in your grave.... I've seen people selling their faith for the sake of their wealth, they expanded their houses but narrowed their graves. Imam Ghazali...
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Iqbal Aswani Apr 11, 2021 09:36am
@Asif Is there any other purpose of showing cleavage than to creat sex appeal? Sorry NO.
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Independent Thinker Apr 11, 2021 09:38am
All of you who are saying that women are used to sell products. Who should advertisers use to sell women’s jewelry or clothing? Men?
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U-turn Apr 11, 2021 10:05am
@Browngirl in fact that's the other side to it, healthy body matters and binge-eating has become a part of consumerism.
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Pacair Apr 11, 2021 10:25am
@Waheed UK you are right. Women should be treated as cattle or commodity like in Islamic world. They should have no say in anything, should be covered from head to toe and married at age of 9
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SecondPilot Apr 11, 2021 10:43am
Pakistanis should retain 12th century mindset within their borders. We thank Jinnah every day.
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Parvez Apr 11, 2021 01:22pm
Its the face that says it all .... amazing photograph.
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Laila Apr 11, 2021 05:16pm
@Waheed UK this is my second attempt to reply you as my previous attempt was not published. I said I could not make the decison on behalf of other women. This model is an adult and she faced rejection when pursuing modeling. So if this makes her happy, even if you or I see it at objectification, it remains her choice. Reality is women and toa lesser extent men are objectified across the world and in Pakistan too. Its getting worse with this digital age of consumerism, selfis, social media, tiktok, Instagram etc. Even headscarf clad females are part of this wave and have signed on to let themselves be objectified.
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Chrís Dăn Apr 11, 2021 09:08pm
@Zulfiqar wrong approach by you. Men,many unfit fat,bulky men wear strange shalwars showing their tummies under kurta without any upper undergarment as its summer:many men wear half/short sleeves in summer showing their manly hair on arms. So what if a woman is also thinking of summer and her own convenience first?
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Chrís Dăn Apr 11, 2021 09:11pm
@Laila there is no difference in a womanś cleavage and in a manś manly hair on his arms in summer short sleeves shirt or his show of chest hair through all open buttons of shirts in summer days:a very common scene in everyday lufe. Psychologically there is no difference. It all is a matter of self discipline.
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Rubina Apr 12, 2021 12:44pm
@Chrís Dăn Does this mean to train a person to accept vulgarity in early age as is done in the west. Sorry to say, this explanation for the very gross dress designed by Sabyasachi is not right. I have no problem with the flesh and body of the model but the designer should have designed a graceful outfit according to her physique. I have seen plus-size women dressed very gracefully.
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Waheed UK Apr 13, 2021 04:35am
@Laila agreed!
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Waheed UK Apr 13, 2021 04:39am
@Rubina well said . Agree entirely. But your approach will upset the so called liberal mindset which is street-wise and shallow that it refuses the consider the consequences and implications of its mind-set
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Chrís Dăn Apr 13, 2021 02:35pm
@Rubina men and women both have their attractions. It is we who need to disciplinize ourselves .
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