At just 23, London-based content creator Alessia Golfetto is already on her way to becoming a pivotal figure in redefining plus-size fashion. Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, before moving to the UK, she’s championing inclusivity in an industry often critiqued for its limitations. Influenced by trailblazing curvy influencers, Alessia reveals what inspired her to craft her own path. “I saw how they created a space for plus-size people to feel seen and fashionable. I just wanted to do the same for others,” she explains.
When it comes to her style, Alessia challenges the conventional wisdom about plus-size fashion. Her wardrobe combines bold, colorful, and sometimes daring elements that flaunt her confidence and push back against societal norms. “I hate this idea that plus-size people need to cover up, so I will literally go out of my way to try not to,” she states firmly. From gingham-patterned tops and flattering skirts to cozy layers, each outfit is a testament to her belief that fashion should empower and celebrate the body, not hide it.
Looking to the future, Alessia tells us that she’s not just content with being in front of the camera. The content creator envisions herself at the helm of a new movement in fashion, one that includes launching or designing for a brand that mirrors the cutting-edge styles seen on today’s runways, tailored for the plus-size community. “My dream is to have more trendy, stylish clothes in circulation for curvy girls to play around with,” she shares. Luckily, she’s already on the right track, having just become Cosmopolitan’s new Contributing Curve Editor.
Continue reading to learn more about Alessia Golfetto’s story and her experience in fashion.
Hey Alessia! For anyone just getting to know you, can you tell us a bit about yourself and your upbringing?
Hi, I’m Alessia! I’m 23 and currently living in London. I was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, and moved to the UK when I was 16. I’m also half-Italian! My favorite color is yellow, and I have an adorable sausage dog named Dexter. Now for the fun stuff! I am a plus-size advocate in the creative space; I model, I create content, and, most recently, I became Cosmopolitan’s new Contributing Curve Editor! So, anything curve and fashion or lifestyle-related, I’m your girl!
You’ve been sharing content and modeling for quite some time now — do you remember what sparked your interest? At what point did you go, “I can make this a career”?
I mostly took a page from all the other curve influencers I used to follow. I saw how amazingly they created a space—a very tiny one — for other plus-size people to feel seen and, well, fashionable! I just wanted to do the same for others as well! I love the thrill of finding clothes that might fit, and when they do, it’s so rewarding to put together an outfit I’d see all over Pinterest or just even imagine in my head.
I never really envisioned this becoming my career, but I’ve always loved fashion, and as a big girl, it’s been hard to put the two together. But I think it’s so important to change brands’ perspective on what “looks good.” So I decided I’d do just that and show them!
Also, you’re a bit of a fashion icon these days. Your looks are honestly so incredible and inspiring. How would you describe your style, and ultimately, how does fashion empower you?
First of all, thank you! Hmm… I’d say a mix of sexy, cool, colorful, and confusing sometimes. I’ve always wanted to embody confidence everywhere I go and one sure way for me is by putting on an outfit that just makes me feel like me! I am still figuring out my style, but I will always try to incorporate some color or texture that makes me stand out a bit.
Also, I’m heavy on showing skin! I hate this idea that plus-size people need to cover up, so I will literally go out of my way to try not to! (I’ve always been a little rebellious, can you tell?) To answer the question, I feel empowered just by showing other girls like me that they can look just as good, if not better! Does that actually answer it?
London weather can be a bit unpredictable at times, but what are you looking forward to wearing during the spring?
OMG GINGHAM! I’m so obsessed with gingham atm, skirts, dresses, and button-ups! I will be looking like a picnic blanket all spring! And, of course, a cute textured jumper over it!
Having worked on several fashion and beauty campaigns, do you feel that there is more curvy girl representation now? Is there anything in specific you’d love to see more of in the industry?
It’s funny because I actually don’t! We’ve gone in the entirely opposite direction in recent years, and it’s so sad. My curvy girls aren’t being booked as much or put forth for social campaigns, and it’s so scary to even think about it for me.
We’ve gone back to thinking curvy girls don’t fit a general “aesthetic.” There’s just one thing I wish people understood: we could dress and look just like you and exude this “aesthetic” you’re trying to push if we were just given the opportunity to dress like you! We work with what we’ve got, and that’s okay, but don’t push us into a box and then taunt us for being in it.
I’d love to see a curvy girl being used in fashion as the cool girl. Less of the body positive, always smiling, extra in a campaign. I want to see them as the stand out, looking exactly how a straight-sized person would and dressed just like them!
Speaking of, how would you say your own attitude to fashion and beauty has changed over the years?
For me, I think I spent the majority of my earlier years just trying to convince people that being fat was attractive. If it wasn’t sexy, I didn’t feel comfortable for some reason — which is so ironic, but you get what I mean. But recently, I’ve found comfort in wearing baggy clothes that might make me look bigger than I am.
I wear what I want, even if it’s not the trend right now. I wear things that might not go together as long as it’s what I envisioned in my head. I look up less to people who are just pretty with a great body on the internet and more to people who are pushing boundaries with their style. I rely less on just one brand for all my clothes and actively search for timeless pieces that not only fit perfectly but also i could style in millions of ways and never get tired of it.
We’re already a quarter into 2024 — what’s on your dream board for this year? Do you have an idea of what you want to accomplish in the next few years?
I’d love to work on just that campaign I described previously! I’m gonna work on creating more of a space for the plus-size community in the fashion industry in any way I know how! I’d also love to have a regular community event with all my plus-size babies in attendance!
I want to help brands expand their size ranges so that they don’t look like something my grandma would wear. I’d love to design a collection for a brand or possibly even start my own plus-size clothing or denim brand *wink wink*. My dream is to have more trendy, stylish clothes in circulation for curvy girls to play around with! I have no idea how I’m going to get this done, but I’m definitely gonna try!
Do you have other models or creatives that you look up to or turn to for inspiration in terms of your style?
Myla, Belinda Ingrid, Mira Al-Momani, Francesca Perks, and Tze Shin Low. These are my internet stars!! Some of them friends, some of them I’ve looked up to years and some I run to their page for inspo when I’m drawing blanks! One thing they all have in common is their distinct style and use of textures and colours with just the perfect blend of personality.
Lastly, is there any advice you would give to young girls reading this who are struggling to feel confident in their own skin?
Honestly, it’s just to enjoy your body while you’ve got it! Don’t wait to lose weight to enjoy wearing clothes, trying new styles, and showing yourself off. Don’t be afraid to stand out, please! It always helped me to look to other girls who look like me for inspo just to convince myself it’s possible. Lastly, don’t beat yourself up if you’re struggling to navigate your own personal style with a bigger body. We all still are!
Published by Malcolm Trapp
