Last March 21, a local clothing brand took over the stage at the SM Mall of Asia Arena to revive its popular fashion event after seven years, with this year’s theme being “Body of Work.” The fashion show gathered over a hundred artists, models, and athletes to deliver their fiercest walks on the runway in the middle of the coliseum.
Famous personalities such as Zeinab Harake, Kirk Bondad, and Max Collins had appeared in their best looks, but it was none other than Olympic gold medalist Hidilyn Diaz’s wardrobe who made a famous social media influencer question the brand and stylist’s choice in building her ensemble for the event.
Gaining their fame in Tiktok, Filipino-American user otakoyakisoba, Oliver Balgos, voiced in their official Facebook page that they found it “disrespectful” that someone such as Diaz who is widely known for being an athletic figure “couldn’t even be dressed properly[…] unless size 0-5 yung katawan,” (the body).
The influencer pointed out their specific points on Diaz’s shoes that were not “fitting,” and stated that “whatever clothing she had on was unflattering on her body type.” They further addressed their frustration with the brand, remarking, “You gave her that spotlight slot only to have her wear that?”
While they considered that Diaz may have felt grateful for the simple reason of being a part of the event to model, the Tiktok sensation felt that their remarks, which dissected further into her appearance, had to be said. They also pointed out that “All the celebs and influencers looked grand, but she couldn’t even be given a bit more to work with?”
In regard to Diaz’s experience, the well-renowned weightlifter shared her thanks to the clothing brand in an Instagram post made yesterday.
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Balgos closed their sentiments on the matter by expressing that not everyone is shaped the same way, finalizing, “A bit more of care and respect in dressing a “non model type” […] would have been great to see. If you want to be “inclusive” at least do it properly, not just for the sake of saying you did. What a missed opportunity.”
It seems social media users were on board with Balgos’ take, with a top fan writing, “An Olympian who brought home the Gold medal: It truly was best to have adorned her/styled her somehow celebrating Pinoy pride.”
The Tiktoker then replied earlier today to comments that have accused the post of a purely one-sided opinion, highlighting, “So many comments ‘ikaw lang naman nagrereklamo.’ True. That’s why it’s up to viewers to call it out if they see something. Most people in the industry can’t say anything. Some people need work or don’t want to be blacklisted.”
Balgos ultimately promoted their followers and other users to be a voice for others when there was a noticeable concern, reflecting, “Don’t just stand and judge or be a bystander.”
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