Fashion designer Quiteria Kekana, 38, has been named on social media by comedian Lesego Tlhabi after an alleged body shaming incident that left her in tears.
Lesego, better known for her satirical character Coconut Kelz, took to social media to share the body-shaming incident that allegedly happened at Quiteria’s studio in Johannesburg. Lesego says the designer described her at a “fatty boom-boom” and made her feel like her body was not good enough.
“So today I went to a famous designer who was told my sizes way beforehand because it’s for TV. Does he not then declare very loudly in the store after a failed try-on that he has nothing for me & then uses words like “fatty boom boom” to describe how I’d look in the designs. Yoh,” she wrote on Twitter.
“Actually nah. It’s Quiteria and George. What happens from there is above me. It was shit shit shit. If I lose this opportunity, I lose it. I will never ever wear something from there. And it was “Q” himself.”
Lesego went on to express how hurt she was, “To the convo this week, this is why fatphobia is so different than other shaming. I was made to feel like less than nothing today because of my body. My body is not good enough for his dresses & he let that shit be known. He really could’ve said that to the stylist on the phone.”
“Heyi I’m hurt af. And of course I have to shake it off because it’s for work. Your day really can get ruined on account of you being a big girl in a way that no one else will understand. The industry literally doesn’t want us. It’s wild. I’ve never swallowed tears like that. Wow. When I’m off contract, I will name him. For now, I don’t know what the job requires.”
Responding to the allegations, Quiteria said, “There is clearly a misunderstanding here. I make garments for women of all shapes and sizes. I will be in touch with Lesego.”
Yoh that time I’m shooting with Adidas fucking Ivy Park tomorrow so puffy eyes must die. At some point I’ll stop being the most sad hun in Jozi, tears will cease and I will remember who the fuck I am! Thank you family 🥺🥺🥺❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/eT1QQtx4jm
— Lesego Tlhabi (@LesegoTlhabi) February 24, 2021
🤗 Sorry man. You’re not going to lose anything. Don’t worry.
— Sizwe Dhlomo (@SizweDhlomo) February 24, 2021
I’m not surprised Lesego. I was told I’m fat too in 2015 whilst doing a fitting with them. The way Q pulled his face when I tried on a dress was pure disgust. He said my body needed ‘some major work’ cause there isn’t really a dress for me.
— Lexi Van (@van_lexi) February 24, 2021
Sorry babe 💖😤
I’m so sorry Lesego💔💔💔💔
— Olwethu Leshabane (@Olwe2Lesh) February 24, 2021
😐😐I’m so sorry. WTF??????
— thickleeyonce (@ThickLeeyonce) February 24, 2021
Quiteria Atelier’s IG comments are lit and we love the show of support. Time to teach these designers to respect women. We expect nothing less than a proper apology! pic.twitter.com/1MxOKxjyup
— CurvaceousLife&Style (@CurvaceousSA) February 24, 2021
He isn’t a ‘designer’ if he cannot design for all bodies. Screw him.
— Aneshree (@Aneshree6) February 24, 2021
That Quiteria cat is awful! Rude & shady. Had the wildest experience with them. RHA
— lioness of judah 👁 (@blaqfli) February 24, 2021