A final-year Computer Science student at the University of Lagos, Ololade Ayelabola, is setting her sights on breaking the world record for the longest distance walked on a catwalk by a model.
This ambitious attempt is scheduled for September 29 to October 3 at the UNILAG Sports Centre and aims to surpass the longstanding record of 114.4 km (71.1 miles), established by Roberta Brown and Lorraine McCourt during a grueling 96-hour event at Parke’s Hotel in Dublin, Ireland, back in 1983.
Ayelabola, an ex-beauty queen, draws inspiration from her own experiences with discrimination and disqualification in the modeling industry.
She believes that many talented individuals are often overlooked due to rigid standards of beauty and height.
“What prompted me to attempt this is the stereotyping I’ve noticed in the fashion industry. In modelling, there’s this idea that if you’re not a certain height or don’t look a certain way, you can’t succeed. I have seen many talented models sidelined because of these biases,” she expressed.
Her journey into this challenge was catalyzed by a personal setback she faced during a fashion show audition, where she received compliments on her walk but was ultimately rejected for being “too short.”
This experience ignited her passion to advocate for change within the fashion realm.
“That’s when I decided to create a platform to inspire people; not just in fashion but in every area of life, to break free from stereotypes,” she added.
Ayelabola’s walk is designed to promote inclusivity and diversity, featuring models who represent a range of backgrounds and appearances, including those who are albino, have vitiligo, freckles, tribal marks, or are plus-sized.
“I plan to walk with 100 models. We are going to storm the runway and inspire everyone to believe that, with passion and hard work, you can be whoever you want to be,” she declared.
Grateful for the overwhelming support from her university community, Ayelabola particularly acknowledges the encouragement from Vice Chancellor Professor Folasade Ogunsola.
This initiative not only aims to set a world record but also seeks to challenge societal norms and celebrate the beauty of diversity in the fashion industry.
