Popular media personality, Tolu ‘Toolz’ Oniru-Demuren recently launched Sablier (“Sab-Lee-Ay”), a premium fuller bust lingerie line. Sablier – which is French for ‘hourglass’ – was created to cater to the often overlooked plus-sized market.
Toolz who reflected on her experience growing up as a full-bodied woman further detailed her journey towards accepting her body shape and size.
“The journey to accepting my body hasn’t been easy. As a curvy girl, you tend to feel out of place – my body type wasn’t the hot thing back then. I just didn’t fit in,” she said.
“I want ladies, irrespective of their size or body types, to be confident and love themselves, and essentially embrace their beautiful, because beauty is from within and is not dependent on what society dictates.”
She further explains that it took her some time to come to a breakthrough about seeing herself through a lens of body positivity. That change in perspective was something she wanted to share, but not just through words.
Toolz who took a course in lingerie and swimwear design at the prestigious and award-winning London College of Fashion to get in-depth knowledge of the lingerie market, reiterated that her struggle to find brands that cater exclusively to her body size was a motivating factor in creating the Sablier brand.
“A huge part of my personal journey was finding clothing, lingerie and apparel options that catered specifically to my needs as a curvy woman. I didn’t find a lot of options in Nigeria, and most often would shop when I traveled,” she said.
It’s only natural that I take on the challenge of providing comfortable but attractive options for plus-size African women who struggle with finding brands that cater to them.”
Pieces from the lingerie line will be available online and in select stores with sizes ranging from 34/36D, with a few selected bra lines going up to size 42J(UK). Orders can be made on the website, shopsablier.com and on Instagram @shopsablier.
Founded in 2007, Ladybrille® Magazine is a California based pioneer digital publication demystifying the image of Africans in the west through contemporary African fashion and celebrating the brilliant woman in business and leadership, with an emphasis on the African woman in the diaspora. Our coverage includes stories on capital, access to markets, expertise, hiring and retention, sales, marketing, and promotions.
