Spring Fashion Feature: Meet Curvy Catwalk Model Kiani Souza from Kaua‘i
Kiani Souza is a midsize model with sexy curves and fierce angles. Thanks to size 12s-and-up who shaped the new definition of a model before her, this Kaua‘i woman fits in perfectly on runways and in fashion campaigns.
Kiani Souza, Renew Models. Hair and Makeup: Jasmine Mullins. Photo: Harold Julian
The first time Kiani Souza walked in a major runway show in 2021 she was speechless, amazed even to think that’s “me, standing at 5-7, curvy, from Kaua‘i, walking in Miami Swim Week.”
Now that fashion houses, including Fendi, Gucci and Chanel, have been giving the floor to “norm” figures (size 6 and bigger)—finally! —Souza, from small-town Lāwa‘i, is proud that she did not change her shape or belief in her body to fit in. “I got turned down by multiple agencies,” she says. “Since I was midsize, I had to lose or gain weight to be successful. But I own my body, my temple. I am 200% confident in it.”
That Lizzo-esque self-assurance has paid off. She signed with Renew Models last year and has already walked in shows for more than 15 designers, booked jobs for LA Fashion Week and San Diego Swim Week, and appeared in the campaign for Dancing With the Stars’ Lindsay Arnold’s activewear line. “I’m not here to just be a part of the industry, I’m here to change it for future generations,” Souza says. Yes, you are.
“I’m not here to just be a part of the industry, I’m here to change it for future generations.”
Kiani Souza, Renew Models. Hair and Makeup: Jasmine Mullins. Photos: Harold Julian
Bassike Cutout Longerline dress, $395, We Are Iconic, 1108 Auahi St., #155, (808) 462-4575, shopweareiconic.com.
Dior Extreme sunglasses, $600, Saks Fifth Avenue, International Market Place, (808) 600-2500, saksfifthavenue.com. Spiral resin earrings, $248, Gucci, Ala Moana Center, (808) 942-1148, gucci.com. Glicine crêpe vest with ostrich feathers detail, $9,400, Gucci. Fleur du Mal satin bodysuit, $350, Raquel Allegra Tuxedo Tracker Pant, $380, We Are Iconic. Embossed slingback pumps, $850, Gucci.
