The third season of Survival of the Thickest reintroduces one of my favorite television characters: Nala.
The ambitious fashion student captivates you from her very first scene, and by the end of the episode, you’re already wishing for more screen time.
She embodies my personal big three from the start: an intricate wardrobe, confidence, and boundaries that make you respect a character even more.
Nala showcases my personal big three from the beginning: an intricate wardrobe, confidence, and boundaries that enhance respect for a character.
Ahead of the July 2 premiere of Season 3 of Survival of the Thickest, I had a conversation with actress Alecsys Proctor-Turner, who portrays Nala, expecting to discuss fashion.
We certainly did.
However, amidst discussions about crop tops, romance novels, Pinterest inspiration, and her love for pink, our conversation took a turn toward something much deeper.
Joy.
Not the polished kind often seen on social media.
The everyday kind.
The kind that emerges when you finally wear the outfit you’ve been eyeing for months. The kind that arises from collaborating with a costume department that encourages you to try bold prints instead of discouraging you. The kind that reminds you your story doesn’t have to start with insecurity before it earns happiness.
That joy is woven throughout Survival of the Thickest, and Alecsys hopes viewers notice it just as much as the clothing.
Does Season 3 Feel More Personal Than Ever?
One of the first insights Alecsys shared was that Nala has evolved.
Or perhaps it’s more accurate to say Nala has become a bit more like Alecsys.
“I think the writers and producers understood Alecsys by this season,” she told The Curvy Fashionista. “Initially, they wrote Nala, then held auditions. Now it feels like Nala and Alecsys are one.”
This is one of the gifts that comes with a series reaching its third season. The character continues to evolve, as does the relationship between the actor and the creative team.
Proctor-Turner also credited Michelle Buteau for establishing the tone on set. As the show’s lead, co-creator, and executive producer, Buteau balanced multiple roles while fostering an environment where the cast felt supported.
Alecsys mentioned she was able to collaborate more this time around, even incorporating discussions about hair and touches of her favorite color, pink, into Nala’s wardrobe.
Fans should watch closely because she hinted that those details are sprinkled throughout the final season.
That personal touch extends beyond Nala’s wardrobe. During our chat, Alecsys pointed out the butterfly necklace she wore and shared that butterflies remind her of her great-grandmother, Mama Lynn.
It’s a symbol that also finds its way into Nala’s narrative, adding another layer from the woman portraying her. These are details viewers may not immediately notice but contribute to making the final season feel even more personal.
Can Fashion Change More Than Your Closet?
One answer took me by surprise.
When I complimented Nala’s fearless wardrobe, Alecsys confessed she wasn’t always drawn to color herself.
Before landing this role, her closet looked very different.
She admitted she was hesitant about bright colors and bold patterns until the show’s costume team encouraged her to explore new options.
“I was a little afraid of some of the bright colors and patterns,” she said. “Nala awakened something in me.”
I loved hearing that because fashion has a unique way of introducing us to ourselves.
For Alecsys, stepping into Nala’s wardrobe allowed room for a version of herself she hadn’t fully explored yet.
She credits the costume department for creating an environment where trying something new never felt daunting.
“They talked love and light into me.”
If you’ve ever needed encouragement to buy that colorful jacket, wear that statement print or finally remove the tags from that dress hanging in your closet, consider this your sign.
Do Plus Size Women Deserve Stories Filled With Joy?
Our discussion naturally shifted toward representation, and this is where Alecsys shared something that lingered with me long after our interview concluded.
When I asked what authentic plus-size representation looks like to her, she didn’t begin by discussing bodies.
She spoke about dreams.
“Often they focus on Black plus-size characters struggling with their bodies in space,” she said. “We need hope.”
That perspective feels particularly fitting for Survival of the Thickest.
Yes, the series delves into heartbreaks, career setbacks and navigating life as a plus-size woman.
It also creates space for storylines often absent for plus-size women—romance, healthy friendships, career victories, fashion risks and laughter.
Those moments hold equal significance.
“I have so many beautiful plus-size friends and family,” Alecsys continued. “We are usually the most joyful in any space. They don’t showcase enough joy.”
Research from the Geena Davis Institute has found that authentic multidimensional representation influences how audiences perceive themselves and others. This reinforces why stories extending beyond stereotypes are crucial.
That’s precisely what Survival of the Thickest continues to provide.
How Do You Dress Without Permission?
One aspect I always appreciate about Survival of the Thickest is that fashion never feels like an afterthought. Each look conveys something about the character before they even speak—and Nala’s wardrobe is no exception.
As someone portraying a fashion student, Alecsys understands the reality many plus-size shoppers still face. Loving fashion doesn’t always equate to having access to it.
“I want to wear bikinis,” she expressed. “I adore crop tops and baggy jeans. I want to walk into a store, grab something off the rack, try it on and leave with a shopping bag.”
It’s a simple desire but one many plus-size consumers know isn’t always straightforward.
While strides have been made toward size inclusion in recent years within the fashion industry, shopping can still feel like a scavenger hunt. One store offers extended sizes online only while another stops just before your size arrives.
Then there are brands that embrace size inclusion in marketing campaigns without providing equivalent experiences in stores.
For someone like Nala—who views fashion as a creative outlet—these barriers don’t diminish her passion for style but rather highlight industry blind spots more clearly.
Alecsys is also moving beyond fashion advice many plus-size women grew up hearing.
“If I have rolls, I’m showing them,” she laughed. “I’m always going to have my back out. Always going to wear strapless tops. I’m going to wear what I want.”
That confidence aligns perfectly with where fashion is heading. Personal style has shifted from following rules to discovering what feels authentic—if that means wearing a crop top or head-to-toe pink attire—so be it!
What Lies Beyond The Wardrobe?
At some point during our discussion we veered away from fashion toward books.
Alecsys lit up at this shift in topic.
She mentioned reading around 100 books each year and immediately began recommending titles like an enthusiastic friend sharing her latest favorites.
From romance novels by Kennedy Ryan to fantasy adventures she dreams of bringing to life on screen—her reading list reflects as much about her imagination as her résumé does.
Then she shared something delightful:
If Hollywood called tomorrow, she’d eagerly join dragons in Fourth Wing. She’d train hard—even box or run with her inhaler if necessary—all for a chance to step into that universe!
That response reminded me that Alecsys still dreams as big as the characters she wishes to portray someday!
Why Does Nala Stick With You?
As our conversation concluded I found myself reflecting less on individual outfits and more on why Nala resonates so deeply with audiences in general.
Nala isn’t merely relatable because she dresses well—her clothing is just one facet of who she truly is! Beneath those statement coats and vibrant prints lies a young woman navigating her career while fiercely protecting her peace without shrinking herself for anyone else!.
What Lies Beyond The Wardrobe?
What Lies Beyond The Wardrobe?
What Lies Beyond The Wardrobe?
What Lies Beyond The Wardrobe?
What Lies Beyond The Wardrobe?
What Lies Beyond The Wardrobe?
What Lies Beyond The Wardrobe?
What Lies Beyond The Wardrobe?
What Lies Beyond The Wardrobe?
What Lies Beyond The Wardrobe?
What Lies Beyond The Wardrobe?
What Lies Beyond The Wardrobe?
What Lies Beyond The Wardrobe?
What Lies Beyond The Wardrobe?
What Lies Beyond The Wardrobe?
The Possibility Of Fashion
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