No one can ignore the plus size fashion movement. From the catwalks in London, Paris and Milan, to glossy magazine spreads and ads on shop fronts, we’re seeing a revolution in body types used to sell beauty and clothing. Plus-size models are definitely leading this revolution, challenging societal norms, and setting a new standard for fashion houses and retailers to follow.
This drive for body positivity and inclusivity means we no longer have to aspire to an unrealistic standard of tall, waif-like models wafting down the runway in clothing that would never look like that on us. By breaking these stereotypes, plus-size models are trail blazing a route to acceptance and self empowerment.
Once the exception to the rule, plus-size modelling is now mainstream. But who is the boldest, and the best? Who should you look to for plus-size style inspiration? Here’s our list of today’s top ten boldest plus-size models on the catwalk today:
1. Ashley Graham
OK, we know we’ve been obsessed with plus-size model Ashley Graham for a while now, but she really has changed the face of fashion. From her unretouched photos in Vogue Italia to charting her way through motherhood, there’s nothing about body positivity this bold lady can’t tackle.
2. Tess Holliday
The first plus size model to be signed to a major modelling agency, Tess’s bold attitude has really encouraged women to feel beautiful, whatever their size or shape. Her size 22 curves have shaped the ‘big is beautiful’ movement, setting the standard for plus-size models to follow.
3. Jessica Vander Leahy
Jessica is an Australian plus-size model, who is truly an aspirational figure for young girls today. A feminist and body positivity activist, she was first signed by a plus size agency at the age of 19. Since then, she’s taken the world of fashion by storm, strutting her stuff on some of fashion’s most iconic runways.
4. Paloma Elsesser
London-born model Paloma Elsesser is one of the leading voices in the plus size modelling industry. She’s walked the catwalk for numerous fashion houses as well as fronting beauty campaigns for the likes of Fenty Beauty. A social justice advocate, Paloma is really helping to shake up the fashion industry.
5. Alexis Ruby
She may be relatively new to the world of plus size modelling, but we think you’ll agree that Alexis Ruby is one to watch. Dubbed ‘Marc Jacobs’ New Muse’ by Vogue, we expect to see this fiery red-haired, tattooed soul singer on our catwalks for years to come!
6. Candice Huffine
A former teenage beauty queen, Candice signed her first contract in 2000. Since then, she’s moved into high fashion and her curves have graced fashion campaigns the world over. She’s even founded a size-inclusive activewear line, DayWon.
7. Danika Brysha
Plus size model, life coach, public speaker, author, it’s seems there’s no limits to Danika’s talents! She’s one of the highest paid curve models in the industry and has modelled in campaigns for the likes of Forever 21, Kohl’s and Target.
8. Iskra Lawrence
Why do we love her? She’s bold, she’s beautiful and she’s one of our own! British model Iskra has modelled for some of the top names in the business, and uses her platform to promote body acceptance. None of her social media images are retouched and she’s famous for taking on body shamers. Iskra, we salute you!
9. Denise Bidot
Denise was the first plus-size model to walk two runways shows for straight-size brands at NYFW. She’s travelled the world as a curve model and is a leading fashion icon for women of all sizes. She’s all about ‘your size’ rather than ‘plus size’, and is one of the leading promoters of inclusivity in the fashion industry.
10. Nadia Aboulhosn
Plus-size model, fashion blogger and designer Nadia Aboulsohn is all about promoting body positivity. She’s fierce about self-empowerment, and that’s why we love her!
Inspirational as well as bold and beautiful, we think you’ll agree these ladies are doing an excellent job of promoting plus size fashion and making it accessible to all. Trends filter down from the top, from the catwalk to the high street. The more we see on the runway, the more choices we’ll have in store, and the more we’ll all learn to love our bodies just the way they are.
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