When you hear the word ‘model’, what comes to mind? An image of a body type ranging from size four to size eight? If you thought so, you’re wrong. The fashion industry has long evolved beyond that stereotype. Designers now embody a message of inclusivity that embraces all body types, including plus-size models. But there’s still so much work to be done, especially regarding body positivity and adequate representation.
However, we can’t help but acknowledge the huge improvement compared to two decades ago. In recent years, we’ve witnessed a diverse display of larger women on magazine covers, runways, and fashion and beauty campaigns.
Despite how challenging this paradigm shift in the industry has been, some gorgeous women have been serving plus-size fashion looks that shatter stereotypes. In this article, we dive into plus-size modeling, showing top models breaking boundaries and making a name for themselves in the industry.
Who are Plus-Size Models?
Plus-size models are women who wear clothing designed for larger bodies, typically from a size 12 upwards. Like any model, they strut and pose in these pieces with confidence and style.
Contrary to what most people think, these models are neither overweight nor unhealthy. Instead, most of them lead healthy and active lifestyles. Though their body may be different from the usual runway model, they’re as fit as they can be.
With the rise of the plus-size modeling industry, many agencies now diversify their talents to include and represent large-sized women. They’re making waves on the catwalk and even in print and digital publications. Curve modeling aims to embrace different body types and foster heightened confidence in a woman’s anatomy regardless of the size she wears.
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Top Plus-Size Models Taking the Fashion & Beauty World by Storm
Ever seen a woman so voluptuous with an admirable aura that makes you wonder if she’s a style icon? That’s the starter pack of being a model with an unconventional body size. They’re curvaceous, confident, and chic. Here are the best of them redefining conventional beauty standards with their curves:
Ashley Graham
Ashley Graham is a trailblazer and veteran in the plus-size modeling industry who has become a household name over the years. She was the first plus-size model to appear in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. That same year, she became an honoree of the Forbes “30 Under 30”.
She’s also graced the covers of Vogue, Harpers Bazaar, and Elle and continues walking for top brands like Michael Kors, Prabal Gurung, H&M, and others. Furthermore, she’s an advocate of body positivity and uses her platform to promote it. Ashley is also a TED speaker and author with lingerie and dress collections.
Precious Lee
Precious is the first black, curvy model to appear on the pages of US Vogue in 2015. She got into modeling at age 18 and has continued to be a pacesetter in the industry. She’s appeared on runways and in campaigns for brands like Versace, Savage X Fenty, Michael Kors, Prabal Gurung, Moschino, Pandora, etc. Recently, she also strutted on the runway for Mugler’s Fall/Winter 2024 show at Paris Fashion Week.
Tess Holliday
Tess Holliday began her modeling career at the age of 15. Besides being a model, she’s also a prominent stylist and makeup artist. She’s graced the cover of Cosmopolitan UK and has been featured in Vogue Italia. Holliday has also walked for top brands as well.
Candice Huffine
This American model is one of Victoria’s Secret favorites. Besides gracing the covers of top fashion publications and editorials, she’s been photographed by renowned names like Steven Miesel, who named her one of his “Calendar Girls” for the 2015 Pirelli Calendar.
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Paloma Elsesser
Paloma has been in the game since 2010. She became popular on Instagram when makeup artist Pat McGrath discovered her page. She won the 2020 Model of the Year award and has graced several Vogue covers. She’s also walked for top fashion houses such as Fendi, Alexander McQueen, and many others.
Tess McMillan
Tess’ alluring body has been dressed in pieces from Balmain, Gucci, Carolina Herrera, Jean Paul Gaultier, etc. Her bright red hair and milkmaid complexion are some of the features that stand her out.
Jill Kortleve
Kortleve is a Dutch model who rose to fame when she made her runway debut at Alexander McQueen’s Spring/Summer 2019 show. Since then, she has walked the catwalk for Chanel, Fendi, Valentino, and Simone Rocha, and others.
Lauren Chan
Lauren Chan is a Canadian model, editor, and entrepreneur who’s walked for names like Christian Siriano and Peter Do. She’s been honored for her efforts in New York City’s Asian-American community on size inclusion in the fashion industry. Besides being a model, Chan was formerly the fashion features editor at Glamour. There, she won an American Society of Magazine Editors Award.
Furthermore, her passion for diverse representation in fashion led her to found Henning, a slow fashion brand offering sizes 12-24. She also co-designed the Glamour x Lane Bryant clothing line and continues to be a bold voice for plus-size women.
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Denise Bidot
Bidot began her modeling journey when a photographer discovered her while working as a makeup artist. Her breakthrough moment came when she walked for Chromat’s spring 2015. Ever since then, she’s made a regular appearance on top runways, starring in campaigns for Savage X Fenty, Olay, Levi’s, etc.
Hunter McGrady
Hunter is an American plus-size model who became famous for working with Sports Illustrated in 2017. She co-hosts the interesting Model Citizen podcast with her sister, Michaela McGrady. She also has her clothing line, All Worthy, in partnership with QVC and has collaborated with popular brands like Fabletics and Olay.
Plus Size Models are Here to Stay
Despite the many obstacles in the industry, curve models have become some of the most recognizable faces in fashion. With Ashley Graham as a household name and Paloma Elsesser, Precious Lee, and Jill Kortleve as “the new supers”, you can only expect the industry to keep growing.
The models listed on this page are only the tip of the iceberg. Many other plus-size models are taking the fashion world by storm. But the beauty of their endeavor is that they aren’t just walking billboards for fashion and beauty brands as they light up social media and runways with their confidence, charisma, and astonishing fashion sense. They’re also empowering other women to be confident in themselves and love their bodies without conforming to illusive beauty standards.
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