Plus Size Models Walked During Fashion Month

TOOD MILLER October 14, 2022

I had nearly a decade's worth of high-end fashion photographers, billboards, beauty campaigns, and articles to my name, for many years plus-size women made me feel grateful just to be invited to these fashion month shows because, quite frankly, I didn't have the acceptable "fashion-worthy body" that's so prevalent in the fashion industry. I could tell that my size was still a problem. The issue of plus-size models was still present.

This was also evident from the lack of diversity on the catwalks, particularly in London. With their flamboyance, creativity, and punk spirit, artists and musicians from the nation that gave birth to punk and witnessed decades of fashion trends influence the rest of the world, but not enough to involve larger individuals.

I then made the decision to abstain from LFW. Why should we support you until you invite us to participate in the performances, give us front-row seats, and dress us?

In the year 2022, we've gone through a lot. Mental health, wellbeing, self-love, and self-care have been at the forefront of our main conversations throughout the pandemic, along with the true significance of diversity and inclusion. We've noticed a significant shift in the way brands are promoting the idea that bodies of all sizes belong in their social media pages, brand campaigns, and messaging. Brands like Never Fully Dressed, Karen Millen, Ganni, Anthropologie, and Rixo have expanded their plus-size ranges to demonstrate that they were paying attention to the current conversation about inclusion. Surely, that wasn't merely a fad.

With that in mind, I had high hopes for this year's fashion weeks. I dove back into the fashion week vortex to see if any brands actually lived up to the hype, and I'm going to be so happy that London will have received the same big inclusive energy that New York, Milan, and Paris have received.

Now that we properly #IncludingTheCurve? Yes, we're going to normalize all different body types. We will actually witness this change, with its roots deeply rooted in the earth and prepared to grow and bloom, rather than as a one-time gimmick or an effort to salvage a company's reputation.

Let's examine who, if anyone, proved me wrong this fashion month and see who actually made that inclusive change.

NEW YORK FASHION WEEK

With an average of 40 models per show and over 110 designers showcasing in New York, there were 4,400 looks paraded down the runway by models.

Brands represented included: Prabal Gurung, Marni, Veronica Beard, Eckhaus Latta, Altuzarra, Fendi, Collina Strada, Christian Siriano, Theophilio, Michael Kors, Priscavera, and VOGUE World. Tommy Hilfiger, Tory Burch, Fenoel, Parsons MFA, Deveaux, Marni, Carolina Herrera, Christian Cowan, Tibi, Coach, Markarian, Selkie, Brandon Max.

plus size model
Sinead O'Dwyer at London Fashion Week STUART WILSON/BFC

LONDON FASHION WEEK

LFW featured over 100 designers, with 40 models per show on average. In total, models would have paraded down the runway in 4,000 different looks.

The following brands were represented: 16 Arlington, Sinead O'Dwyer, Karoline Vitto, Chopova Lowena, Harris Reed, Mark Fast, KNWLS, Dilara Findikoglu, Feben, Nensi Dojaka, Rejina Pyo, and Halpern.

Out of the 4000 models, 45 were plus-size, and of those 45, Sinead O'Dwyer (14 plus models) and Karoline Vitto (11 plus models) really stood out. They both demonstrated to the industry what it was like to not have one or two curvier models as a tokenism and instead beautifully and honestly displayed the beauty of all different body types. I was completely astounded.

A stunning display of people in all shapes, sizes, skin tones, and genders was also held by RIXO.

BODY POSI FASHION WEEK
Max Mara at Milan Fashion Week VICTOR VIRGILE/GETTY IMAGES

MILAN FASHION WEEK

At MFW, more than 60 designers displayed their work, with each show averaging 40 models. In total, models would have paraded down the runway in 2,400 different looks.

9 out of 60 designers and models were included.

Dolce & Gabbana, Stella Jean, Boss, GCDS, Matty Bovan, Max Mara, Versace, Sunnei, and Andreadamo were among the brands represented.

15 out of 2400 models had a plus.

PARIS FASHION WEEK

PFW featured over 80 designers, with 40 models appearing in each show. 32,000 looks, on average, would be paraded down the runway by models.
9 out of 80 designers and models were included.
Balmain, Chloe, Ester Manas, Ottolinger, Koche, and Coperni were among the brands mentioned. Like Sinead O'Dwyer and Karoline Vitto, Ester Manas had a lovely variety of curvier bodies.
In Paris, 33 out of 3200 models were plus-sized.
Twenty of them were models from the Ester Manas performance.
Who do you think broadcasted the most size representation, based on the aforementioned averages?

When it comes to inclusion, New York has always been the leader in my eyes. New York did have the most plus models this year, but there were never more than 4 in a show. Consider the amazing shows from Chromat as well as the groundbreaking Savage Fenty shows by Rihanna. Instead of claiming that a particular fashion week had the most representation, I'd like to say that these particular designers have won this season in my opinion: Karoline Vitto, Sinead O'Dwyer, and Ester Manas at LFW and PFW, respectively

I'm choosing designers over locations because, in the absence of them, curve representation in those cities would have been incredibly underrepresented. All four fashion weeks' 45+ models have come from those three designers.

How will next season turn out? Have these smaller brands broken the barrier?

Should we encourage these high-end designers to succeed by providing support instead of encouraging them to show more representation with a model or two?

Or do we continue to promote the companies that, although they don't appear on the catwalks, do frequently feature our curvier body types, such as:

Marina Rinaldi

Rixo

Never Fully Dressed

Mary Benson

Karen Mabon

Loud Bodies

Only time will tell, but I'm eagerly anticipating the upcoming season and year to see if #IncludingTheCurve will continue in all areas. I intend to make notes.



Tags

Post a Comment

0 Comments