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The world of high fashion has always been synonymous with exclusivity—accessible only to a select few who fit into the narrow beauty standards that are set and perpetuated by the industry. Most women off the catwalks don’t even come close to the ideal ultra-thin physique that’s portrayed and celebrated on the runways and high-fashion magazines. This has not only contributed to unrealistic beauty standards but has also had a detrimental impact on the self-esteem and body image of millions.
Fortunately, things are changing. Thanks to the body positivity movement, we’re seeing a remarkable rise in plus-size fashion from the runways to the racks. The “norm” is being challenged and beauty is being redefined. High fashion is evolving and becoming more accessible, catering to a wider audience and diverse body types. Let’s explore this evolution on a deeper level.
The Historical State of High-Fashion
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Since the beginning, the high-fashion industry has glorified only one body type as the ideal version—the tall and lean. There’s no denying the harmful impact brands like Victoria’s Secret have had by consistently promoting thin models as the epitome of beauty. The runways of Paris, Milan, and New York are showcasing designs intended for a very limited body type, leaving a vast majority of people underrepresented.
With grand displays across malls, unannounced catalogs showing up in your mailbox, and other pervasive advertising campaigns, there was no escaping the influence of high-end brands. More than luxury clothing brands, they were a cultural phenomenon. Everyone wanted to attain the ideal model physique and this harmful standard was only perpetuated by the actual clothing produced by these brands.
Unlike today, you could hardly find stylish, well-fitting, plus-size date night dresses, professional attire, or casual clothes like boyfriend sweatshirts—even if you scoured every store in your city. By limiting their sizing options, these luxury fashion brands sent out a loud and clear message—beauty and style are only reserved for the thin.
Social Media and the Body Positivity Movement
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The body positivity movement emerged in 2012 as a powerful counter-narrative to the restrictive standards being enforced and reinforced by the high-fashion industry and media at large. Encouraging self-love and acceptance, the movement advocated that all bodies, regardless of size, deserve to be celebrated and represented. This shift in mindset was the catalyst needed to set in motion a broader revolution in the fashion industry, making stylish and well-fitting clothes for women available for all body types.
Social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube have played a key role in amplifying the voices of body positivity advocates who challenge traditional beauty standards and promote self-love. It has also provided a platform for plus-size models and designers to showcase their work which has been instrumental in setting the stage for greater inclusivity in high fashion.
The Trailblazers Transforming the Fashion Industry
Several curvy and plus-size models who have been at the forefront of the plus-size revolution of the industry have been monumental figures in breaking down barriers and challenging the status quo. Most notable are Ashley Graham, Paloma Elsesser, and Tess Holliday who have graced the covers of numerous fashion magazines and strutted across the catwalk of many Fashion Week shows.
Certain designers and brands aren’t sitting back either. Christian Siriano, a luxury womenswear designer brand, has been consistently featuring plus-size models in their shows and designing for a wide range of body types. Other brands such as Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty, Tommy Hilfiger, Coach, Willy Chavarria, Michael Kors, and Carolina Herrera all feature models of all sizes in their runway shows and campaigns.
Current State of Plus-Size Fashion From Runways to the Racks
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Plus-size representation on the runways to the racks today is higher than ever as catwalks are increasingly featuring plus-size models, and many brands are expanding their size ranges to cater to a more diverse clientele. Retailers are also responding to the demand for stylish plus-size clothing. Brands like ASOS, Torrid, and Eloquii are offering popular, well-made garments for plus-size individuals that are designed with their bodies in mind.
However, does this mean the fight is over? If recent trends are to be observed, the answer is an unfortunate, “No.” Far from it. Body types still continue to go in and out of favor just like clothing trends. The use of off-label weight-loss drugs is on the rise, and the desirable “skinny thicc” body type has now been replaced with the slim “heroin chic” aesthetic. This shift has been apparent on the runways too as plus-size representation on the catwalk during the Sep 2023 New York Fashion Week dropped from 70 to 42 during Feb 2024 season.
The substantial drop underscores the deeper issue of the fashion industry to treat body types as trends. True victory will come when fashion celebrates diversity in all its forms, making every individual feel seen, valued, and beautiful regardless of the current trends.
Vision for the Future of Luxury Fashion
We can’t deny that compared to the state of plus-size fashion in the 2010s and earlier, significant progress has been made in recent times. Setbacks are to be expected, and we still have a long way to go before we can declare the battle has been won and plus-size high-fashion has achieved true parity with traditional sizing. The future of luxury fashion should be one where inclusivity is not an exception but the norm. This means not just including plus-size models occasionally but making it a standard practice and offering extensive size ranges. As consumers, it is upon us to keep the momentum going despite the hurdles, because everyone deserves to dress stylishly, feel confident, and be seen.