Fashion

8 Plus-Size Models Reshaping Fashion History

Get to know some of the plus-size models who are paving the way for representation and body positivity in the fashion world and beyond. 

plus-size models: Precious Lee walking the runway for Moschino Spring/Summer 2024.
Precious Lee walking the runway for Moschino Spring/Summer 2024. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

The fashion industry has made strides towards inclusivity over the last decade. Still, we have a long way to go, especially when it comes to body positivity and representation. While we've witnessed a more diverse representation on runways, magazine covers, and fashion and beauty campaigns, there is still progress to be made in challenging hegemonic standards.

However, these plus-size models are breaking boundaries, shattering stereotypes, and serving looks that redefine conventional notions of beauty. From popular plus-size models like Tess Holliday to emerging plus-size models like Jill Kortleve, these empowering individuals are lighting up socials and runways alike with their confidence, charisma, and killer fashion sense. 

Precious Lee

plus-size models: Precious Lee at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscars Party wearing a slitted gown
Precious Lee at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscars Party. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Precious Lee burst onto the modeling scene at 18 years old. Transitioning from catalog shoots to strutting the runways of top designers, she quickly became a fixture at Fashion Week, gracing the catwalks of iconic names like Christian Siriano, Michael Kors, Prabal Gurung, Moschino, and Versace. Just recently, she also walked the runway for Mugler's Fall/Winter 2024 show at Paris Fashion Week

Tess Holliday

plus-size models: Tess Holliday wearing a pink strawberry printed dress at the 2020 Grammy Awards.
Tess Holliday at the 2020 Grammy Awards. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Tess Holliday is a name that needs no introduction in the fashion space. She started her modeling career when she was only fifteen years old, defying industry norms with her US size 16 figure and 5 feet 3 inches height. Despite initial setbacks, she honed her skills as a prominent makeup artist and stylist before storming the fashion scene. Holliday's bold move to Los Angeles propelled her modeling career. Soon, she worked with Benefit Cosmetics and was featured in Vogue Italia

Candice Huffine

plus size models: Candice Huffine wearing a bodysuit at the Victoria's Secret 'The Tour '23' Event in New York City.
Candice Huffine at the Victoria's Secret 'The Tour '23' Event in New York City. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Candice Huffine is among the most famous plus-size models out there. Her illustrious career spans prestigious magazines like Vogue Italia, W, and V Magazine, where she graced covers and editorial spreads. She has also been photographed by renowned names such as Steven Meisel. Notably, she made history as the first plus-size woman to feature in the Pirelli Calendar

Ashley Graham

plus-size models: Ashley Graham wearing a black gown at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscars Party.
Ashley Graham at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscars Party. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Ashley Graham's modeling journey started when she was only twelve years old. Two years later, she signed with Wilhelmina Models and later Ford Models. She has been featured in Vogue and Harper's Bazaar and has modeled for renowned luxury fashion houses like Tommy Hilfiger, Christian Siriano, and Dolce & Gabbana, to name a few. In 2015, Graham was featured in a Sports Illustrated ad as part of the magazine's #CurveInBikinis campaign. 

Lauren Chan

plus-size models: Lauren Chan wearing a black outfit at the Sports Illustrated Swim Issue Launch in 2023.
Lauren Chan at the Sports Illustrated Swim Issue Launch in 2023. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Lauren Chan's multifaceted career began as a plus-size model with Ford Models before transitioning to become a prominent fashion writer and editor at Glamour. Championing size-inclusivity, she co-designed the Glamour x Lane Bryant clothing line and made numerous media appearances advocating for diverse representation in fashion. Frustrated by the lack of options for plus-size professional attire, Chan founded Henning, a slow fashion brand offering sizes 12-24. 

Denise Bidot

plus-size models: Denise Bidot at the 'Damsel' New York Premiere. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Denise Bidot at the 'Damsel' New York Premiere. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Denise Bidot's journey into modeling began unexpectedly when a photographer discovered her while working as a makeup artist. Soon, Bidot walked the runways during New York Fashion Week, shattering norms by becoming the first plus-size model to grace the catwalk for straight-size brands. 

Paloma Elsesser

plus-size models: Paloma Elsesser walking the runway for Mugler Fall/Winter 2024. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.
Paloma Elsesser walking the runway for Mugler Fall/Winter 2024. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Paloma Elsesser is among the emerging plus-size models making waves in the fashion world. Discovered by celebrity makeup artist Pat McGrath, she has appeared in magazines like Vogue, British Vogue, Glamour, and W, to name a few. She's currently signed with IMG Models, and has walked the runways of Ferragamo, Marni, Carolina Herrera, and Tory Burch

Jill Kortleve

plus-size models: Jill Kortleve walking the runway for Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2024 in a black printed dress
Jill Kortleve walking the runway for Alexander McQueen Spring/Summer 2024. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

Jill Kortleve is a Dutch model who made her modeling debut at Alexander McQueen's Spring/Summer 2019 show. Since then, she has walked the runways of Chanel, Fendi, Valentino, and Simone Rocha, to name a few. 

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