Hello, my loved ones! Today, I am going to talk about a stereotype that our society has harbored for so long, that we have forgotten that it never existed. The blog is going to pirouette around the emergence of the inclusion of plus-size or normal-looking models in the fashion industry. The fashion industry is at one of the most authoritative platforms like media as it sets trends for everyone else to get inspired by. As the common folk, we look up to our celebrities, models, and fashion designers' latest collection to see what is “in”. However, have you ever felt low-key ostracised when you go to the store to buy the latest dress you saw on TV to only find that your size doesn’t exist? Are you tired of hearing people always comment about how much weight you have put on or put off? Has the need to stringently fit yourself in the beauty norms making you feel excluded? Well, now is the time for speaking up and extending support as the awareness is spreading faster than ever in the industry.
We are all witnessing the start of the new era as the biggest companies that we all look up to are introducing plus-size women that are rocking the designer outfits. Here are the five companies that have initiated working actively towards redefining the term “beautiful”:
1.) Victoria’s Secret
Candice Huffine has recently become the face of revolution in the history of Victoria’s Secret models. Candice matches the body type of average women and hence promotes the beauty shining through normalcy. The lingerie brand has been facing abject criticism for years for only endorsing extremely thin, bony, and fair women. It stands true that introducing Candice hasn’t erased the entirety of criticism faced by the company, but it has definitely shown the audience that they have at least began the process of change. After all, it is never too late to take a step towards the journey to a more inclusive world.
2.) Tommy Hilfiger
Being one of the leading lifestyle brands, Tommy Hilfiger is really looked upon with admiration by many. Standing up to our expectations, the new Tommy Hilfiger x Zendaya collection has left everyone awe-inspired. They launched a new fashionable collection called “Curve” comprising plus size outfits. Not just one or two, but at least 8 plus-size models have been spotted carrying the stylish outfits on the runway including the gorgeous Precious Lee. These models were seen carrying the eclectic70s vibe. This colorful walk was a very strong celebration of diversity and history and we hope that Tommy Hilfiger introduces more such collections in the upcoming
Precious Lee
3.) Louis Vuitton
This luxury brand has decided to ban zero size models along with Dior and Saint Laurent. LV’s outfits and accessories have always been known for making a vibrant and bold fashion statement. That is exactly why their engagement in spreading awareness would not only be effective but also reinvent the way the brand is perceived. Though LV hasn’t declared any plus-size model yet, they have at least decided to promote healthy models and not just skinny and excessively fragile models. Currently, though they have stunning models like Chloë Grace, we are expecting that LV would soon also take some active initiative in showcasing plus-size models.
4.) Alexander McQueeen
This brand is definitely the queen of this active movement. The haute couture of its latest collection was featured by plus-size models such as Jill Kortleve and Paloma Elsesser. The outfits were super elegant, bold, and confident, just like the models carrying them. The brilliant designer allowed not only the models to express their voice loud but also for the outfits to mirror the same vigor. The brand stands as an emblem for so many other fashion brands that are yet to join hands in this
Paloma Elsesser
5.) Calvin Klein
If Alexander McQueen is the queen of this awareness, Calvin Klein is the King. CK introduced models like Beth Ditto, Jary Jones, and Chika Oranika. The indie rapper Chika was revealed on a huge billboard. Her “I-don’t-care” look has caused a colossal buzz in the media. She is seen sporting a CK pair of sports trainers. Chika’s strong presence doesn’t help but take us to the flashback where only models like Kate Moss were projected in the limelight. However, it is fair to say that we are very happy with CK’s staunch projection of women and hope for much more
Chika Oranika
To conclude, it is amazing to see how these major brands have taken up upon themselves to be the harbinger of spreading this message to the world. We can only hope for the day when having plus-size models is just as normal as having skinny models and no one has to write blogs about it! For all of you reading this, let me tell you, brand marketing or not, YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. We here at Savelo, want you to know that Savelo believes completely in the celebration of the diversity, ethnicity, and individuality per se. Inclusion of all will always remain our first priority.
References:
A. (2019, March 4). Plus Size Models Slayed The Tommy Hilfiger X Zendaya Runway In Paris. Stylish Curves. https://stylishcurves.com/tommy-hilfiger-x-zendaya-plus-size/
Fishman, E. (2020, March 19). Victoria’s Secret unveils new campaign with trans, plus-size and older models. Page Six. https://pagesix.com/2020/03/19/victorias-secret-unveils-new-campaign-with-trans-plus-size-and-older-models/
Krentcil, F. (2019, August 31). Calvin Klein is using plus-size models to reinvent its brand. New York Post. https://nypost.com/2019/08/31/calvin-klein-is-using-plus-size-models-to-reinvent-its-brand/
LeSavage, H. (2017, September 6). Louis Vuitton, Christian Dior, and More Major Designers Are Banning Ultra-Thin Models. Glamour. https://www.glamour.com/story/lvmh-kering-ban-ultra-thin-model
Yahoo is now a part of Verizon Media. (2020). Yahoo Lifestyle. https://www.yahoo.com/lifestyle/alexander-mcqueen-praised-including-plus-sized-models-runway-show-182732545.html