The fashion industry has finally acknowledged the need to endorse and produce clothing that caters for larger ladies. Designers are cashing in on a market that has traditionally only been accessible to the svelte and slim-lined. A growing acceptance of women who typically don’t fit into the Kate Moss category, has fuelled a global business, and a demand for plus-sized models. Their increasing presence on the catwalk of cutting couture is commendable. We’ve compiled our personal top ten pioneers who helped get the plus-size revolution on the way.
10. Kaela Humphries
American born Kaela Humphries is proud of her sizable statistics. The bubbly brunette bagged a contract with New York modelling agency ‘Ford+’ division. Kaela has openly shared her struggle to lose weight she gained, after abandoning a promising swimming career.
9. Nadia Aboulhosn
Nadia Aboulhosn‘s success began when she won American Apparel’s XL Model Search in 2011. Aboulhosn has modeled Boohoo’s plus-size range, specifically swimwear, and she’s not afraid to show off her curvaceous assets. The Brazilian beauty writes regular blogs on her website and is admired for her humanitarian interests.
8. Lizzie Miller
Lizzie Miller, celebrated her curvaceous credentials by posing nude in GLAMOUR magazine. Her stretch marks and flabby tummy caused a near media meltdown. As a young girl, Lizzie’s weight made her a target for bullying. Now, this blonde bombshell is hot property and struts her stuff with a sassy confidence.
7. Candice Huffine
Candice Huffine made eyes pop when she appeared in the Pirelli calendar. Candice, formerly a pageant queen, was not ashamed to bare all in latex and leather. Based in New York, she has been modelling for a long time but it wasn’t until she was featured in a V magazine spread, that her career really took off.
6. Fluvia Lacerda
Fluvia Lacerda is another Brazilian belle who is making a mark in plus-sized model history. She scored a perfect ten when she appeared in a VOGUE editorial special. Currently residing in New York, she became the first (and only) plus-sized model to feature in the pages of PLAYBOY (Brasil).
5. Ashley Graham
Born in Lincoln, Nebraska, Ashley constantly champions plus-sized women and encourages all to embrace their bodies no matter what their weighing scales say. She has even helped to found ALDA, a coalition of models promoting a healthy body image for women.
4. Jennie Runk
Jennie Runk was spotted while volunteering at a PetSmart store in Missouri where she grew up. She was only 13. Jennie was happy to pose naked and show off all of her 170lbs on the cover of GlAMOUR. She also appeared in H&M’s beachwear 2013 campaign.
3. Marquita Pring
Marquita Pring, from Clinton, New York, did a shoot for VOGUE (Italia). She has also featured in campaigns for Levi’s and Evans. She even walked the catwalk for Jean Paul Gaultier.
2. Tara Lynn
Seattle stunner, Tara Lynn is very comfortable with her size and body. The plus-sized model graced the Spanish cover of ELLE. She has not only helped redefine the industry’s standards of beauty, but encouraged women of all sizes to embrace their natural shape, too.
1. Robyn Lawley
Robyn Lawley is a plus-sized phenomena. She launched her own swimwear collection and was awarded the modeling Rising Star Award in 2011. She also gets our vote for being a mighty mum and thrilled her fans when she posted an adorable picture of her newborn’s tiny hand between her finger and thumb.
