JelloJuggler
Well-known member
The fashion industry's bid for size inclusivity has taken a drastic turn. In recent months, the number of plus-size models featured in womenswear collections has plummeted, raising concerns that efforts towards body positivity are being erased.
According to Vogue Business' report on 198 women's shows earlier this month, only 0.9% of the models showcased were plus-size, with the majority featuring straight-size models who measured between a US size 0-4. This drastic decline in representation is not an isolated incident; several other brands have also reduced their plus-size offerings.
Experts point to the widespread use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs as a contributing factor. The proliferation of these medications has led to a normalization of thinness, which is now being promoted beyond the catwalks. As a result, celebrities and influencers are often seen with slimmer physiques, perpetuating an unattainable beauty standard.
The decline in plus-size representation is also having a knock-on effect on the high street. Brands that were once dedicated to catering to curvier consumers have removed their plus-size sections from stores, making these ranges available online only. The loss of these sections means that many plus-size customers are being left without access to affordable fashion.
Plus-size models themselves are feeling the pressure as sample sizes shrink and designers push for thinner figures. "The models aren't making the samples," says Anna Shillinglaw, founder of Milk Management agency. "The pressure comes from the designers and those at the top of the brands." This sentiment is echoed by Felicity Hayward, a plus-size model who once fronted a Mac cosmetics campaign.
The pendulum has swung back towards thinness, leaving many in the industry feeling frustrated and disheartened. Hayward highlights Rick Owens' decision to remove plus-size models from his Paris Fashion Week show as an example of tokenism. "If you are going to be progressive," she says, "you need to continue with progression."
The value of the plus-size market in the UK is estimated to be over £4 billion, yet it remains inaccessible to consumers due to a lack of representation on catwalks and in advertising campaigns. It's a worrying trend that suggests the fashion industry's pursuit of thinness has come at the expense of body positivity.
As the industry continues down this path, experts urge brands to revisit their approach to size inclusivity. "We are manufacturing bodies as though they are a product rather than living from them," says psychotherapist Susie Orbach. The time for change is now – but it's unclear whether the fashion industry will take heed of its critics' warnings.
According to Vogue Business' report on 198 women's shows earlier this month, only 0.9% of the models showcased were plus-size, with the majority featuring straight-size models who measured between a US size 0-4. This drastic decline in representation is not an isolated incident; several other brands have also reduced their plus-size offerings.
Experts point to the widespread use of GLP-1 weight-loss drugs as a contributing factor. The proliferation of these medications has led to a normalization of thinness, which is now being promoted beyond the catwalks. As a result, celebrities and influencers are often seen with slimmer physiques, perpetuating an unattainable beauty standard.
The decline in plus-size representation is also having a knock-on effect on the high street. Brands that were once dedicated to catering to curvier consumers have removed their plus-size sections from stores, making these ranges available online only. The loss of these sections means that many plus-size customers are being left without access to affordable fashion.
Plus-size models themselves are feeling the pressure as sample sizes shrink and designers push for thinner figures. "The models aren't making the samples," says Anna Shillinglaw, founder of Milk Management agency. "The pressure comes from the designers and those at the top of the brands." This sentiment is echoed by Felicity Hayward, a plus-size model who once fronted a Mac cosmetics campaign.
The pendulum has swung back towards thinness, leaving many in the industry feeling frustrated and disheartened. Hayward highlights Rick Owens' decision to remove plus-size models from his Paris Fashion Week show as an example of tokenism. "If you are going to be progressive," she says, "you need to continue with progression."
The value of the plus-size market in the UK is estimated to be over £4 billion, yet it remains inaccessible to consumers due to a lack of representation on catwalks and in advertising campaigns. It's a worrying trend that suggests the fashion industry's pursuit of thinness has come at the expense of body positivity.
As the industry continues down this path, experts urge brands to revisit their approach to size inclusivity. "We are manufacturing bodies as though they are a product rather than living from them," says psychotherapist Susie Orbach. The time for change is now – but it's unclear whether the fashion industry will take heed of its critics' warnings.
. It seems like we're taking two steps back when it comes to body positivity. I get that we want to look our best, but at what cost? Those GLP-1 weight-loss drugs might be helping people lose weight, but they're also perpetuating this unrealistic beauty standard. We need to promote self-acceptance over perfection 
.
. And it's not just about them – it's about the customers who want to buy clothes that fit their bodies. The fashion industry is losing out on a huge market by ignoring body positivity.
We need to rethink our approach and prioritize inclusivity over thinness. It's time to put people over profits 
. The plus-size market is worth billions – let's not ignore it! 
I gotta say, this is super disappointing to hear about the decline in plus-size models on catwalks and in ads. Like, I get that there are GLP-1 weight-loss drugs out there and all, but come on! Can't we just promote self-love and acceptance instead of perpetuating the notion of a "perfect" body shape? 
It's not like it's going to hurt anyone to have some more diverse models strutting down the runway... actually, that would be kinda great for the industry. 
The value of the plus-size market in the UK is estimated to be over £4 billion, which is like, a lot of money! So, can't brands just make it work and include more plus-size models? It's not like they're breaking the bank or anything... 
I'm really disappointed to see plus-size models being phased out in the fashion industry. It's like they're saying that only thin people matter, you know? 
And it's not just about the catwalks, it's about advertising and online shopping too. I mean, have you seen those plus-size sections on the high street lately? They're like ghost towns, available only online. It's like brands are saying "we care" but really they don't. 
It's just not fair to plus-size models who are already struggling to get their foot in the door. They deserve better than to be told they're not good enough because of a few numbers on a scale. 
. 0.9% plus-size models? That's crazy! And the fact that brands are removing their plus-size sections from stores is just heartbreaking 
. It's like, what even is the point of having a size range if you're not going to include more sizes?
. And I think we're only seeing a small fraction of what could be done if brands were willing to take a chance on bigger sizes.
. We need more body positivity and less pressure on models to conform to unrealistic beauty standards. I'm so tired of people saying that plus-size is "not fashionable" or "unattractive". That's just not true 
. Everyone comes in all shapes and sizes, and fashion should be for everyone!
. I mean, plus-size models have been fighting for so long to get their moment in the spotlight, and now it seems like we're taking a step back 
. It's not just about the runway shows, it's about the high street too. What's happening is that brands are catering less to curvier consumers, which I think is just another way of saying they don't care 
. It's like we're stuck in this cycle of thinness and body positivity is just an afterthought