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.&nbsp;

The fashion industry has made strides towards <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion-week/fashion-week-disabled-inclusivity-representation" target="_blank" rel="noopener">inclusivity</a> over the last decade. Still, we have a long way to go, especially when it comes to <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/music/yumi-steve-aoki-neice-interview-model-2019" target="_blank" rel="noopener">body positivity</a> and <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/andre-leon-talley-legacy-fashion-industry-black-history-month-naomi-campbell" target="_blank" rel="noopener">representation</a>. 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 <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/politics-culture/tess-holiday-pride-month-metaverse-culture-series-dream-house-panel" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tess Holliday</a> to emerging plus-size models like Jill Kortleve, these empowering individuals are lighting up socials and <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/fashion-new-model-vanguards" target="_blank" rel="noopener">runways</a> alike with their confidence, charisma, and killer fashion sense.&nbsp;

Precious Lee at the 2024 Vanity Fair Oscars Party. Photo courtesy of Getty Images.

<a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/precious-lee-plus-size-model-nyfw-spring-summer-2022" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Precious Lee</a> 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 <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/precious-lee-christian-siriano-spring-summer-2022-nyfw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Christian Siriano</a>, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion-week/michael-kors-fall-winter-2024-nyfw-show-runway-images" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Michael Kors</a>, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion-week/prabal-gurung-spring-summer-2022-collection-nyfw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Prabal Gurung</a>, Moschino, and <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/versace-fall-winter-2024-mfw-show-runway" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Versace</a>. Just recently, she also walked the runway for <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/mugler-fall-winter-2023-collection-runway-photos" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Mugler's</a> Fall/Winter 2024 show at <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion-week/best-looks-paris-fashion-week-runways" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Paris Fashion Week</a>.&nbsp;

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 <a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/4dRFGNQvxc/?taken-by=benefitcosmetics" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Benefit Cosmetics</a> and was featured in <a href="https://www.vogue.com/article/tess-holliday-model-high-fashion-message" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Vogue Italia</a>.&nbsp;

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,&nbsp;W, and V Magazine, where she graced covers and editorial spreads. She has also been photographed by renowned names such as <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/loewe-spring-2019-ad-campaign" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Steven Meisel</a>. Notably, she made history as the first plus-size woman to feature in the <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/music/pirelli-calendar-2022-on-the-road-bryan-adams-photos" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Pirelli Calendar</a>.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;Vogue and&nbsp;Harper's Bazaar&nbsp;and has modeled for renowned luxury fashion houses like <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion-week/tommy-hilfiger-fall-winter-2024-nyfw-show-runway-images" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tommy Hilfiger</a>, Christian Siriano, and Dolce &amp; Gabbana, to name a few. In 2015, Graham was featured in a Sports Illustrated&nbsp;ad as part of the magazine's #CurveInBikinis campaign.&nbsp;

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&nbsp;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.&nbsp;

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.&nbsp;

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,&nbsp;to name a few. She's currently signed with IMG Models, and has walked the runways of <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/ferragamo-fall-winter-2024-mfw-show-runway" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Ferragamo</a>, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion-week/marni-fall-winter-2021-collection-mfw" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Marni</a>, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/carolina-herrera-fall-winter-2024-nyfw-show-runway-images" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Carolina Herrera</a>, and <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion-week/tory-burch-fall-winter-2024-nyfw-show-runway-images" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Tory Burch</a>.&nbsp;

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 <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion-week/alexander-mcqueen-fall-winter-2024" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Alexander McQueen's</a> Spring/Summer 2019 show. Since then, she has walked the runways of <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion-week/chanel-fall-winter-2024-pfw-show-runway-images" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Chanel</a>, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion/fendi-fall-winter-2024-collection" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Fendi</a>, <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion-week/valentino-spring-summer-2024-haute-couture-runway-images" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Valentino</a>, and <a href="https://www.lofficielusa.com/fashion-week/simone-rocha-spring-summer-2022-runway-show-lfw">Simone Rocha</a>, to name a few.&nbsp;

8 Plus-Size Models Reshaping Fashion History

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