The world is changing and it’s about time. The fashion industry, modeling industry, beauty industry, and our society on a whole is opening up to plus-size ladies. Whether it’s average Joes(ephines) or leading models, America is approaching the idea of acceptance: this is what a lot of women look like and this is what a lot of women and men want to see. Clothes should fit women with curves. Runways should host women who have hips. It shouldn’t be a shock when a size 16 woman looks sexy and rocks her very own confidence. Plus-size ladies haven’t been included for years in plenty of industries. Thankfully, in 2016 we have some incredible plus-size models who are opening up multiple industries and the eyes of their viewers to inclusion. These ladies have shown off their bodies confidently, promoting the idea that different is good; heck, different isn’t even all that different from what we see on the street everyday. Here’s a shout out to the ladies worthy of praise: these plus-size beauties are breaking barriers.
1 – TESS HOLLIDAY
Tess Holliday, an Untitled Magazine #GirlPower issue star, has been slaying as a plus-size model for years. The size 22 supermodel is filled with inspiration and rocks killer looks. She describes herself on Instagram as not only a model, but also a feminist and mom. We can now add plus-size fashion designer to the list, since Holliday has collaborated with Pennington’s to debut a curvy line out this April. On Instagram, Holliday has launched the #EffYourBeautyStandards movement, calling into question what society expects men and women to look like. In her exclusive interview with The Untitled Magazine, Holliday has said, “I think there’s a place for all sizes. I think that there should be more diversity in the industry in general, for races, genders and disabilities” With Holliday, we have to agree.
2 – ASHLEY GRAHAM
Ashley Graham has been having a good year and it’s only April. She was the first plus-size model to grace the cover of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition in a gorgeous and sexy shoot. On top of that, she can also be found on Cosmopolitan Mexico, Glamour, and Maxim. The stunning model is more than just a pretty face. Graham is a body activist and designer as well, talking about plus-size confidence and designing a lingerie line for plus-size women. On her website for Ashley Graham Collections, it preaches, “Body confidence is about owning your body and having ownership over who you are as a woman.” Ashley talks, we listen. #Praise.
3 – CANDICE HUFFINE
On a Rachel Roy blog post written by Candice Huffine, she wrote “This is a new era. One that includes everyone.” And indeed it is. The model, who signed her first contract in 2000, is well-known in the modeling world despite being a size 12. Shot by V Magazine and then Vogue Italia in 2011, Huffine saw incredible feedback and a door opened to welcome the stunner onto plenty more glossy magazine pages. Since then, she has walked in multiple New York Fashion Weeks, posed for Vogue, W Magazine, CR Fashion Book, Vogue Italia, and Glamour, and was selected for the 2015 Pirelli Calendar. For Huffine, her successes have been plenty, but they’re just the start for this model, who will surely continue to succeed in the future.
4- ROBYN LAWLEY
Robyn Lawley might not seem plus size to the average eye, but sadly in the fashion industry, her body pushes the weight boundaries. Thankfully, this has never stopped Lawley from booking gigs and showing off her curves exactly the way they are. The Australian model was the first plus size model to grace the cover of Cosmopolitan Australia and be featured in Vogue Australia and GQ Australia. She’s also been on the cover of Elle France, Vogue Italia, and was the first plus-size model to be featured in Ralph Lauren’s ads. This bombshell has also been in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue twice, the first time in 2015 when she was the first ever plus-size model to be featured on the pages. Robyn Lawley doesn’t just model, she also eats, which can be seen on her cooking blog titled Robyn Lawley Eats. A lady that loves herself and loves her food is a lady we can appreciate.
5 – ISKRA LAWRENCE
Iskra Lawrence is a 25-year-old plus-size model who’s making waves in the fashion world. With 1.4 million Instagram followers Lawrence is a National Eating Disorder Awareness (NEDA), spokesperson, managing editor of The Runway Riot, a fashion destination for women who wear larger sizes, and star of the #AerieReal campaign. Most recently, Lawrence slammed body shammers in a cheeky way, reminding everyone that she’s confident and happy with her body. Lawrence has the most awesome Instagram account where her posts preach confidence, ooze style, show sexiness, and uplift anyone who gives the page a glance.
6 – NADIA ABOULHOSN
For Nadia Aboulhosn, model, blogger, body activist, and designer are just a few of the titles on her resume. The Los Angeles based Lebanese-American knockout started her fashion blog in 2010 and she and it have since been featured in Complex Magazine, Refinery 29, Lucky Magazine, Seventeen Magazine, Teen Vogue, and Vogue Italia. Aboulhosn was recently featured on the April 2016 cover of Women’s Running Magazine, and has also starred in campaigns for American Apparel and BooHoo. Aboulhosn’s blog is perfect for every fashionista… no matter what your size.
These six women are the definition of body confidence. One look at their Instagrams and you get an instant boost of feel good vibes. They have become trendsetters for the fashion world and we’re impressed.
