There is a quiet, persistent erasure that lives in the margins of fashion and media—where plus-size bodies are still treated as niche, and Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) identities are flattened into stereotypes. But in that space of plus size AAPI influencers, something powerful has been blooming.
Across digital platforms, fashion campaigns, and grassroots movements, a growing group of plus size AAPI influencers and activists have carved out a vibrant, visible presence. Their work is not just about fashion—it’s about embodiment, belonging, and breaking generational silences. It’s about reclaiming joy in the face of invisibility.
These creators challenge the tired narratives that tell AAPI people to be small, quiet, and compliant. They honor their heritage while expressing themselves boldly, colorfully, and without apology. Their presence reminds us that fat liberation, cultural pride, and self-love are deeply connected—and beautifully expressed.
This list doesn’t just highlight style or social reach. It honors the impact of showing up fully in a world that isn’t always built to hold you. These are the plus size AAPI influencers you need to know—not just because they’re trendsetters, but because they’re changemakers.
As we celebrate AAPI Heritage Month, we offer this list as both tribute and invitation: to follow, to learn, to support, and to celebrate these trailblazers not just this month, but always.
10 Plus Size AAPI Influencers and Activists to Celebrate in 2025
Naomi Watanabe is a Japanese comedian, actress, and fashion designer. She rose to fame in 2008 for her imitation of Beyoncé, after which she was given the title “the Japanese Beyoncé”. She has also launched her own fashion line called Punyus (loosely translated to "chubby" in English).
Noami is cutting edge, bold, beautiful and super stylish! You MUST follow if you don't already!
Priscilla Katerena is a a plus size model of Black and Samoan descent. A few years ago, TCF had the pleasure of interviewing her on a special project The Polynesian exchange, a photo project celebrating her polynesian heritage alongside other plus polynesian models.
Here's what Priscilla had to say about what the project meant to her as a biracial polynesian woman:
"It means everything to me because I am able to share with the world the richness of my two cultures: Samoan and Black. Both are filled with rich history and tradition.
Even now, I always reminisce about my years growing up on an island not being able to speak a lick of english except for yes and no. Those where some of the best years of my life."
Allison Teng of CurvyGirlChic is seriously an OG when it comes to plus size fashion bloggers! I remember following her way back in the day and being inspired by her OOTD's! She is still an amazing style resource and a beacon of positivity!
Veronica made history as Sports Illustrated’s first Tongan model featured in 2019! She also made history as the first Polynesian to open for Chromat during NYFW!
In addition to modeling, she is also an advocate. At 21, she founded Change in Love, a 501c3 non-profit organization, and actively builds communities in Pasifika Voices and Models For Change Now.
Follow Ratnadevi Manokaran, a plus size model and content creator, for her amazing style, fat activism, and mental health awareness!
Yumi Nu made history as the first "Asian Curve" model for Sports Illustrated this year! She also is a singer and songwriter!
Aarti uses their platform to educate and inform. Through mediums like Instagram and TikTok, they speak out against issues they care deeply about, like fat activism and destigmatizing mental health!
Ushshi Rahman is a multi-talented creative, born and raised in Bangladesh, currently residing in New York City. She is a plus size creator whose words and images have been featured in countless publications!
Did you find a few new folks to follow?
These plus size AAPI influencers are not just showing up—they’re shifting culture. Their work exists at the crossroads of fashion and activism, community and creativity, softness and resistance. They are rewriting beauty standards, fighting invisibility, and showing the world what representation really looks like when it’s rooted in authenticity and pride.
But celebration isn’t enough if it’s only seasonal. Giving these women their flowers means more than applause—it means amplification, investment, collaboration, and consistent credit. It means citing their work, supporting their brands, and making space for the nuance they bring to conversations around body, race, and identity.
We are no longer treating plus-size AAPI bodies as an afterthought—or worse, a contradiction— and these trailblazers are reminding us that visibility is power, and that power looks damn good in a size 22.
Let this list be more than recognition. Let it be a reminder: they’ve always been here. It’s time the world caught up.
Who are your favorite AAPI plus size influencers?! We are always looking for more folks to follow and get inspired by!
