The Bridgerton Blueprint for Body-Positive Glamour
Nicola Coughlan’s rise to stardom through “Bridgerton” has coincided with her emergence as a red carpet force, with her acclaimed performance in the series. The Irish actress hasn’t just captured hearts on screen – she’s revolutionizing what plus-size glamour looks like at Hollywood’s most prestigious events.
In true Penelope Featherington fashion, Coughlan’s red carpet moments aren’t short on drama, as seen at The Fashion Awards 2024 where she wore a black and light blue ball gown from Gaurav Gupta that her Bridgerton character would certainly love. Her approach to fashion centers on empowerment, explaining that dressing up makes her feel more powerful and sometimes sexier, emphasizing the transformative power of fashion choices.
The Fashion Industry’s Uncomfortable Backslide
Recent industry data reveals a troubling reality: of the 8,763 looks presented across 208 shows and presentations in Spring/Summer 2025, only 0.8 percent were plus-size (US 14+), with 4.3 percent mid-size and 94.9 percent straight-size (US 0-4). This represents virtually no progress from the previous season.
Celebrity stylist Ariel Tunnell, who has styled stars including Camila Cabello and Rachel Bloom, observes that while designer options exist for bigger bodies, the choices have become increasingly limited, noting “there was a bigger push for inclusivity and body acceptance of all shapes and sizes that feels like it is trending backwards.” Fashion features director Emma Davidson at Dazed called it “the worst season in a long time,” describing how disheartening it was to see no representation where bigger models had previously been present.
Rising Stars Redefining Red Carpet Rules
Nicola Coughlan’s versatility has captured audiences worldwide, rising to prominence with roles in “Derry Girls” and gaining further acclaim in “Bridgerton,” starring in the leading role in the third season in May 2024. Her red carpet presence demonstrates how plus-size actresses are claiming space in Hollywood’s most visible moments.
Michelle Buteau commands attention with her infectious energy and razor-sharp wit, while Natasha Rothwell’s sharp comedic timing and magnetic presence have earned her critical acclaim and devoted fanbase through roles in “Insecure,” “White Lotus,” and “Wonka.” Barbie Ferreira started as a plus-size model with American Apparel before joining “Euphoria” as Kat, later appearing in “Unpregnant” and Jordan Peele’s “Nope.”
Victoria’s Secret and the Inclusivity Illusion
Victoria’s Secret attempted inclusivity by including plus-size models like Ashley Graham in its revamped Fashion Show in October, claiming to move “from promoting an exclusionary view of what’s sexy, to celebrating all women throughout every phase of their lives,” though critics felt the show still mostly included skinny models and “missed the mark.”
Even traditional brands like Victoria’s Secret are adapting by featuring plus-size and transgender models in their shows, though many people felt the 2024 show struggled to speak to the world we live in despite signaling a chance for authentic inclusivity. These token efforts highlight the gap between corporate messaging and genuine representation.
The Data Behind the Disappearing Act
Opportunities for plus-sized models in fashion are disappearing at an alarming rate: during spring/summer 2020, 86 plus-size models walked runways across all four major cities accounting for 2.8% of all models, but by spring/summer 2025, that number had plummeted significantly. Only one in nine Americans says fashion companies have had a positive impact on body image perception, while far more (69%) believe the fashion industry has had a negative impact, with majorities of both men (66%) and women (72%) agreeing.
Three-quarters of US adults (76%) say that media promotes an unattainable body image for women, with majorities of both men (73%) and women (78%) believing this is the case. These statistics reveal the enormous pressure facing plus-size actresses who dare to claim space on red carpets.
Fashion Forward Despite the Odds
The fashion industry’s historical inaccessibility and discrimination against bodies that don’t fit sample sizes makes Coughlan’s red carpet success particularly significant, as she mixes high and low fashion, appearing in high-end designers like Vivienne Westwood and then pivoting to more accessibly priced Ganni sets or independent UK brands like Styland.
Coughlan embraces the contrast between her low-key personal style and red carpet glamour, explaining “I like the differentiation between the regular me and the red carpet me because it’s nice to know that my professional life and my private life is different,” while appreciating how different cuts and styling choices can transform an outfit. Her approach demonstrates that plus-size stars don’t need to apologize for taking up space or tone down their fashion choices.
The revolution is happening one red carpet at a time, with stars like Coughlan proving that glamour knows no size limit. As the fashion industry continues its troubling retreat from inclusivity, these actresses are writing their own rules and showing the world what true confidence looks like under the spotlight.
