While the fashion industry still has a long way to go with inclusion and representation, some powerhouse and inspirational plus size models have broken through the noise. If youโre practicing body positivity and need some curvaceous inspiration, weโve got you covered.
Fashion is for everyone, or at least that is why we want to believeโฆ. But it s also why sites like The Curvy Fashionista exist, to ensure that it can happen. And with this sentiment, that means celebrating all kinds of beautiful bodies! But letโs be honest, the fashion world hasnโt always reflected that reality. Thatโs why weโre spotlighting five incredible plus size models who are redefining the industry with their style, confidence, and infectious positivity.
Get ready to follow these inspiring women and see how representation, visibility, and diversity are not just trends โ theyโre essential for a more vibrant and inclusive fashion landscape. Seeing yourself reflected in the media you consume is powerful. It can boost your confidence, inspire you to experiment with your style, and challenge narrow beauty standards. These models are breaking down barriers and proving that fashion is truly limitless! So, get ready to be wowed, empowered, and maybe even discover your next personal style icon.
Letโs dive in!
5 Plus Size Models to Follow on Instagram
1. Paloma Elsesser (@palomija)
Hailing from Los Angeles, California, Paloma won Model of the Year at the 2023 Fashion Awards. โModeling changed my narrative and gave me a sense of purpose in challenging norms around our bodies that I too had been indoctrinated into,โ Paloma shared in an essay for The Cut. โMy body became a vessel for connection. A vessel for thought.โ
2. Precious Lee (@preciousleexoxo)
Representing Atlanta, Georgia, Precious grew up connected to nature and says that being spiritually connected is important to her. โMeditation and working with your breath is the best way you can connect with your body,โ she wrote for Vogue. โIt gives a sense of awareness. Taking that time to take in airโฆyour body thanks you on a cellular level, a spiritual level. When you implement it, itโs transformative.โ
3. Alva Claire (@alvaclaire)
Londonโs own Alva is a Jamaican-British model whose first catwalk was for 2019 Savage x Fenty. โI want to see women like us given freedom, a real sense of expression of the individual, and not to be put in a box of the way this industry and society thinks we should be,โ she shared in an interview with Dazed.
4. Ava Hariri-Kia (@lava_ava)
A New Yorker, Ava recalls being a trusting kid, until at 13 years old, a photographer told her to lose 30 pounds. โGrowing up, I was always bigger than the other girls,โ she wrote for Bazaar. โIt was just who I was, and I accepted thatโuntil the rest of the world told me I shouldnโt. But when I realized I could carve out my own space in fashion and use my personal style as a weapon, as a means to celebrate both my body and personality, my entire world expanded.โ
5. Leslie Sidora (@lessancee)
Born in chic Paris, Leslie got her start by taking photos in New York with a friend. A Los Angeles agency discovered and signed her shortly afterward. โDo not be scared to speak up for yourself,โ she shared in an interview with Flaunt. โIf something is wrong, you have to talk about it. If itโs behaviors that will make you feel uncomfortable on set, if the makeup doesnโt look right, if the hair doesnโt look right, I think itโs really important to speak up on it.โย
As you look for examples of yourself in the world, hopefully youโre seeing more and more representation of diverse body types. Having these curvy, plus size models to follow on Instagram may help to remind you that every body is a beautiful body. Keeping more realistic shapes on your feed may help you normalize the body you see reflected in your mirror.
The authorโs content and opinions have not been pre-reviewed, approved or endorsed by Discover.
