Fashion’s plus-size problem – why can we still not find size-inclusive clothes?

Bringing body positivity to the runways, Chloé, 16Arlington, Sinéad O’Dwyer, and Michael Kors spearheaded expansive casting on their spring 2023 catwalks. New-gen size-diverse models like Crystal Renn, Paloma Elsesser, Jill Kortleve, Precious Lee and Alva Claire are breaking boundaries. Kortleve and Elsesser were Fendi’s first plus-size models. Further progress has seen Kortleve walk for Versace, Chanel, Jacquemus and Alexander McQueen. Elsesser has had an equally impressive roster of appearances, totalling 14 catwalks for spring 2023.

Louise O’Reilly, an Irish model and diversity advocate, says we’re seeing a natural inclusion of various sizes in fashion campaigns and advertising. “Nowadays, many model agencies have gotten rid of curve boards on their websites and included all models collectively,” she explains. “No longer separated by labels, it allows clients to book models based on their appearance, not by their measurements.”