Paloma Elsesser

Paloma Elsesser (image credits: wikimedia)

In 2023, Paloma Elsesser made history as the first plus‑size model to win the prestigious Fashion Awards’ Model of the Year. She then walked in the 2024 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, proving her influence continues to reshape norms in mainstream fashion. Her recognition highlights a growing acceptance of diverse beauty standards in high fashion.

Hunter McGrady

Hunter McGrady (image credits: wikimedia)

Hunter McGrady recently became a leading voice in inclusive fashion by launching her own size‑inclusive collection for Sam’s Club’s Edited By platform. Starting August 25, 2025, her line spans sizes XXS to 6X and will be available in 200 stores nationwide – a significant expansion driven by high demand. McGrady emphasizes creative freedom and hopes her designs help plus‑size customers feel seen and confident.

Ashley Graham

Ashley Graham (image credits: wikimedia)

Ashley Graham continues to redefine plus‑size fashion with her JCPenney collaboration launching this fall. Her multiyear collection, designed for sizes 14–24, aims to make women feel “sexy and confident,” filling a longstanding gap in mainstream fashion pricing and fit. Graham’s advocacy stretches beyond fashion – she is also performing on Broadway in Chicago through May 2025.

Lauren Chan

Lauren Chan (image credits: unsplash)

Lauren Chan is a model, editor, entrepreneur and the founder of the plus‑size clothing brand Henning. In 2023, she became Sports Illustrated’s first queer plus‑size rookie, earning spots on power lists in Canada and winning Model of the Year at the Canadian Arts and Fashion Awards. Her success underscores the intersecting impacts of inclusion across size, gender, and sexuality.

Latasha Ngwube

Latasha Ngwube (image credits: unsplash)

Latasha Ngwube is a pioneering journalist and the creative director behind AboutThatCurvyLife, a movement promoting size diversity across Africa. She organized the continent’s first size‑inclusive runway show at Lagos Fashion Week, gaining coverage from major outlets like CNN and the BBC. Her leadership is reshaping the narrative of body positivity in African fashion.

Precious Lee

Precious Lee (image credits: unsplash)

Precious Lee broke barriers as the first Black plus‑size model featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Her work with brands like Lane Bryant further solidified her impact, representing curves at scale across mainstream editorial platforms. Lee’s visibility continues to inspire inclusion in the fashion industry.

Rue107 – Marie Jean‑Baptiste

Rue107 – Marie Jean‑Baptiste (image credits: flickr)

Marie Jean‑Baptiste founded Rue107 in 2011, a brand celebrated for plus‑size fashion and worn by Beyoncé and Nicki Minaj. Recognized for its inclusive design and promotion of self-confidence, the label emphasizes how fashion transcends size when expressed authentically. Rue107 is a testament to entrepreneurship that centers plus‑size identity.

Liris Crosse

Liris Crosse (image credits: unsplash)

Known as the “Naomi Campbell of Plus,” Liris Crosse has had a powerful impact as a plus‑size runway model. She’s appeared in campaigns, films, and fashion events, and starred in Project Runway Season 16. Crosse continues to advocate for visibility and authentic representation in mainstream fashion.

Sakshi Sindwani

Sakshi Sindwani (image credits: flickr)

Sakshi Sindwani, a plus‑size model and L’Oréal ambassador, is set to make her debut at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival – a milestone for South Asian plus‑size representation on the global stage. After walking at Dubai Fashion Week in 2024, her Cannes appearance amplifies her voice in body positivity and inclusive beauty. She inspires confidence among diverse audiences worldwide.

Daisy Van Egmond

Daisy Van Egmond (image credits: unsplash)

Daisy Van Egmond is a curvy plus‑size model earning attention in 2025 for her bold style and movement towards reshaping the future of fashion. Her presence in digital spaces and editorial features centers plus‑size confidence in current fashion discourse. Van Egmond exemplifies how representation in modeling can spark broader cultural shifts.

Editorial Staff

The Curvy Fashionista editorial team is a collective of passionate writers, editors, and content creators who live and breathe all things plus size fashion, beauty, and lifestyle. With a mission to inform, inspire, and empower our community, our staff is made up of style-savvy experts who are deeply committed to celebrating size inclusivity and championing representation in fashion and media.