Philomena Kwao was launched into the industry in 2012 through a major modeling competition between Models1, Evans and Cosmopolitan UK. Olivia can literally light up any room with her joyous personality, cheeky laugh and vivacious energy. A post shared by Louise Boyce (@mamastillgotit_) (opens in new tab). She is well-loved for her message of body acceptance and self-love. In 2014, Denise Bidot became the first plus-size model to walk two runway shows at NYFW. Spring into public consciousness when she shared before and after photos to Instagram, where she highlighted how she was much less happy when she was trying to fit society's beauty standards, and an after shot of her just loving herself (whatever her size), La'Tecia is passionate about championing self-love and acceptance. Gabi, a former fashion editor, career exploded in 2012 after a blog post showing her wearing a bikini with the caption #fatkini went viral. Covers, Campaigns, Catwalks and Collections: Sonny has fronted major campaigns on both sides of the Atlantic and partnered with brands including Adidas, Marc Jacobs, H&M, and Tommy Hilfiger. moving forward, have only seen each other in the flesh once before. Unperturbed, in 2013, Tess launched the Instagram hashtag #effyourbeautystandards, a social protest against the world's beauty standard and aims to champion body positivity. Covers, Campaigns, Catwalks and Collections: Nicola can regularly be spotted in the pages of lifestyle and fashion publications, including Grazia, Harper's Bazaar, Saga and Women's Health. With three lingerie collections for Playful Promises under her belt, Felicity also hosted on Channel 4s Naked Beach. But it's in her editorial work where Jocelyn really shines, with work featured in Vogue Mexico, Love, Grazia and W Magazine in the last few years. A post shared by Candice Huffine (@candicehuffine) (opens in new tab). A post shared by Nyome Nicholas - Williams (@curvynyome) (opens in new tab). The issue was publically escalated when the photographer, Alex Cameron, and the British activist Gina Martin (who campaigned to make upskirting illegal) came out in support of Nyome. A post shared by Olivia Campbell (@curvycampbell) (opens in new tab). first started modelling after sending photos of herself to American Apparel. Covers, Campaigns, Catwalks and Collections: Who hasn't Denise Bidot worked or walked for. Brielle has become a hot household name and she shows no sign of slowing down. A post shared by barbie ferreira (@barbieferreira) (opens in new tab). In February 2017 she presented AT TEDX talk called 'Ending the Pursuit of Perfection' at the University of Nevada. A post shared by Ben James (@ben_jjames) (opens in new tab). The latter of which used unretouched images of the model wearing their The New American Jean. And it's not just women, the male plus size market is booming too, and it's making for a more inclusive, representative industry. Standing at just 5 foot 3 inches tall and a US size 16 (UK 18/20). She has collaborated with brands such as navabi, Elvi and Yours Clothing to name just a few. With 14 years in the industry, Denise Bidot is still absolutely killing it. Nyome Nichola-Williams rightly challenged Instagram after they removed a gorgeous nude photo, that Nyome had posted of herself. The first African American plus size model to appear in the pages of USVogue, Precious Lee is a trailblazer in the modelling world. 32-year-old Nadia Aboulhosn is afashion blogger, model, and designer, who uses her platform to promote self-acceptance and self-empowerment. From Palomar Elesser to Nyome Nicholas-Williams and Denise Bidot to Brielle Anyea, a new host of curvy women have taken the fashion spotlight, landing global campaigns, scoring huge social media followings and challenging narrow beauty standards along the way. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Covers, Campaigns, Catwalks and Collections: Darnel has worked for the likes of ASOS, BoohooMAN and BadRhino, all of whom carry Big and Tall collections for men online. A post shared by Denise Marie Bidot (@denisebidot) (opens in new tab). "We EXIST and we are constituted by many different things. Isabelle Truman is a freelance writer based out of London, UK. A post shared by Kate Wasley (@katewas_) (opens in new tab). Kate Wasley is an Australian body positive activist, curve model and social media influencer. From editorials with Essence, Cosmopolitan and Pride magazine, to fashion brands Simply Be, Nordstrom, Torrid, Lane Bryant and Evans, as well as a brilliant campaign with beauty giant Estee Lauder. She has modeled for Old Navy, Lane Bryant, Macy's Levis' Nordstrom, Forever21, to name just a few and has walked the runway for the likes of Chromat, Christian Siriano, Evans and 11 Honor. All rights reserved. If that wasn't enough, Felicity has also launched a podcast, 'Bad Moon Rising', a soon-to-be-released book, 'Does my Butt look big in this', and has a TedxTalk of the same name. And has seen first hand the changes in the fashion industry. The size 20 model also founded SelfLoveBringsBeauty, an online body acceptance movement, wellness and fashion line. Oh, and she's done a TED Talk, has abook, and her own lingerie, swim, and dress collections. Covers, Campaigns, Catwalks and Collections: Barbie has worked with some of the biggest brands in the business, including Aerie, Adidas, ASOS, Forever21, H&M, Missguided,and Target. Tess has also walked during London Fashion week for an off-schedule Simply Be show as well as during New York Fashion Week for high fashion brand Chromat. In 2015 she became the first plus size woman to be featured in the Pirelli Calendar. Tess was the best-kept secret of a growing plus size fashion movement. Since then, Nicola has flown the flag for older and grey haired models, staring in numerous fashion shoots and looking absolutely sensational. "For me, social media is the most damaging place where images are made to look real and candid but in reality 100 pics were taken and then they were photoshopped or FaceTuned," she recently wrote on Instagram. Hailing from Mexico, the 24-year-old has already built a phenomenal, global career. British model Iskra Lawrence uses her platform to promote body positivity and to remind her followers that what they see on social media isn't real. In 2016, following un-retouched images from her campaign for Aerie lingerie going viral, Time Magazine named her among its 30 Most Influential Teens. England and Wales company registration number 2008885. A post shared by Brielle Anyea (@missesbrielle) (opens in new tab). Garnering headlines across the world, the celebratory images aimed to break boundaries and promote body positivity among men. Outspoken against unrealistic beauty standards, in 2019 he took part in an advert for clothing brand Simply Be, which critiqued Love Island for its lack of body diversity. Starting as a straight-sized model at just 15 years old, Hunter switched to plus size modeling at 19, when she could no longer maintain the size 0 frame set by her agency. But Precious Lee's list of top clients is far bigger than that. Working as a model internationally, La'Tecia is also a trained makeup artist. She become an outspoken advocate for inclusion within the fashion industry, using her 400-thousand plus Instagram following to challenge traditional beauty standards. Woman & Home is part of Future plc, an international media group and leading digital publisher. Covers, Campaigns, Catwalks and Collections: Since rising to prominence,Tess has featured on a cover for Cosmopolitan UK and starred in an H&M campaign, as well as featured in Marie Claire, Vogue Italia, and Nylon magazines. With millions of followers on Instagram, and a loyal following of young women who thrive on her positive outlook and promotion of self-love, Iskra is one of the most famous, and much-loved curvy models in the world. Moving into acting, you might recognize Barbie from Euphoria, where she plays Kat Hernandez. Below, the top 12 most famous plus-size models in the world. At a UK size 1618, she specialises in writing about plus size fashion and issues surrounding body image knowing firsthand what its like to style a fuller figure, Mollie knows what plus size women want and need. fashion blogger, model, and designer, who uses her platform to promote self-acceptance and self-empowerment. At 18, Denise moved to California to pursue a career in acting, however, whilst working as a make-up artist, Denise was approached by a photographer who convinced her to get into modeling. It was thought that Tess wouldn't be the right fit for print ads or catalog work. A post shared by hayley amber hasselhoff (@hhasselhoff) (opens in new tab). And the switch paid off. While Iskra is probably best known for her work with Aerie, she has also fronted luxury plus size fashion campaigns for the likes Marina Rinaldi and American Eagle Outfitters. A post shared by Jocelyn Corona (@jocelyncorona_) (opens in new tab). Hayley Hasselhoff started modeling in 2007 when she was only 14 and has since modeled for and collaborated with a number of fashion brands. The 28-year-old shot to fame after she appeared on Glossier billboards and as a face of Fenty Beauty and has appeared on the cover of USVogue. For a long time, Ashley Graham's name was about the only one that would pop to mind when thinking of a famous plus-size model. She has also walked the runway for Dolce and Gabbana, Tommy Hilfiger, Michael Kors, Christian Siriano and Fendi. She specialises in fashion, lifestyle and travel and knows a thing or two (read: everything) about both Meghan Markle and 'Sex and the City'. A post shared by A S H L E Y G R A H A M (@ashleygraham) (opens in new tab). Hear, hear! And what about plus size male models? "The industry has definitely seen a big and important shift. ", Darnel wrote on his Instagram page. But is much admired for her unapologetic attitude, fashion-forward sense of style and her tenacity to rip up the fashion rule book, wear what she likes and look amazing whilst doing so. Part of the original plus size fashion bloggers and influencers, Nadia was catapulted to the mainstream alongside Gabi Fresh and Tess Holliday when appearing in their viral video #everyBodyisflawless, lip-synching Beyonce's top hit, Flawless. They certainly aren't as many in number but plus size male models are gaining ground within the fashion industry. However, his underwear-clad appearance broke the internet as fans applauded seeing plus size male representation. Having walked the runway at British Plus Size Fashion Week and starred on covers for the likes of Dare magazine, Hayley is a recognizable face within the industry. If you don't know Jocelyn Corona, you should. Gigi And Bella Hadid Have A Stunning Plus-Size Model Cousin. With a glittering modeling career, Barbie has featured on the covers of Cosmopolitan, Elle, Grazia, Oyster, Paper and Allure magazine. The plus-size fashion world is finally catching up with the rest of the industry. She also made history as the first African American curve model to walk in Versace's spring 2021 show. She's an Instagram sensation, a body-positivity advocate and she has her own athleisure label, Day/Won. It was shocking to me. Angelina Jolie's Valentino PJs are a lesson in looking chic when catching a flight. A mum of three, Louise is a spokesperson for inclusivity and body confidence, having modeled both as a straight-sized model and now as part of the curve board. Plus size models, or Curve models start from around a US size 10-12 and there is no end size. Recently, she said she hasgiven up arguing withpeople who claim she is unhealthy because of her size,saying it is "nobody's business." Paloma has also featured on covers for Vogue Arabia (alongside Ashley Graham), Vogue Mexico, Vogue Spain, as well as covers for The Sunday Times Style, Porter and Muse Magazine. From modeling for Frank Body and ASOS, to being the first ever curve model to team up with Australian straight-size activewear brand Lorna Jane, who have expanded into plus-size clothing, extending their gym-ready range up to size XL. Mark our words, if you're not already familiar with London-born model Paloma Elsesser, you soon will be. Tess has also worked on several edits and collaborative fashion collections including a line for Penningtons and Fashion to Figure. A true trailblazer, Precious Lee is a model, actor, writer and activist. Quitting her day job and subsequently appearing in the viral video #everyBODYisflawless, launched Tess Holliday into mainstream consciousness. Born in Miami, Denise Bidot was inspired to step into the world of modeling by her Puerto Rican mother. Covers, Campaigns, Catwalks and Collections: Brielle is an international model with an incredible brand list that includes ASOS, Panache, Nelly, Kohls, Nike, and many more. Australian model La'Tecia Thomas is vocal about how she embraces her body and the importance of both physical and mental health. More like my size, (opens in new tab) where she challenged the industry's outdated conventions. A movement exploded, empowering curvy women to embrace bikinis and the buzz, coupled with Gabi's fashion prowess landed her a swimwear collaboration with Swimsuits For Alla partnership that proved so popular it still continues to this day. But a fat black woman celebrating her body is banned? Hunter has also appeared on a cover of The Knot magazine and Health magazine and has walked the runway for Chromat at New York Fashion Week. A post shared by Sonny Turner (@sonnyturner___) (opens in new tab). Covers, Campaigns, Catwalks and Collections: La'Tecia has had collections with online fashion brands In the Style and Boohoo and has worked with Simply Be, Fashion Nova Curve, Showpo, Lounge Underwear, REBDOLLS, Fashion To Figure, PrettyLittleThing, Alpine Butterfly Swim, rue21 and Nasty Gal, to name a few. Already a favorite for numerous fashion brands, Leslie's Instagram is full of beautifully taken shots, fun selfies and inspiring fashion editorials. Getting her big break in 2018, Kate landed a coveted spot in the 2018 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue, which was actually the start of her modeling career. Covers, Campaigns, Catwalks and Collections: Ashley Graham's covers include American Vogue, Vogue Arabia, Harpers Bazaar, Elle, and Glamour. French model Leslie Sidora is another plus size model making her mark on the fashion industry. Having publicly spoken out about the fattest and racist attitudes she's faced in the industry, she uses her platform to campaign for greater inclusivity and diversity and challenge societal beauty normsas well as some great modeling shots. A post shared by Louise O'Reilly (@stylemecurvy) (opens in new tab). However, in the 20 years since, she has forged an enviable career and furthered the plus-size fashion offering, becoming a leader of the inclusive fashion movement. The 28-year-old shot to fame after she appeared on Glossier billboards and as a face of Fenty Beauty and has appeared on the cover of US. Aussie model Kate Wasley rose to social media fame asone half of Instagram duo @any.body_co,where she and friend Georgia Gibbs share photos ofthemselves to social media to promote body positivity at any size. Mollie Quirk is a freelance journalist and features writer from London, England. With plenty to say on body positivity, Hunter also launched a podcast with her sister, entitled 'Model Citizen'. Signed to MiLK Model Management, Felicity is a powerhouse of self-love and body acceptance and a respected voice within the fashion and plus size fashion industries. Launching her brand, MamaStillGotIt, Louise is quick-witted and shares brilliant reels and stories on her Instagram from the frontline of being a parent, alongside a healthy dose of behind-the-scenes from her life as a model and influencer. In 2021, Paloma Elsesser scored her first American Vogue cover, photographed by Annie Leibovitz. Most recently Denise launched a collection with Kohls and has previously collaborated with British brand Nasty Gal. Iskra is a British model who is best known for being the global face of lingerie brand Aerie. Dancing to Diana Ross, Felicity was scouted to model for photographer Miles Aldrige and the shoot was then published in Ponystep Magazine in 2012. In 2019 Nadia launched a collection of wider calf boots, with Fashion to Figure, which sold out, not once, but twice. Olivia Campbell, or CurvyCampbell, if you prefer her Instagram moniker, is one of a few cult plus size models that forged their own path through social media. Covers, Campaigns, Catwalks and Collections: Jocelyn is a regular on the New York Fashion Week runway and has been spotted walking for Chromat, Christian Siriano, The Blonds NY Peter Do and Benito Santos. A former teen beauty queen, Candice Huffine signed her first modeling contract in 2000 at the age of 15, when the limited plus size fashion offering meant there were scant opportunities for larger models. A recognized fashion voice, you can often spot Louise at New York and London fashion weeks checking out the latest trends and she loves to focus on solving her Instagram follower's fashion dilemmas. Anna Shillinglaw, owner of MiLK Model management has been at the forefront of the plus size and curve fashion modeling revolution. Covers, Campaigns, Catwalks and Collections: Nadia has modeled for a host of brands and her Instagram feed is packed full of editorial imagery. Heres why you can trust us. American model Tara Lynn is most often shooting lingerie and swimwear campaigns, but the 38-year-old mother has also graced the cover of international fashion magazines and has starred in campaigns for brands such as H&M. Parameters differ from market to market, but in the US, a plus-size model is anyone above a dress size US 12/ UK 16. Nadia has modeled for and collaborated on collections and edits for Addition Elle lingerie, Boohoo.com and Lord and Taylor. This is rather a contentious term in some circles, but when it comes to knowing exactly what is plus size, the lines are a little hazy. Starting a new career at 55, Nicola Griffin shot to fame in a Sports Illustrated shoot. Now Kate is being recognised internationally shooting for Sports Illustrated earlier this year. Covers, Campaigns, Catwalks and Collections: Hunter McGrady boasts her own clothing line with QVC called All Worthy and has also partnered with the likes of Fabletcis and Olay. But as diversity becomesan increasing focus in the fashion industry, more and more plus-size models are becoming household names. In 2013, she penned an essay calling out the 'thigh gap' trend for being unhealthy and unnecessary. When it comes to famous plus size models, youve probably heard of Ashley Graham and Tess Holliday, but they aren't the only stylish curve models out there. Iskra is an inspiring brand ambassador for the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA) and the creator of the NEDA Inspires Award. A former teenage beauty queen, Candice Huffine signed her first commercial modelling contract in 2000 and now fronts high fashion campaigns worldwide. Covers, Campaigns, Catwalks and Collections: Where to start? Sonny Turner is well known for being an outspoken advocate for inclusivity. A post shared by @lateciat (opens in new tab). Felicity is a big champion for body positivity and self-worth and was one of the first models to show off cellulite, scars and stretch marks in major campaigns for the likes of Missguided and The Body Shop. And the #IWantToSeeNyome movement was born. Fronting campaigns for Revlon and St Tropez,Ashley Graham has also collaborated on several collections, including a lingerie range with Addition Elle, a collab with PrettyLittleThing and a denim edit with Marina Rinaldi. or me, social media is the most damaging place where images are made to look real and candid but in reality 100 pics were taken and then they were photoshopped or FaceTuned," she recently wrote on Instagram. Covers, Campaigns, Catwalks and Collections: Olivia has walked at British Fashion Week and collaborated with numerous brands, including the likes of River Island, Yours Clothing and Simply Be promoting both plus size fashion and body confidence and has been featured in articles for Cosmopolitan and the Guardian. After having been in the industry for almost a decade, the Atlanta native's star is firmly on the rise, having walked the runways for the likes of Versace, Moschino and Savage x Fenty, and appeared in campaigns for Khloe Kardashian's good American and Kim Kardashian's SKIMS. Woman & Home is supported by its audience. Born in the New York borough of Queens, Barbie Ferreira began her modeling career when she was a teen by sending photos of herself to an American Apparel open casting call. This bold move was inspired by her digital campaign #selflovebringsbeauty, which has turned into a global body-positive movement, promoting diversity and acceptance.