Beautiful, wise, and brave are the words that perfectly define these powerful ladies. Meet the real heroes of the fashion industry who have rejected to stick to the obscure standards of the modeling world and become a prominent name and inspiration for all the women out there. Here are the plus-size models who are ruling the fashion industry.
Philomena Kwao
If you thought that beauty and brains were mutually exclusive, then meet Philomena Kwao. A lady who has it all! A London-born, New York-based beauty, Kwao is a contemporary role model. The model is turning the tables speaking up for diversity and challenging beauty ideals. A plus-size model, Philomena Kwao has been actively participating and raising her voice against discrimination on the basis of size and color in the fashion industry, and at the same time highlighting critical environmental issues like the future of the Taj Mahal and Venice, and the history of Easter Island and the Cuban Thaw. This lady is perfect, no matter what her size is, or what color she has. And the best thing about Kwao is that she appreciates avid campaigners of the same league. Liya Kebede is her role model who has also been speaking up for the rights of women and children everywhere and emphasizing maternal health. Kwao also states that one should be their own motivator and cheerleader and that beauty comes from being comfortable with yourself.
Ashley Graham
So, this lady has been ruling the fashion industry with her charm, poise, and confidence, of course. You might have seen her at many places, right from top magazine covers to various ad campaigns. We are talking about none other than Ashley Graham. This plus-size model has been winning hearts all around with her powerful personality. She made headlines for the very first time when she appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated. The fashion industry was shaken when this happened, but nothing could ever stop this lady from moving forward. She has been gracing the covers of leading magazines like Vogue, Cosmopolitan, Glamour, Elle, Harper’s Bazaar, and the list just goes on. She has also been featured in several music videos and ad campaigns like Joe Jonas’s pop/rock band DNCE’s number ‘Toothbrush’. Not only this, the model has been encouraging people to look above their physical appearances, and feel comfortable in their bodies.
Tara Lynn
Hailing from Tacoma, Washington, Tara Lynn is a famous plus-size lingerie model. As she got featured in V and the French edition of Elle’s plus-size fashion shoot, Lynn became the center of much attention. Actually, the curvy model made it big in 2011 when she was spotted on the ill-famed cover of Vogue Italia with other two plus-size models, namely Candice Huffine and Robyn Lawley in lingerie and steamy poses. Ever since this woman has never looked back. The glamorous model has appeared on the covers of a number of famous magazines, right from Glamour to Vogue Italia. The model has been involved in a number of everyday jobs right from working at fast food corners to grocery stores before making it big in the fashion industry. And now Lynn is seen on the covers of major magazines and different lingerie ads and shoots. Tara Lynn has also been spotted representing major retailers such as H&M.
Candice Huffine
This model comes from Georgetown, Washington D.C. Huffine started her career by winning a teenage beauty competition. The world was unaware that this young beauty will someday become a popular name in the fashion industry. It was in 2000 that the model signed her very first modeling contract. The model has been reducing barriers in the fashion industry by establishing herself as a prominent plus-size model. She also garnered much attention when she appeared on the cover of Vogue Italia along with Robin Lawley and Tara Lynn. She has been featured in a number of publications such as Vogue, Glamour, i-D, V Magazine, and W. Huffine was the very first plus-size model to be ever featured in the Pirelli Calendar. In addition to this, she also founded Project Start in the year 2016. The project aims at inspiring and encouraging women to start their running journey.
Denise Bidot
To become the queen of the runway, you don’t have to be size 0, justifies Denise Bidot perfectly. A sultry size 14, Denise gives a good answer to those who think that modeling is related to your body shape and size. Born in Miami, Florida, Bidot is a proud plus-size model who has been a part of major ad campaigns and fashion shows. She has been working for a number of leading names such as Forever 21, Nordstrom, Old Navy, Target, Levi’s, Lane Bryant, and many others. And that is not it for the model has also been featured on a number of television shows including HBO’s ‘Habla Women’, nuvoTV’s ‘Curvy Girls’, and various others. She has also appeared on the segments of ‘The Real’, and the ‘Tyra Banks Show’. Now, Bidot proudly works as a model and is a spokesperson for plus-size fashion and women.
So, these were some of the very popular plus-size models who are making it big in the fashion industry. Just like these women, you should not be afraid to do what you love. Your physical appearance doesn’t matter until you have the capability and guts to do it right. A little confidence and determination will help you do wonders. Just remember you are perfect as you are, you know your body better, do not let anyone tell you what you are good at and a great future awaits right in front of you. Go ahead, show the world what you’ve got!
Precious Lee
At number 8, Precious Lee was the first black plus-size model in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, which has skyrocketed her career and made modeling history. She was also the first black plus-size model in Vogue magazine and only continues to book ads and magazine shoots. She has just appeared in an elegant black-and-white Lane Bryant ad, showing off the brand and her body. She also hosts an Instagram page, where she shares photos of not just her body, but her skin, eyes, and other features she values about her beautiful appearance. Lee is also good friends with a fellow plus-size model, Robyn Lawley, and seeks to surround herself with positive role models.
Robyn Lawley
Hailing from Australia, she made a name for herself in the famous Vogue Italia shoot with Candice Huffine and Tara Lynn. She was the first plus-size model to appear on the cover of Vogue Australia, an event that boosted her career. She is now one of the most sought-after and influential models in the world.