CELEBRATING 30 TRAILBLAZING WOMEN IN PLUS-SIZE FASHION FOR WOMEN'S HISTORY MONTH
March is Women's History Month, a time to honor the incredible contributions of women across all industries, including fashion. In the plus-size fashion world, countless women have paved the way for greater inclusivity, diversity, and representation. While there are many more than we could possibly list, for the sake of time, we have narrowed it down to 30 phenomenal trailblazers who have had a profound impact on the industry. From designers and models to entrepreneurs and activists, these women have helped redefine beauty standards and create space for plus-size fashion to thrive on a global scale.
Anita Marshall - Anita Marshall overcame industry rejections to become one of the most sought-after plus-size models. Her journey is a testament to persistence and the changing landscape of fashion.
Ashley Nell Tipton - Ashley Nell Tipton made history as the first plus-size designer to win Project Runway (Season 14). Her bold, colorful designs shattered the myth that plus-size fashion had to be boring or conservative. By bringing size inclusivity to high fashion, she opened doors for more curvy women to express themselves through clothing.
Chastity Garner Valentine - As co-founder of The CurvyCon, Chastity Garner Valentine has created one of the most influential plus-size fashion events in the world, connecting brands, influencers, and consumers in a celebration of body positivity.
A pioneer in plus-size entertainment, Chenese Lewis has worn many hats—model, advocate, and host of The Chenese Lewis Show. She was crowned Miss Plus America in 2003, one of the earliest pageants to celebrate plus-size beauty, and continues to be a strong voice for body diversity.
Denise Bidot - Denise Bidot broke barriers as the first plus-size Latina model to walk in New York Fashion Week. She has also appeared in major campaigns, advocating for self-love and acceptance.
Essie Golden – A model, influencer, and blogger who co-founded the Golden Confidence Pool Party, a groundbreaking body-positive event. She uses her platform to celebrate plus-size women, fostering self-love and community through fashion and lifestyle content. Her vibrant presence and advocacy have made her a leading voice in the plus-size movement.
Fluvia Lacerda - Fluvia Lacerda, often called "the plus-size Gisele Bündchen," became the first plus-size model to appear on the cover of Brazilian Vogue, expanding representation in global fashion.
Grisel Paula – Founder and CEO of Rebdolls, a bold and trendy size-inclusive fashion brand. A former plus-size model, she created the brand to ensure stylish, accessible fashion for all body types. Her commitment to representation and inclusivity has made Rebdolls a go-to brand for confident, fashion-forward women.
Founder of (former) Full Figured Fashion Week (FFFWeek), Gwen DeVoe has created one of the most significant platforms celebrating plus-size fashion and talent. Gwen is also a well sought after silver fox runway and commercial model. Also the founder of the Silver Fox Model Camp.
Hayley Hasselhoff - Hayley Hasselhoff made history as the first plus-size model to appear on the cover of Playboy Germany, shattering stereotypes about plus-size beauty.
Hunter McGrady - Hunter McGrady became one of the curviest models featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue, championing body positivity and self-love.
A powerhouse runway coach and petite plus model, known for training plus-size models in the art of commanding the catwalk. With decades of experience, she has shaped the presence of plus models in fashion shows worldwide. Her expertise and fierce energy have made her an icon in the plus-size fashion industry.
Justine LeGault - When Canadian model Justine LeGault graced the cover of Elle Québec, she made a powerful statement about the need for plus-size representation in high fashion. Her work continues to challenge traditional beauty standards.
Kelly Augustine – A fashion influencer and celebrity stylist championing size diversity in high fashion. She has styled some of the biggest names in entertainment, ensuring plus-size bodies are represented in luxury and red-carpet fashion. Her influence extends beyond styling, as she continues to push for inclusion in the industry.
Dubbed the "Naomi Campbell of Plus," Liris Crosse was the first plus-size model to compete on Project Runway, showing that talent and presence transcend size.
Maddy Jones
Founder and editor-in-chief of PLUS Model Magazine, a pioneering platform that amplifies plus-size fashion and modeling. She has been a key advocate for size diversity in the industry, providing a space for brands, models, and designers to shine. Through her work, she continues to challenge beauty standards and promote body positivity.
Malia Indigo – Founder of Malia Indigo Corporation and Malia Indigo Fashion Week, dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry. She has created a global network for plus-size professionals, providing opportunities for models, designers, and influencers. Her work continues to break barriers and elevate representation in mainstream fashion.
Marie Denee - The founder of The Curvy Fashionista, Marie Denee has built one of the leading online platforms for plus-size fashion, business insights, and industry news. She is a champion for plus-size representation in all aspects of fashion.
Founder of Phat Girl Fresh, a platform celebrating body diversity and self-love, and creator of the legendary Lifestyled Honors event. As a celebrity journalist and advocate, she amplifies the voices of plus-size women in fashion, media, and beyond. Her work blends storytelling, activism, and empowerment to push the body-positive movement forward.
Designer Melissa Mercedes has revolutionized plus-size fashion by creating glamorous, high-end styles for curvy women, dressing celebrities for red carpets and proving that fashion should be accessible to all.
Mia Amber Davis was more than just a model—she was an icon of confidence, beauty, and advocacy. Before her untimely passing, she used her platform to promote body positivity and fight against size discrimination in the fashion industry. Her legacy continues to inspire plus-size women to embrace their beauty unapologetically.
- A true industry powerhouse, Nikki Gomez is a plus-size model, photographer, and mentor. She has worked behind the scenes to elevate the careers of plus-size models and advocate for better representation in fashion.
Paloma Elsesser - Paloma Elsesser has graced the covers of Vogue and other top fashion publications, proving that beauty is not one-size-fits-all. As a model and activist, she consistently uses her platform to advocate for more inclusivity in the industry.
Philomena Kwao - British-Ghanaian model Philomena Kwao is not just a stunning presence on the runway—she’s also an outspoken activist for representation and inclusivity in fashion. Her work has helped push the industry towards a more diverse and accepting future.
Precious Lee - One of the most recognizable faces in plus-size modeling, Precious Lee was the first Black plus-size model to appear in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and to walk the runway for Versace. Her success has challenged outdated industry norms and created new opportunities for models of all sizes.
Saffi Karina - Saffi Karina is the founder of The Curve Project London, an initiative aimed at training and mentoring aspiring curvy models. Through her work, she has helped countless models gain the skills and confidence needed to succeed in the industry.
A plus-size fashion journalist and founder of Curvily, a blog dedicated to pushing size inclusivity in high fashion. She provides in-depth industry coverage, showcasing plus-size representation on and off the runway. Through her work, she challenges brands and designers to embrace true diversity in fashion.
Shafonne Myers – The visionary behind Pretty Pear Bride, the first-ever plus-size bridal magazine dedicated to showcasing curvy brides. She has transformed the bridal industry by creating a space where plus-size women feel seen, celebrated, and represented. Her platform provides inspiration, resources, and confidence for plus-size brides navigating the wedding world.
Known as "The Original Runway Diva," Sharon Quinn was one of the first plus-size models to walk major fashion shows. She has spent years mentoring and inspiring aspiring plus-size models to claim their space in the industry.
– The visionary founder of the Ms. Full-Figured USA Pageant, which has been empowering plus-size women since 1989. She has created a platform where curvy women can showcase their confidence, beauty, and talents. Her legacy in the pageant world continues to uplift and inspire women of all sizes.
The Future of Plus-Size Fashion
These 30 women represent just a fraction of the trailblazers who have shaped the plus-size fashion industry. There are countless others—designers, influencers, models, and activists—who continue to push for change and inclusivity every day. As the industry evolves, their contributions serve as a foundation for a more diverse and accepting fashion world.
As we celebrate Women's History Month, let’s honor these pioneers and continue to support the movement for body positivity and representation in all aspects of fashion.
Who are some of your favorite plus-size fashion icons? Let’s keep the conversation going!
