The Rise of Body Positivity in Fashion
The discussion surrounding body positivity in fashion has gained significant traction in recent years. A clear transformation is taking place, driven by a group of creative professionals committed to making fashion more inclusive and accessible for everyone. Through innovative designs and casting decisions that truly reflect the diversity of the real world, this movement is redefining the concepts of beauty, self-esteem, and visibility. At the forefront of this change is London, with a hub for pioneering designers who create with purpose and challenge conventional standards.
In today’s article, we explored the impactful trend of body positivity within the fashion industry, highlighting designers and models who are not only participating but also revolutionising the field.
Innovative Designers Leading The Change
Sinéad O’Dwyer stands out as one of the most inclusive designers in today's fashion scene, revolutionising runway norms. Her shows showcase models of all sizes, genders, and abilities, including those with mobility challenges. O’Dwyer’s personal experience with body dysmorphia drives her mission to empower all women with confidence. Her clothing line, available in sizes ranging from UK4 to UK32, combines technical precision with emotional depth, resulting in designs that are both contemporary and uplifting.
Karoline Vitto’s creations celebrate the body's natural shapes, employing curved metal hardware and thoughtfully placed cut-outs to highlight folds and curves often overlooked. Her sizing ranges from UK8 to UK24, and her brand focuses on inclusivity rather than labelling itself as plus-size. The SS24 collection, showcased in Milan, featured figure-flattering pieces worn by icons like Ashley Graham. Vitto’s designs illustrate how luxury fashion can embrace diverse body types without sacrificing creativity.
Renowned for her wet-look dresses, Di Petsa has become a contemporary icon, adorned by celebrities like FKA Twigs and Gigi Hadid. Her designs embody fluidity—both in material and concept—celebrating femininity and vulnerability. Available in sizes XS to XL, her pieces challenge societal norms around tears, breastmilk, and other forms of "wetness." Di Petsa’s artistic take on self-acceptance resonates with women worldwide, positioning her as a leading advocate in body-positive fashion.
Ellie Misner’s demi-couture designs strike a harmonious balance between bold sensuality and inclusivity. Known for her dramatic, curve-enhancing garments, her creations cater to sizes up to UK30 and beyond. With a clientele that includes Katy Perry, Paloma Elsesser, and Dove Cameron, Misner proves her talent for crafting pieces that are both empowering and visually stunning.
Chet Lo's avant-garde knitwear fuses comfort with cyber-punk aesthetics. His signature spiky textiles and body-conforming designs embrace fluctuating body sizes, celebrating confidence at every size. Featuring curve models in his runway shows, Lo demonstrates how high fashion can embrace inclusivity while maintaining a cutting-edge appeal.
Michaela Stark’s custom-made lingerie accentuates and exaggerates natural curves, challenging conventional beauty standards. Her bespoke pieces, crafted in sizes up to 5XL, celebrate sensuality through the use of silk, hand-dyeing, and intricate designs. Stark’s work has been featured in the Victoria’s Secret VS20 show too, marking a bold shift in the lingerie industry.
A new generation of models, alongside designers and brands, is actively challenging these outdated beauty ideals. Figures such as Ashley Graham, Paloma Elsesser, and Precious Lee have become icons of the body positivity movement, appearing in significant campaigns and redefining representation on the runway. Similarly, models like Tess McMillan, Ajok Daing, and Alva Claire are broadening the conversation about beauty, demonstrating that fashion is inclusive for all bodies. Even traditional brands like Victoria’s Secret are adapting by featuring plus-size and transgender models in their shows. If you haven’t watched their 2024 show, here is your shortcut. Although or many people, the news of Victoria's Secret Runway comeback signalled a chance for the brand to finally host a diverse range of models, lean into authentic inclusivity and break new mould; for some the show struggled to speak to the world we live in. In fact, the brand has gone through some heavy backlash after their show last month, as their choice of diverse models was just made up of 3 women, and no more.
The dialogue surrounding body positivity in fashion is more vibrant than ever, and the actions taken are making a significant impact. With pioneering designers, eco-friendly brands, and groundbreaking models at the helm, the industry is evolving into a realm where everyone can feel represented and celebrated. With London leading the charge, the global fashion landscape is being reshaped to ensure that everyone not only looks good but also feels valued and acknowledged.
[info sourced on luxiders.com, allure.com, elle.com and theglossarymagazine.com; featured image sourced on canva.com]