Despite years of progress and loud calls for inclusivity, the body-positivity movement is undeniably losing momentum. A renewed cultural obsession with weight loss and shrinking bodies has dragged fashion back towards the ultra-thin standard that once dominated. Not long ago, it felt like things were finally starting to change. Plus-size models such as Paloma Elsesser, Precious Lee, Jill Kortleve and Ashley Graham weren’t just walking the runways; they were closing shows, fronting campaigns and reshaping what high fashion could look like.
But lately, curve representation has been so scarce that it’s sparked online discourse from editors, influencers and even models such as Felicity Hayward. At London Fashion Week, plus-size model counts fell from 80 in September 2024 to just 26 in February 2025. New York, Milan and Paris all saw similar dips. It begs the question: was the industry’s embrace of size inclusivity ever genuine, or was it just a fleeting grab at capitalising on body positivity while it was trending and thus profitable?
As someone who lives in a plus-size body and loves fashion, I’m tired. Tired of cheering for the one token curve model squeezed into a show of 40. Tired of seeing beautiful runway looks that won’t be available in my size. And most of all, tired of the fact that in 2025, inclusion still feels like a radical act instead of standard practice.
Representation should be bigger than optics. We deserve to see ourselves fully: in show line-ups, in campaign imagery and in garment sizing. Fashion has the power to influence culture, shift beauty standards and tell stories.
Thankfully, London-based designers like Karoline Vitto and Sinéad O’Dwyer continue to lead by example, casting incredible curve and plus-size talent while reminding us that thinness isn’t the only ticket to being seen or feeling beautiful.
While supporting and buying from brands that prioritise true inclusivity is of course important, it shouldn’t just be smaller, independent labels pushing this agenda – we need the bigger fashion houses and conglomerates to portray a variety of body types, too. Change won’t happen unless the industry works together to create a fashion world that welcomes every body. Literally.
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Size diversity can no longer be treated as a trend – it needs to become the norm. So, before the next fashion month rolls around, let’s hope to see the pendulum start swinging in the other direction.
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Lauren Nicole Coppin Campbell is the Contributing Curve Editor of Cosmopolitan UK. The former curve model and digital content creator has worked in the fashion industry, specialising in plus-size fashion content, for six years. Known for her excellent eye for style, captivating imagery and witty sense of humour to match, Lauren Nicole continues to inspire women to live boldly through their clothes.
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