High fashion houses have delighted fashionistas by choosing plus-sized models to showcase their clothing on their catwalks for the first time.
Fans has flocked to the Fashion Weeks to watch the latest Spring/Summer collections both in person and virtually over the last few weeks, with Covid-19 restrictions across the globe preventing many of the usual showcases.
And many fashionistas have been left overjoyed after noticing high fashion brands, including Chanel and Versace, have chosen catwalk stars wearing outfits in a size 12, 14 or larger, for their runways.
After British brand Alexander McQueen posted a video of a size 16 model in a red silk and black metallic dress as part of its autumn winter 20 collection in late September, followers of the label gushed about the choice on Instagram, with one commenting: ‘Thank you for giving the chance to all the type of bodies to enjoy your art.’
High fashion houses have delighted fashion fans by choosing plus-sized models to showcase their clothing on their catwalks for the first time, including Alexander McQueen (pictured)
Precious Lee (left) and Alva Claire (right) stunned on the catwalk at Milan Fashion Week wearing Versace’s 2021 spring/summer collection after Versace embraced pus-sized models
Dutch model Jill Kortleve was among the plus-sized models to be used by Versace on their catwalk (pictured)
Women have been calling for labels to increase the diversity of their models for more than a decade.
The average woman in Britain is now size 16, but in fashion the average is more of a 6 to 8.
However in recent weeks, several large fashion houses have posted video of larger women modelling their threads.
To break this mould, multiple high fashion houses have published videos of larger women modelling their clothing on runways.
Fans of the fashion houses were quick to heap praise on them for trying to diversify the modelling industry
After Alexander McQueen shared a video online of a size 16 model showcasing a red silk and black metallic dress, the move was hailed by the brand’s followers.
Many praised the fashion house for using ‘realistic models’, with one saying: ‘All bodies are real bodies but its nice to see not just skinny people wearing gorgeous fashion. Everybody is worthy.’
Another said that Alexander McQueen’s video had made their day because ‘this dress is a dream come true worn by a real girl!’
Meanwhile Italian brand Versace earned praise for embracing larger women and casting three plus-sized models for the very first time.
Meanwhile plus-sized model Alva stunned on the Versace catwalk as she showcased their latest line of clothing
Alva said she felt ‘so emotional’ having walked the catwalk for Versace and called the show ‘a huge dream’
Precious Lee, Jill Kortleve and Alva Claire all stunned on the catwalk at Milan Fashion Week wearing Versace’s 2021 spring/summer collection.
Speaking after being given the opportunity to model for Versace, Precious said: ‘Anybody that knows me or ever spoke to me about fashion knows without a doubt how I feel about The House of Versace.
‘It’s always been about @versace for me. Queen @donatella_versace your support and love right now for me is just magical.
‘Thank you from the bottom of my heart for raising the bar. I know how much this means and I will always cherish it.’
Precious, who was among the first ever plus-sized models to walk the Versace catwalk, said she was ‘cherishing’ the opportunity
The model later encouraged other black women into pursuing their dreams, urging them to ‘stay true’
She continued: ‘Not one little black girl can say they can’t because we can, we always could and when you stay true, you will – omfg y’all… I’m a Versace Hottie.’
Alva Claire also celebrated her Versace debut on Instagram. She said: ‘VERSACE SS21! I’m so emotional writing this, to walk for the iconic Versace has always been a huge dream of mine!!
‘I am so proud of @preciousleexoxo, @jilla.tequila and myself we made history with this and I will never forget how I feel right now!
‘This moment is for all of us! I’m full of love! Thank you so much @pg_dmcasting @samuel_ellis@versace @donatella_versace and my sweet @kjeldgaard1.’
Precious Lee (pictured) was one of three plus-sized models to walk the catwalk for Versace – the first time they have ever done so
Replying to Alva’s post, people showed their support for Versace having used larger models.
One said: ‘Well done! It was about time to ‘walk the talk.’ Start using plus size models! I only hope more designers follow Donatella’s example!’
While another said: ‘All clothing should be designed for all shapes and sizes! Thank you for doing the right thing! Love your designs.’
And a third said that fashion was changing for the better.
Dutch model Jill Kortleve, who has a 31-inch waist, has also modelled for Chanel, Valentine, Michael Kors, Mugler and Molly Goddard and often poses in a bikini on Instagram.
Meanwhile Jill, who has a 31-inch waist, often posts pictures wearing a bikini on her Instagram account
The model shared her disbelief at walking the runway for the legendary fashion house, calling it a ‘historic moment’
Speaking about her appearance on the Versace catwalk she said: ‘This is such an historical moment and I can’t believe it actually happened. I’m still shaking. I’m so so so proud of us @alvaclaire @preciousleexoxo.
‘It’s so unbelievable to work for brands I always dreamt of working for.
‘I hope that we open the doors for a new generation with the same dreams but who never saw themselves in the magazines or the commercials.
Earlier this year, Paloma Elsesser became the first plus-size model to walk for Fendi, slaying in a butter yellow coat dress for the fashion house’s Fall 2020 show.
Fashion labels are only just returning to the catwalk, after shows were cancelled over the summer due to the coronavirus pandemic.