They say bigger is better and in recent times, brands have been embracing inclusion than never before.
Full figured women are also coming out in their numbers in the fashion world, ripping many runways, working with countless high fashion brands while challenging perceptions of beauty in the modern world.
But getting here hasn’t been easy, especially for black plus-size models who have had to deal with biases against curvy or dark-skinned models.
The following voluptuous beauties have, however, beaten the odds and are making it big in the fashion industry:
Photo: Estrella Fashion Report
Monique Robinson
Signed to Dorothy Combs Modeling Agency, the plus-size model is definitely proud of her skin as she is always happy to share her body positivity with the world.
Being one of the first plus-size models to be on the popular fashion competition series Project Runway, she recently told Hello Beautiful what the overall experience was like.
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“Being one of the first plus-size models Project Runway feels amazing. To know that you’re a representation of the average woman in America is such an honor. The overall experience was a beautiful chaos. Literally what you see is what you get. Designers running all over the place trying to bring it all together in a day.”
Liris Crosse. Photo: Mic
Liris Crosse
Often compared to Naomi Campbell, whom she calls her “model mother,” Crosse also competed on Project Runway as one of the first plus-size models to be on the show.
Throughout her over 20-year career, she has landed major modeling gigs, working with mega-brands such as Ashley Stewart and Goddess Lingerie.
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She has been an inspiration to many women who are trying to enter the fashion world and she also recently authored the book ‘Make The World Your Runway.’
Philomena Kwao. Photo: telegraph.co.uk
Philomena Kwao
The 29-year-old Ghanaian-British model once shared how proud she was of being part of the golden age of body positivity.
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Plus-size and dark-skinned, Kwao has carved a niche for herself in the modeling industry, having done campaigns for Addition Elle, Torrid, Beth Ditto Collection, Sports Illustrated, among others.
Nedra Phillips. Photo: nedraphilips.com
Nedra Phillips
The Georgia native is well known for her dynamic photography and her striking presence in some of the world’s biggest fashion shows, including Pulp Fashion Week 2016.
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The model, stylist, and entrepreneur has also featured in Queen Size, UM, USL Magazine and appeared in Plus Model Magazine.
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The cover model for Model Call Magazine is also the face of well-renowned celebrity stylist Shun Melson’s plus clothing line.
Anita Marshall. Photo: Essence
Anita Marshall
The 27-year-old model and Instagram star is best known for her representation through Dorothy Combs Models and Muse Management in New York City.
The Boston beauty has also worked with amazing clients such as Macy’s, Nordstrom, Monif C and landed covers of some leading magazines.
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“I am honestly proud of all of my work because it has all helped shape me into the model I am today. Each job has helped me in one way or another whether it was learning how to nail a jumping shot or being able to model swimsuits in freezing temperatures,” she recently said in an interview with papermag.com.
