While the average dress size in America has increased over the years, the fashion industry has been slow to catch up.
For the most part, straight-size models continue to dominate the runway and fashion editorials. However, there are a growing number of African American plus size models who are changing the landscape of fashion.
These 10 models are some of the most popular and influential in the industry, and they are helping to redefine what it means to be beautiful.
Ashley Graham
Ashley Graham is a plus-size model who has been featured on the cover of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, and Elle.
She has also walked in fashion shows for several designers, including Christian Siriano, Prabal Gurung, and Marc Jacobs.
Graham is considered to be one of the most successful plus-size models in the world. She has appeared on the covers of magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour, and Elle. In addition,
she has walked in fashion shows for several high-end designers, including Christian Siriano, Prabal Gurung, and Marc Jacobs.
Her success in the industry is due in part to her willingness to speak out about the lack of diversity in the fashion world. In an interview with Time magazine, she said
“There’s this perception that if you’re plus size you have to be grateful for any crumbs that are thrown your way by the industry…But I’m not going to be complacent…I want to see more diversity.”
Graham’s outspokenness has helped to break down barriers for other plus-size models who are looking to enter the industry.
Liris Crosse
Liris Crosse is one of the most popular African American plus-size models in the world. She has graced the covers of magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Glamour,
and has also been featured in campaigns for major brands such as Lane Bryant and Target.
At just over six feet tall, Liris is a force to be reckoned with on the runway. But it’s her outgoing personality and down-to-earth nature that have endeared her to fans around the world.
In addition to her work as a model, Liris is also an active philanthropist, working with organizations such as the National Down Syndrome Society and Susan G. Komen for the Cure.
Aisha Thalia
Aisha Thalia is a Jamaican-American model, actress, and singer. She has graced the covers of magazines such as Vogue Italia, Elle France, and Harper’s Bazaar US.
In addition to her work in fashion, Aisha has also appeared in films such as Tyler Perry’s Good Deeds and The Other Woman. She is currently signed to Wilhelmina Models and JAG Models.
Aisha Thalia is one of the most successful African American plus-size models in the world. She has graced the covers of some of the biggest magazines in the world
and has also starred in films alongside some of Hollywood’s biggest names. Aisha is currently signed to Wilhelmina Models and JAG Models, two of the most prestigious modeling agencies in the world.
Barbie Ferreira
1. Barbie Ferreira is an American plus-size model and actress. She has been featured in Elle, Teen Vogue, and Harper’s Bazaar.
2. Ferreira signed with IMG Models in 2015. In 2016, she was the face of Forever 21’s spring campaign and starred in their #MySize campaign.
3. In 2017, she was featured in a Prabal Gurung campaign and appeared on the cover of Glamour’s special edition “These Girls” issue. She has also appeared in campaigns for ASOS Curve, Nike, and Aerie.
4. Ferreira has stated that her goal is to “change fashion industry standards” and increase representation of plus-size models within the fashion industry.
Gabi Gregg
Gabi Gregg is one of the most popular African American plus-size models in the world. She has been featured in magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle,
and has also walked the runway for top designers such as Christian Siriano and Jeremy Scott.
While Gabi is best known for her modeling work, she is also an outspoken advocate for body positivity and diversity in the fashion industry.
In 2015, she launched her own line of swimwear called Swimsuits For All, which was designed to help women of all shapes and sizes feel confident and beautiful in their own skin.
In addition to her work in fashion, Gabi is also a successful lifestyle blogger and YouTube personality. On her blog GabiFresh.com,
she shares fashion tips, beauty advice, and personal stories with her millions of followers. And on her YouTube channel, she gives fans an inside look at her life as a model and entrepreneur.
Whether she’s modeling the latest trends or speaking out about important issues, Gabi Gregg is making a major impact on the world of plus-size fashion.
Tyra Banks
Tyra Banks is one of the most well-known African American plus size models in the world. She has graced the cover of many magazines, including Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle.
Tyra is also a former Victoria’s Secret Angel, and has her own line of lingerie, Tyra Beauty. In addition to her modeling career, Tyra is also an actress, author, television personality, and businesswoman.
Jordyn Woods
Jordyn Woods is a plus size model who has been in the industry for a few years. She has graced the cover of magazines such as Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar.
In addition to her modeling career, Jordyn is also an entrepreneur and has her own clothing line called Woods Clothing.
Jordyn was born and raised in Los Angeles, California. She is of African American and Dutch descent. Jordyn began modeling at the age of 17 when she was signed to Wilhelmina Models.
She has since gone on to walk in runway shows for brands such as Christian Siriano, Michael Kors, and Ashley Stewart.
In 2018, Jordyn launched her own clothing line called Woods Clothing. The line is available in sizes 10-28 and offers stylish and affordable clothing for plus-size women.
Jordyn is also a body positive activist and frequently speaks out about promoting self-love and acceptance.
Precious Lee
Precious Lee is one of the most successful African American plus-size models in the world. She has graced the cover of magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Glamour,
and has walked the runway for some of the biggest designers in the industry, including Christian Siriano, Marc Jacobs, and Michael Kors.
Born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Precious Lee began her modeling career after being discovered by a scout while shopping at a mall with her mother.
She was immediately signed to a modeling agency and soon after made her debut on the runway at New York Fashion Week.
Since then, Precious Lee has become one of the most recognizable faces in the plus size modeling industry.
In addition to her work in print and on the runway, she has also appeared in several commercial campaigns for companies such as Target and Lane Bryant.
Precious Lee is an inspiration to women of all sizes and shapes. She proves that plus size women can be beautiful and stylish too. We hope to see more of her in the years to come!
Denise Bidot
Denise Bidot is a plus-size model from the United States. She is of Puerto Rican and Kuwaiti descent. Denise has modeled for several major brands, including Forever 21, Target, and Levi’s. In 2015,
she was featured in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. Denise is also an outspoken body positivity advocate. In 2016, she launched her own lingerie line for plus-size women called Yours Clothing.
Ashley Nell Tipton
Ashley Nell Tipton is an African American plus size model who has made a name for herself in the fashion industry.
She has graced the cover of magazines such as Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle, and has also been featured in campaigns for major brands such as Lane Bryant and Target. Ashley is known for her bold style and positive body image, and she is an advocate for plus size women everywhere.
