These fashion designers are all about body-inclusivity

For years, exclusivity was an unspoken, yet widely known and accepted norm within the fashion industry. This norm included, but was in no way limited to, creating designs and outfits to fit a particular body type; typically those with tiny waists and flat stomachs. For a long time the industry set the standards of beauty…until they didn’t. Today, people of all body types, across age groups and the gender spectrum have become increasingly vocal about exclusionary practices and the need for body positive fashion. As Ashley Graham says, “It doesn’t matter what size you are. It doesn’t matter if you have cellulite. It doesn’t matter if things jiggle where they’re not supposed to. That’s still beautiful.” A whole generation of people within and beyond the fashion industry are setting out to define their own standard of beauty—and it’s all inclusive. From collaborating with models of all sizes, to advocating an inclusive fashion space, these fashion designers are ensuring there's room for everyone.

Michael Kors 

In 2017, Michael Kors became one of the first veteran designers to cast a ‘plus-size’ model on the runway at the New York Fashion Week, which created waves in the fashion world. “I don’t like it when the models all look the same. To me it’s so incredibly boring to turn them into mannequins, it’s so much more interesting if we have different ages, ethnicities, body types, heights,” he stated in an interview at the time. He continues to offer his collections in extended sizes, whether it’s a buttoned-down shirt dress or a midi-skirt. 

Christian Siriano 

Christian Siriano is an American fashion designer who made his mark in the fashion industry at the age of 21, after becoming the youngest winner of Project Runway in 2007. But what we love him for is his mission to make fashion for every body type. His work since has included all skin colours, ethnicities, and body types—from the flounce hem sleeve, shirt dress, to the red strapless, criss-cross dress—it’s for anybody to wear. The designer partnered with Barbie in 2017 to create a line of diverse dolls too. Hear hear! 

Mara Hoffman 

For all those who’ve been insecure of their, curves, rolls, and stretchmarks, and for those who have been too afraid to flaunt their swimsuit body—this one’s for you. After working in the industry for 15 years, designer Mara Hoffman decided to make some changes. Having always been an advocate for body positivity, Hoffman has been working with women of all shapes and sizes to create an all-inclusive swimsuit line. Further, she also transformed her production process to make it more sustainable and responsible by switching organic, recycled material. 

Anju Modi 

The revered designer Anju Modi is not only known for her couture that is a class apart but also, her belief and practice of sustainability in ethnic wear. Today, she dons a new hat as she has become increasingly vocal about inclusivity in the fashion world—whether in terms of culture or body type. Her recent collection at the Lakmé Fashion Week, held earlier this year, spoke volumes about this belief. “Inclusivity is a sensitive subject that requires us to be more aware, mindful, and educated, especially designers, who cater to Indian women. Ours is a country that boasts of a wide range of skin tones and body proportions, yet, when it comes to fashion inclusivity, we still have a long way to go,” she said in an interview. 

Gaurav Gupta 

Another Indian designer making waves when it comes to body positivity is the one who doesn’t need any introduction. Gaurav Gupta has been advocating body positivity, inclusion, and diversity through his work which included featuring models, such as Nitya Arora, a body positive advocate, Anjali Lama, a trans-female model, Vee, a trans model, and many more. The collection, titled, “Name Is Love’ celebrated love in all.