In recent years, the fashion industry has undergone a significant transformation, embracing diversity and redefining beauty standards. Curvy models have played a pivotal role in this movement, breaking barriers and inspiring millions worldwide. These models have proven that beauty comes in all shapes and sizes, empowering individuals to embrace their bodies with confidence and pride.
From gracing the covers of top fashion magazines to walking the runways of major designers, curvy models have shattered stereotypes and opened doors for greater inclusivity. Their influence extends beyond the runway, as they continue to advocate for self-acceptance, body positivity, and diversity in the fashion world. Here are the ten most famous curvy models who have made a lasting impact on the industry.
The Top 10 Most Celebrated Curvy Models
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Chloe Marshall
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Precious Lee
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Danika Brysha
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Fluvia Lacerda
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Lexi Placourakis
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Tabria Majors
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Robyn Lawley
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Candice Huffine
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Paloma Elsesser
1. Ashley Graham
Ashley Graham is one of the most renowned curvy models in the world, widely recognized for breaking boundaries in the modeling industry. She made history as the first curvy model to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated, paving the way for greater inclusivity in fashion. Graham has worked with major publications such as Vogue, Cosmopolitan, and Harper’s Bazaar and has been named one of Forbes' 30 Under 30.
Beyond modeling, Ashley is an advocate for body positivity and self-love. She has authored the book A New Model: What Confidence, Beauty, and Power Really Look Like and regularly speaks about the importance of self-acceptance. Through her influence, she has inspired countless women to embrace their bodies and challenge conventional beauty standards.
2. Chloe Marshall
Chloe Marshall made history when she became the first plus-size model to reach the finals of the Miss England competition in 2008. Her success shattered traditional beauty norms and proved that curvy women deserve representation in major beauty pageants. After her breakthrough, she moved to New York and signed with Ford Models, further cementing her career in the fashion industry.
Marshall has since graced the covers of Plus Model Magazine and worked with well-known brands like Macy’s and Torrid. She actively uses her platform to challenge stereotypes, encouraging women of all shapes to feel beautiful and confident in their own skin.
3. Precious Lee
Precious Lee is a trailblazer in the world of curvy modeling, breaking barriers as one of the first plus-size women of color to appear in Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit edition. Her career skyrocketed when she walked the Versace Spring 2021 runway, making history as the first Black plus-size model to do so. Lee has collaborated with luxury brands like Marc Jacobs and Miu Miu, solidifying her status as a high-fashion icon.
In addition to her modeling achievements, Lee is a strong advocate for diversity and representation in fashion. She believes that beauty should not be confined to a single body type, and her success continues to inspire countless aspiring models from diverse backgrounds.
4. Danika Brysha
Danika Brysha has used her platform as a curvy model to promote self-love and a healthy lifestyle. She gained recognition after working with brands like Forever 21 and Kohl’s, quickly becoming a sought-after figure in the plus-size modeling industry. Her journey to success began when she fully embraced her body and refused to conform to unrealistic beauty standards.
Beyond modeling, Brysha is an entrepreneur who founded Model Meals, a company that offers healthy meal plans and promotes balanced nutrition. Her advocacy for wellness and self-care has made her an influential figure in both the fashion and health industries.
5. Fluvia Lacerda
Fluvia Lacerda, often referred to as the "Gisele Bündchen of plus-size modeling," is a Brazilian beauty who has redefined industry standards. Discovered while riding a bus in Manhattan, she quickly rose to fame, working with leading plus-size fashion brands. In 2011, she was named Plus Model of the Year at Full Figure Fashion Week, an achievement that solidified her place in the industry.
Lacerda was also the first plus-size model to grace the pages of Playboy Brazil, further challenging traditional notions of beauty. Her success has inspired many women to embrace their curves with pride and confidence.
6. Lexi Placourakis
Lexi Placourakis’ journey to success was filled with personal battles related to body image and self-acceptance. Despite being the daughter of a former Miss Hawaii USA, Lexi’s curvy physique set her apart from traditional modeling expectations. However, her confidence and unique beauty launched her into the world of plus-size modeling, where she has flourished.
Today, she is not only a top model but also a successful entrepreneur. Lexi’s story serves as a powerful reminder that beauty is diverse, and confidence is the key to success.
7. Tabria Majors
Tabria Majors left a stable job to pursue her dream of modeling, proving that taking risks can lead to great rewards. Born in Nashville, Tennessee, she moved to Los Angeles, where she initially worked as a waitress while chasing her modeling aspirations. Her dedication paid off when she was featured in Sports Illustrated and signed with major fashion brands.
Majors is also the host of The Thick, a podcast dedicated to breaking societal barriers for plus-size women. Through her work, she continues to advocate for inclusivity and body positivity in the fashion world.
8. Robyn Lawley
Robyn Lawley is Australia’s most famous curvy model and the first to star in a Ralph Lauren campaign. Her groundbreaking achievements include gracing the covers of Vogue Italy, Marie Claire, and Cosmopolitan, proving that beauty comes in all sizes.
Lawley is also an advocate for positive body image and diversity in fashion. She has written extensively about the importance of size inclusivity and has even published a cookbook, Robyn Lawley Eats, highlighting her passion for healthy living.
9. Candice Huffine
Candice Huffine is a trailblazing plus-size model known for being the first curvy model to appear in the prestigious Pirelli Calendar. She has walked the runways for high-end designers like Christian Siriano and continues to push for more representation of plus-size models in mainstream fashion.
Huffine is also the founder of Day/Won, an activewear brand that promotes body inclusivity and encourages women to embrace an active lifestyle. Her work both on and off the runway has made a lasting impact on the industry.
10. Paloma Elsesser
Paloma Elsesser has become a powerful voice for diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry. She has worked with major brands like Fenty Beauty and Glossier and has been featured in Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar. Her influence extends beyond modeling, as she frequently speaks about the intersection of race, body image, and representation in fashion.
Through her authenticity and activism, Elsesser continues to challenge industry norms and inspire future generations of curvy models to take center stage.
These ten models have not only changed the landscape of fashion but have also empowered countless individuals to embrace their unique beauty. As the industry continues to evolve, their influence will remain a beacon of inspiration for body positivity and inclusivity.