Top 18 Curve and Plus-Size Models You Need to Know
The fashion world has long upheld a narrow standard of beauty, typically favoring slim, waif-like models. A report from Vogue Business revealed that only 17 brands across 219 runway shows in New York, London, Paris, and Milan featured plus-size models, highlighting the industry’s ongoing struggle with size diversity. This reflects a larger issue: the fashion industry’s consistent failure to embrace the realities of women’s bodies. According to a 2016 study published in the International Journal of Fashion Design, Technology, and Education, the average American woman wears a size 16-18. Yet, the industry often fails to cater to these sizes.
In addition to the growing call for inclusion of plus-size models, there’s an increasing demand to represent individuals who fall into the “curve” or “mid-size” category (typically defined as sizes 6-10). Though considered “straight size” by some, many of these models face challenges in fitting into sample sizes and lack proper representation in fashion.
Despite these barriers, the rise of plus-size and curve models has significantly transformed the industry. Many of these models have become household names, such as Ashley Graham, Paloma Elsesser, Precious Lee, and Jill Kortleve. Yumi Nu even made history as the first Asian-American plus-size model to grace the 스포츠 일러스트레이티드 swimsuit issue cover. While visibility has improved, there’s still much work to be done.
As Paloma Elsesser wrote on Instagram after appearing on the January 2021 cover of Vogue: “I urge fashion to never let this momentum cease until seeing bodies and experiences like mine and beyond are no longer radical, no longer different; no longer rare.” She advocates for the representation of a diverse range of bodies, including bigger-bodied femmes, people of color, and those with disabilities, all too often left out of mainstream media.
Meet the 18 Trailblazing Plus-Size and Curve Models Shaping Fashion
1. Paloma Elsesser
Agency: IMG
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Paloma Elsesser continues to be a leading figure in the fashion industry. In April 2025, she graced the cover of Vogue Adria, further solidifying her status as a top model. Recognized as one of “The New Supers” by British Vogue, she remains a prominent advocate for body inclusivity and diversity in fashion.
2. Ashley Graham
Agency: IMG
Hometown: Lincoln, NE
Ashley Graham is making significant strides in both fashion and entertainment. In 2025, she debuted on Broadway as Roxie Hart in 시카고, representing curvy women on stage. Additionally, she launched a size-inclusive fall collection with JCPenney, emphasizing affordability and 스타일 for women sizes 14 to 24.
3. Precious Lee
Agency: IMG
Hometown: Atlanta, GA
Precious Lee remains a sought-after model, known for her powerful presence on the runway and in editorial shoots. She continues to work with top designers and appears in major fashion campaigns, maintaining her status as a leading figure in the industry.
4. Jill Kortleve
Agencies: The Movement, IMG, Muse, Women, Milk
Hometown: Heerlen, Netherlands
Jill Kortleve has been active in the fashion scene, participating in various runway shows and editorial shoots. She continues to challenge industry standards, advocating for greater representation of diverse body types in fashion.
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5. Tess McMillan
Agency: IMG
Hometown: Beaumont, TX
Tess McMillan is not only making waves in the modeling industry but also in the art world. In 2023, she held her first solo art exhibition in Paris, showcasing her paintings. Her unique blend of modeling and art continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
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6. Celina Ralph
Agency: The Society, Elite
Hometown: Hastings, United Kingdom
Celina Ralph has been featured in several high-profile fashion editorials and campaigns. Her recent work includes a feature in Sunday Times Style UK, where she showcased sharp suiting and masculine-inspired 패션.
7. Candice Huffine
Agencies: Next, Chic
Hometown: Georgetown, Washington, D.C.
Candice Huffine continues to be a trailblazer in the fashion industry. In 2024, she welcomed her first child and remains an active advocate for body positivity and inclusivity. She also continues to run her inclusive activewear brand, Your Day Won.
8. Yumi Nu
Agencies: The Society, Elite
Hometown: Englewood, NJ
Yumi Nu is making significant strides in the fashion industry. In 2025, she walked in the Collina Strada Fall/Winter 2025 show, showcasing her versatility and continued relevance in the fashion world.
9. Devyn Garcia
Agency: DNA
Hometown: Miami, FL
Devyn Garcia’s meteoric rise saw her walking for Jacquemus and appearing in editorials for 하퍼스 바자 그리고 Porter. Devyn Garcia has been featured in multiple high-profile fashion campaigns and editorials. Her recent work includes a feature in Vogue and appearances in runway shows for top designers, solidifying her position as a leading model in the industry.
10. Holly Rose Emery
Agencies: Next, Milk, Pavé, Priscilla’s, Red Eleven
Hometown: Auckland, New Zealand
Holly Rose Emery continues to be a prominent figure in the fashion industry. She has been featured in various fashion editorials and campaigns, maintaining her status as a sought-after model.
11. Alva Claire
Agency: IMG
Alva Claire remains a significant presence in the fashion industry. She continues to work with top designers and appears in major fashion campaigns, advocating for greater representation of diverse body types in fashion.
12. Lauren Chan
Agencies: JAG, IMM, LaDrew
Hometown: Brantford, Ontario, Canada
Lauren Chan made history in 2025 as the first out lesbian to appear solo on the cover of 스포츠 일러스트레이션 수영복. Previously breaking barriers as the brand’s first queer plus-size model in 2023, Chan continues to champion representation and inclusivity in fashion.
13. Ava Hariri-Kia
Agency: Next
Hometown: New York, NY
Ava Hariri-Kia continues to advocate for body inclusivity and diversity in fashion. Despite facing challenges in the industry, she remains committed to promoting lasting change and representation for plus-size models.
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14. Georgia Pratt Holiber
Agency: IMG
Hometown: Auckland, New Zealand
Georgia Pratt made waves in both editorial and runway, with notable campaigns for brands like Christian Siriano and her own fashion line, Hilda Ereaut.
15. Ajok Daing
Agencies: The Industry, Oui, Milk, Fabbricia, Uno
Ajok Daing continues to make waves in the fashion industry. In 2024, she walked in the Chanel Métiers d’Art show, showcasing her presence on the international runway scene.
16. Jocelyn Corona
Agencies: Muse, Milk, Mad
Hometown: Guadalajara, Mexico
Jocelyn Corona’s star has risen with appearances in high-profile runway shows for Christian Siriano and Peter Do, as well as her debut in a Fenty Beauty campaign.
17. Leslie Sidora
Agencies: Ford, Milk, Natural
Hometown: Paris, France
Leslie Sidora is known for walking in Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty show and her work for international publications like Elle Sweden 그리고 Harper’s Bazaar Brazil. Leslie Sidora continues to be a prominent figure in the fashion industry. She has been featured in international fashion editorials and campaigns, maintaining her status as a sought-after model.
18. Denise Bidot
Agencies: Muse, TESS, CAA
Hometown: Miami, FL
Denise Bidot made her breakthrough in 2015 when she walked for Chromat. She has since appeared in major campaigns for Levi’s and Olay and continues to be a trailblazer in the industry. Denise Bidot remains an active advocate for body positivity and inclusivity in fashion. She continues to work with brands that align with her values, promoting representation for all body types.
The rise of plus-size models and curve models is a transformative movement that is reshaping the fashion industry. These pioneering women are challenging outdated beauty standards and promoting body diversity in fashion, inspiring people worldwide to embrace their unique shapes. While the industry still has a long way to go, the increased visibility of plus-size and curve models on runways and in campaigns marks an important milestone in the journey toward true inclusivity.
As more brands and designers recognize the importance of size diversity, the future of fashion will be one where women of all shapes and sizes are represented. The momentum for body positivity in fashion is undeniable, and with these influential curve models leading the charge, the fashion industry is on the path toward lasting change.
