Less Plus-Size Models in Ads this Fall and a Movement to Change It

A diversity analysis report in The Fashion Spot, a fashion magazine, reveals that while racial representation has improved on the runway and in fashion ads, body diversity is at "a record low." The report found that of 192 ads they examined 34.5 percent of models were nonwhite which marked a 0.5 percent improvement from the Spring 2018 show while there were 32.5 percent nonwhite models represented on runway shows, an all-time high. While there may have been more racial diversity in fashion this season, body diversity was at an all-time low with only 1.3 percent of all fashion ads featuring plus-size models. While there may have been some improvement in racial representation, the fashion industry still has a long way to go. An article in Glamour, states that many fashion critics claim only one body type photographs well "in their imagery." The fact there is such little body diversity in ads and on the runway proves how the media only portrays one type of beauty and places women's worth on their looks and body.

The article in Glamour also focuses on one fashion blogger's disappointment with the industry. Kellie Brown was upset with the lack of body diversity she saw this fashion season and started the hashtag #fatatfashionweek to bring attention to the lack of body diversity and the fact women of all body types are fashionable. Brown wants to see more people use the hashtag to show the industry women of different body types are present and influential. Movements like this are helpful to bring attention to the failings of the industry, and hopefully, lead to more diversity in fashion.