Not long ago, British Vogue released their Ashley Graham cover, sending social media into cheering arms for the plus-size model’s stunning feature in a leading brand’s cover pages. The road to size inclusivity hasn’t been an easy one,
so seeing a model that promotes body positivity was not only a major plus for all us girls out there with a little extra something, but definitely for British Vogue.
Unfortunately, some designers aren’t ready to support and express admiration for a plus-size model, yet.
According to editor-in-chief Alexandra Shulman, while places like Coach, ” moved speedily to provide clothes for us that had to come from outside their sample range,” there were other brands that “flatly refused to lend us their clothes.” Cited in the editor’s letter for the January issue, Shulman expressed disappointment in fashion houses that claim to want to broaden their horizons, and then…don’t.
What’s interesting is the attention to the designers, and not necessarily the magazines, this time. Publications like Vogue or anything under the publishing frame have always been challenged in accepting and embracing diversity in thought, race, size and gender. While it seems the MAGAZINES are slowly starting to come around, the next challenge will be tackling the designers and their willingness to cater to women outside of sample size range (which is what, up to a size 6?)
Nonetheless, Ashley Graham looks stunning and may her cover be a symbol of hope for all women wanting to break down barriers.
