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‘Ozempic arrived and everything changed’: plus-size models on the body positivity backlash

The fashion industry seemed to be inching towards a new era of inclusivity. Then came a wave of weight-loss drugs and the demonisation of ‘wokeness’ …

It’s really difficult because, on one hand, I don’t want to speak about women’s bodies, but if the only plus-size representation we have are also losing weight, it does feel like the whole industry is turning their back on us.” The latest size inclusivity survey by Vogue Business found similar data – at 198 fashion shows earlier this year, just 12 designers used plussize models. The celebration of a handful of mid-size models – in 2023, Precious Lee, Jill Kortleve and Paloma Elsesser were declared “ the new Supers ” on the cover of British Vogue – hasn’t translated into a wider acceptance. “I didn’t really expect it.” Last month, the clothing brand Snag told the BBC it was getting more than 100 complaints a day that the models it uses are too fat, and were employing staff just to remove negative and hateful comments on its social media pages.

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