**Fashion Industry Reverts to Skinny Models, Raising Body Positivity Concerns**

**In recent seasons, the fashion industry appears to have shifted away from the body positivity movement that flourished in the 2010s, sparking debate and concern among models and advocates alike.**

 

The high fashion world has always had ties to a specific aesthetic—thinness—but during the 2010s, the body positivity movement emerged, challenging traditional beauty standards. It encouraged acceptance of diverse body shapes and sizes on the runway. However, a recent investigation at Paris Fashion Week suggests that this movement may be receding.

The excitement around body positivity found its roots in the 1960s but gained momentum following the rise of social media in the 2010s. Influential figures like Ashley Graham made history as the first plus-sized model to grace the cover of Sports Illustrated’s annual swimsuit issue in 2015, signaling a major shift toward inclusivity in fashion.

Enrika, a 28-year-old plus-sized model, reflected, “When body positivity emerged, it felt empowering. We had enough of being judged.” The launch of Rihanna's lingerie brand 'Savage x Fenty' in 2018 was another significant milestone, showcasing models of all shapes and sizes, symbolizing a newfound celebration of curves.

Yet, by 2024, amidst changing trends, only 0.8 percent of looks on various runways featured plus-sized models, a significant drop from years prior. The rise of popular weight loss drugs like Ozempic has added another layer to this narrative, with many celebrities attributing their weight loss to it, creating a renewed emphasis on thinness within the industry.

Moya, a model, noted, “When I realized skinny was back, it was positive because I would get more jobs. But now I feel pressured to maintain that skinniness.” This sentiment resonated with Chioma Nnadi, British Vogue's editorial director, who acknowledged the concerning trend toward skinnier models.

An incident at Berlin Fashion Week emphasized this shift when the Namilia brand unveiled a satirical T-shirt reading "I love Ozempic," which resonated with many observers. Nan Li, the brand’s creative director, explained that this was commentary on the rising popularity of weight loss medications.

At the latest Men's AW25 Fashion Week in Paris, aside from a few inclusive designers, the majority of shows continued to reflect a preference for slimmer models. Notably, casting director Shaun Beyen stated, “The only motivation for a brand is to sell clothes,” indicating a return to traditional marketing practices.

Despite the efforts of some designers like Charles Jeffrey, who champion inclusivity, industry insiders confirm that body positivity is retreating in favor of market trends. Daniel Mitchell-Jones, co-founder of a modeling agency, expressed concern over this regression. He observed that plus-sized models are increasingly sidelined during castings, and brands utilize only token inclusivity in their campaigns.

Enrika further critiqued the industry’s surface-level approach to inclusivity, noting, “It’s nasty work and I don’t support it.” There’s a clear suggestion that while brands may attempt to demonstrate inclusivity, the reality often reflects a narrower definition of beauty.

However, experts believe that consumer behavior plays a crucial role. Shaun Beyen emphasized that change must come from the audience's buying habits, reflecting a desire for broader body representation in fashion.

Despite current trends promoting thinness, some predict a potential shift back toward inclusivity. Beyen noted, “Nothing is ever gone, especially not in fashion,” hinting that the industry may once again embrace diverse body types in the future.