Tess Holliday Says Plus-Size Models Aren’t Hired Anymore Because ‘Curvy Is No Longer Popular’ for Brands

Tess Holliday Raises Concerns Over Lack of Inclusion of Plus-Size Models in Fashion Industry

In a recent interview on Good Morning Britain, Tess Holliday, the prominent model and body activist, expressed her worries about the declining representation of plus-size models in the fashion industry. Holliday highlighted the impact of the increasing popularity of GLP-1 weight loss medications on the hiring practices within the industry. She acknowledged that while these medications have been beneficial for many individuals, their widespread use has inadvertently led to a decrease in opportunities for plus-size models.

During her appearance on the show, Holliday emphasised that she does not wholly blame the weight loss medications for this shift in the industry’s preference for ultra-slim models. She pointed out that there has been a shift in societal standards towards promoting thinness over body positivity and curves, which is reflected in the choices made by brands when selecting models for runways and magazines. Holliday lamented the current trend, stating that many of her plus-size colleagues worldwide are finding it increasingly challenging to secure work in the fashion industry, a concerning development that she finds disheartening.

The model highlighted the societal pressure to conform to a certain body image and how this pressure can have detrimental effects on individuals’ mental and physical health. Holliday noted that the emphasis on thinness and the diminishing acceptance of diverse body types have created a challenging environment for plus-size individuals working in the fashion industry. She underscored the need for greater diversity and inclusion across all aspects of the industry to ensure that individuals of all shapes and sizes are represented and celebrated.

Holliday also discussed the impact of GLP-1 medications such as Ozempic and Mounjaro on the industry. While acknowledging the positive effects these medications can have on weight loss, she raised concerns about their overuse and potential abuse, particularly since they gained popularity in recent years. She suggested that the combination of these medications and the current cultural landscape has contributed to a noticeable decline in diversity within the fashion industry, further limiting opportunities for plus-size models.

Following her appearance on Good Morning Britain, Holliday took to social media to share a clip from the interview on TikTok. In her post, she clarified her stance on the issue, emphasising that her critique was not solely directed at GLP-1 medications but rather at the broader societal shift towards promoting thinness as the ideal body type. She received an outpouring of support from her followers, with many commending her for standing up for body positivity and advocating for greater inclusivity in the fashion industry.

Holliday’s advocacy for a more diverse and accepting fashion industry aligns with the broader conversation around body positivity and representation in media and popular culture. By sharing her experiences and speaking out against the marginalisation of plus-size models, she continues to shed light on the importance of embracing all body types and challenging narrow beauty standards. As the fashion industry grapples with evolving trends and societal expectations, voices like Holliday’s play a crucial role in advocating for inclusivity and diversity on and off the runway.