The just-passed year of 2023 is a big year for plus-size models. With more and more brands and designers catering to curvier women, the need for plus-size models is more significant than ever. Plus-size models are making waves in the fashion industry and beyond. Besides, these inspiring “curve” women break barriers, challenge societal norms, and confirm that beauty appears in all shapes and sizes. This list celebrates 30 of the most famous curve and plus-size models working today. From veterans like Ashley Graham to up-and-comers like Marquita Pring, these ladies are changing the face of fashion. Thus, let’s get to know about these plus-size models.
30 Most Famous Curve and Plus-Size Models in the World
We’ve rounded up 30 of the most famous plus-size models making waves in the fashion industry and beyond. From Ashley Graham to GabiFresh, these are the plus-size models you need to know about in 2024.
Ashley Graham (@ashleygraham)
Ashley Graham is a trailblazer in the plus-size modeling industry. She was the first sexy plus-size model to appear in the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and has since gone on to grace the covers of Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, and Elle. Ashley is also a vocal advocate for body positivity and self-love.
Ashley Graham is the most successful model in history. Her impressive height has helped her score big with many brands, and she stands 5’9″ or 175 cm tall! Ashley weighs around 200 pounds – not too much for someone so beautiful on camera, right?
Tess Holliday (@tessholliday)
Tess Holliday is one of the most famous sexy plus-size models in the World. She’s graced the covers of magazines like Cosmopolitan and Vogue and has her clothing line with Torrid. And her body-positive message and unapologetic attitude also make her famous.
Denise Bidot (@denisebidot)
Denise Bidot is a Puerto Rican and Kuwaiti model who has walked the runway for Chromat and appeared in ads from Forever 21 to Levi’s. She also featured heavily within the Swimsuits For All campaign alongside an accompanying video which gained more than 2 million views on YouTube! When asked about how there isn’t ‘one right way’ of being womanly, though – Denise had this to say “I think it just comes down whether or not you feel comfortable within yourself.”
Barbie Linhares Ferreira (@barbieferreira)
Barbara Linhares Ferreira is a model and actress who has earned attention for her career and as a defender of the body positivity movement. She was born in Queens, New York then moved to Maywood, where she went to Hackensack High School before moving back home with her Brazilian mother & grandmother when it came time to attend college or work professionally.
Barbara went on living here after graduating from high school; however, not long afterward, we noticed that our favorite celebrities were starting their journey across America! We started following them closely because they always inspire us through social media channels.
Hayley Hasselhoff (@hhasselhoff)
Hayley has always been loving about making a positive impact on the World. She’s an actress, fashion designer, and contributor for Marie Claire UK magazine as well. She hosts her show called “The Curve,” which focuses heavily on inclusivity within today’s industry- encouraging people of all genders, races, shapes, sizes, and options to share their stories while promoting body positivity.
Hayley states that this is just beginning because there needs more representation out there, especially when it comes down to size 18 girls being ignored or tokenized by designers who don’t know how important they are.
Iskra Lawrence (@iskralawrencefc)
Iskra Lawrence, a model, and entrepreneur known for sharing unedited photos on social media to call out companies’ airbrushing models’ bodies, welcomed her first child in 2020. She founded Saltair as well as Self-Funding which focuses primarily on body positivity by promoting self-love within society through awareness-raising campaigns geared towards Millennials – the age group most affected thus far due to their lack thereof or inappropriate exposure during pregnancy decades ago when it was different than today’s standards.
The BodCon 2022 will be an online conference focused entirely on this topic: how do we love ourselves enough? The goal here isn’t perfection (because there shouldn’t be any pressure) but embracing your unique beauty with its flaws.
Kate Wasley (@katewas_)
Kate Wasley is an Aussie plus-size model who has become well known for being body-positive and one-half of the social media initiative called Any Body. In addition, she has accumulated thousands following her Instagram account thanks to bold photos modeling content with trendy outfits that appeal across the world. Her face appears on several brands, such as Avenue The Label Forever 21, among others!
Paloma Elsesser (@palomija)
Paloma Kai Shockley is a plus-size model from the United States who has been modeling since 2010. She was born to an African American mother and a Chilean-Swiss descent father, growing up in Los Angeles before moving home at age 18. She attended college for psychology before transferring schools across town – this time studying literature! In 2013 Paloma gained fame on Instagram when makeup artist Pat McGrath discovered her online profile while looking through former employee photos alongside 1m+ followers @patmcgrathsmakeup.
Precious Lee (@preciousleexoxo)
Precious Lee has become one of the most sought-after models in recent years, with appearances on significant runways like those by Versace and Michael Kors. During New York Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2023, she showcased her talent for high fashion designs made more accessible to everyone through brands such as Prabal Gurung or Moschino that are increasingly popular among younger audiences who want their content delivered straight to them without any mediation.
Brielle Anya (@missesbrielle)
Brielle is one of the newest models to name herself in 2019. She has worked with brands like ASOS, Nelly, and Kohl’s, among many others, since becoming an international model last year following her successful social media channel that focuses on body positivity while also highlighting diversity within fashion trends.
She explored this World through her Instagram account @briellesharp, which currently boasts 90k followers less than 12 months later.
LAUREN CHAN (@lcchan)
Lauren Chan is a Canadian model, editor and entrepreneur. She moved to New York City to pursue a career as a plus-size model after graduated from university. In 2019, Chan was named one of Chatelaine magazine’s Women of the Year. And recently, she was honored by Manhattan Borough President Mark Levine and Assemblymember Grace Lee, for her efforts in New York City’s Asian-American community on size-inclusion in the fashion industry.
Sonny Turner (@sonnyturner__)
Sonny Turner is a 20-year-old British model who has made waves in the fashion industry. Sonny has got many brand names crammed into one gorgeous face and body, from modeling for several Aerie campaigns to using her social media prowess as an influencer.
Jocelyn Corona (@jocelyncorona_)
The Mexican plus-size model, whose career has been skyrocketing since she walked in Chromat’sFW15 runway show after just six months of modeling; In 2015, at age 20, this woman challenged body standards by starring alongside Gigi Hadid for Simply Be’s “Every Body Is A Beach Body” campaign.
She started her agency called Desert Rose Modeling back then and was featured on various covers such as Vanity Fair Mexico (2016), Cosmopolitan Spain(2017) & GQ Portugal(2018). This year alone, we saw how far Miss 28 Stats had come when they announced their newest Sports Illustrated Swimsuit cover.
Louise Boyce (@mamastillgotit_)
Louise is the embodiment of longevity in modeling and lasting sustainable beauty. She’s been there, all while maintaining an impeccable personal style to go along with it!
In her early days as a model at 14 years old, she found herself struggling against insecurity. Badly, it led Louise into bad habits like smoking cigarettes. Until weed gardens on the top property where Storm Models had its headquarters back then located near NYC city center (not too far away) replace them.
Nyome Nicholas-Williams ( @curvynyome)
The activist and black plus-size model Nyome Nicholas-Williams forced Instagram to change its nudity policy. Her campaign, #iwanttoseenyome, followed the social media platform’s decision to delete an image she posted of herself holding her breasts which demonstrated ‘racial bias’ according to this woman who isn’t satisfied with simply getting back some freedom on one matter but instead uses every opportunity given by platforms such as these where people have a voice.
Felicity Hayward (@felicityhayward)
Model and social media influencer Felicity Hayward is an innovative beauty who has broken barriers in the fashion industry. She was first scouted dancing by photographer Miles Aldridge while impersonating Anna Nicole Smith, becoming one of Britain’s most recognizable curve models today! Influenced early on as well with her groundbreaking collaborations; this British native offers up all types – from traditional clothing lines to plus-sized collections for many world-renowned brands both abroad and here at home.
Hunter McGrady (@huntermcgrad)
Hunter McGrady is a model who was initially discovered during the 2017 SI Swimsuit Model Search. She made her debut in 2018 as part of a whole project called “In Her Own Words.” Since then, she’s continued being seen representing body diversity and creating fashion lines for QVC while also marrying her partner off Snapchat!
Nadia Aboulhosn (@nadiaaboulhosn)
The bold and beautiful Lebanese-American model has been taking risks in her pursuit of fashion dreams since she was just a teenager, pioneering body positivity.
Gaby Fresh (@gabifresh)
Gaby Fresh is a plus-size model blogger and designer who has become one of the most recognizable faces in the beautiful plus-size women community. She’s known for her bold style and unapologetic confidence. Gabi has her clothing line with swimsuits for all and is featured in Target, Forever 21, and Lane Bryant campaigns.
Olivia Campbell (@curvycampbell)
Olivia Campbell is the most self-assured model you’ll ever meet. She’s a British curvy, sexy plus-size model who loves sharing her life on social media with us! From gorgeous photos of herself and amazing videos chronicling everything from shopping trips to travel adventures – this woman knows how to make an impression (and take it off). Suppose that wasn’t enough for all those fans out there just waiting by their computer screens, ready to see what new thing Olivia might do next. In that case, they could also rest assured knowing she has been represented by modeling agencies such as MSA, Bridge Curve, and DE Curve.
Louise O’Reilly (@stylemecurvy)
Louise O’Reilly is an internationally recognized plus-sized model and award-winning beauty influencer based in Dublin. She is currently signed with agencies all over the World, including London, Germany, Milan, South Africa Australia. 9 years ago, she created StyleMe Curvy as a platform for showcasing the diversity within fashion & aesthetics through her love of curves to body image; it has been one mission that continues today!
Philomena Kwao (@philomenakwao)
Philomena Kwao is an example of what can be accomplished when you’re not afraid to break barriers and pave your way. Her work in the modeling industry has been groundbreaking, especially for plus-sized models who had never had leadership roles before she took them on herself as if they were any other responsibility that needed taking care of; which makes sense considering how much effort it takes just being successful!
In addition to all this success, Philo also appeared alongside top designers such as Nordstrom, Lane Bryant, and Evans.
Candice Huffine (@candicehuffine)
The rise of Candice Huffine as a model has been meteoric. Her A-list work includes being featured in publications such as CR Fashion Book, Italian Vogue (cover), W magazine, and Glamour, to name just a few! This year she gained international attention for Lane Bryant’s #ImNoAngel campaign, which challenged traditional ideas about what it means to be beautiful both inside AND out withstand all odds – taking off the Advertising speak from their tagline ” curvaceous bodies deserve equal representation.”
La’tecia Thomas (@latecia_love)
La’Tecia Thomas is an Australian makeup artist and attractive plus-size model passionate about body positivity. She inspires others to see themselves as beautiful no matter their shape or size through social media posts on Instagram, where she has over two hundred thousand followers. The 26-year-old Australian makeup artist and model has revealed why she is happier now as she shares a before and after photo.
Leslie Sidora (@lessance)
You’ve never met a sexy plus-size model like Leslie Sidora. She’s the kind of girl you want to be friends with, maybe more than just buddies! Her accent is captivating; It leaves me hanging on every word as she talks about modeling from London (and now New York) these last three years – how it began rather unconventional but has turned out ultra-nowadays at 439k followers strong for her Instagram account, where we see all sorts fashion shots showing off this gift bound in Glamour & warmth.
Georgia Pratt (@georgia_pratt)
Georgia Pratt Holiber never wanted to be the girl with no voice. The New Zealand native found success in her design career while studying at Auckland University of Technology but decided to put it on hold when she moved overseas and joined Lane Bryant’s Plus-Is Equal campaign–and now we’re all listening!
Robyn Lawley (@robynlawley)
Robyn Lawley is an Australian model. She rose to fame and gained massive popularity by appearing as the cover model for various magazines. Such as: Elle Magazine and French Revue des Modes Fall Winter 2011-12 issue. She has also been recognized in Australia with awards like being 1st plus size spread of Vogue there; however, it wasn’t until she won their Cosmopolitan Fun, Rising Star Award that everyone took notice!
Tara Lynn (@taralynn)
Tara Lynn is an attractive plus-size model from Tacoma, the United States. And she is one of the first models to gain popularity internationally. Her career began at age 28 when she became famous for appearing both nationally and internationally on numerous magazine covers, including ELLE Magazine.
She also had ads appear during their runway shows with H&M, which are usually reserved only for young women wearing more contemporary styles; however, they used this opportunity wisely by having their newest collection be shown off exclusively through Tara’s image!
Clementine Desseaux (@bonjourclem)
Clementine Desseaux is a 33-year-old beauty and lifestyle blogger from France. She has been traveling extensively since she was young. And her experience gives her an advantage in knowing what people around the World think about plus size fashion options; However, it can be challenging to find something fashionable when you’re larger than most stores’ standards. ( Especially if your shape doesn’t match any current trends). Over time this woman moved abroad to New York City!
Jessica Vander Leahy (@jessicavanderleahy)
Jessica Leahy is a famous plus-size model who was born in Australia. Her curvy voluptuous body figure leaves everyone amazed. And she is also a writer, so just follow her to get more inspiration about plus size models.
Who was the first famous plus-size model?
In the early days of beautiful plus-size women modeling, there was little to no representation of full-figured women in the mainstream fashion industry. However, this began to change in the late 1990s when a few plus-size models were featured in magazines and advertisements. Among these early pioneers was Emme, who was mentioned as one of People magazine’s “50 Most Beautiful People” in 1997. She went on to have a very successful career, appearing on multiple magazine covers. And she finally became a spokesperson for several plus-size clothing brands.
While Emme was undoubtedly the most famous plus-size model of her time, she was not the only one making waves in the industry. In the early 2000s, a new generation of plus-size models began to emerge, including Ashley Graham, Candice Huffine, and Robyn Lawley. These women were stunning, confident, and unafraid to show their curves. As a result, they quickly became some of the most sought-after models in the industry and have continued to be successful over the past decade.
While the plus-size modeling industry has come a long way in recent years, there is still a long way. However, these 30 famous plus-size models are helping to change the landscape of fashion and proving that size does not dictate beauty. We can’t wait to see what they do next!
Recommend reading: 18 Asian BBW Models You Need to Know
Was Ashley Graham always a plus-size model?
Ashley Graham was not always a plus-size model. She was a straight-size model for many years before transitioning to plus-size modeling.
Who is the most famous black plus-size model?
When it says black plus-size models, people will naturally think of Precious Lee. Lee had planned to be a lawyer but realized that she might welcome broader fans if she was on the cover model wearing clothes from her ten-year fashion show. This fashion show helped her win many awards, including the “Best Dressed Woman” title three times running at New York Fashion Week!
Can plus size models have tattoos?
This is a question that we get asked a lot, and the answer is yes! In fact, many attractive plus-size models have tattoos.
Tattoos can be a great way to express yourself, and they can also be excellent. So, if you’re thinking about getting a tattoo, why not take inspiration from these fantastic plus-size models?
Do any famous plus size models have tattoos?
For centuries, ink on skin has been around, with different meanings and purposes in various cultures. In the Western World, people think that tattoos are self-expression. For plus-size people, they can be a way to show off their curves and celebrate their bodies.
Some famous plus-size models have tattoos visible when they’re modeling, while others keep them hidden. Here are some of the most famous plus-size models in 2022, along with some of their ink:
Hunter McGrady: The model has “be kind” tattooed on her right forearm in black lettering.
Ashley Graham: Ashley has a tattoo of a rose on her left hip.
Tess Holliday: She has many tattoos all over her body that tell a story and motivate her to keep going.
Conclusion
That’s all for now! Hopefully, this list could give you a few new names to follow and spark your interest in the beautiful plus-size women. As always, feel free to leave comments below with any thoughts or questions. And be sure to stay tuned — we may do another roundup like this in the future.
