Curve and Plus Size Models: 2024’s Leading Icons, Pioneers, and Trendsetters

30 Influential Stars on Today’s Plus Size Model List for Fashion Diversity

People searching for famous plus size models usually want more than just names—they want to feel hope that the world is finally paying attention to every shape, every curve. That’s why a curated plus size model list matters. These women and men do more than pose in clothes; they bend the lens of the fashion industry, challenging it to recognize beauty beyond size zero. Their faces appear on billboards, in global campaigns, and on your phone’s feed. They show that runway diversity isn’t just a trend, but a shift in what society accepts as beautiful. To see how far we’ve come, let’s explore this detailed overview of the curve models who set new standards. For a fuller picture, we’ll group them as pioneering icons, modern leaders, and rising stars—spanning continents and shaking up traditional beauty standards.

Pioneering Icons

• Emme: Widely honored as the first plus size supermodel, Emme broke the size barrier in mainstream fashion during the 1990s. Her visibility created space for curvier women in ad campaigns.
• Toccara Jones: After her splash on America’s Next Top Model, Jones helped redefine what talent and beauty could look like on screen and in print.
• Sophie Dahl: Known for her striking presence in luxury campaigns, Dahl showed it’s possible to blend vintage glamour with body confidence.
• Mia Tyler: A force both on runways and in media, Tyler’s outspoken views helped spur the body positivity movement among Gen X.
• Whitney Thompson: The first plus size winner of America’s Next Top Model, she paved the way for curve models in competitive fashion TV.
• Velvet D’Amour: With work in Paris and New York, D’Amour marked a turning point for international plus size models.
• Jessica Leahy: Among early plus size influencer pioneers who crossed over to digital fame.

Modern Leaders

• Ashley Graham: A household name, Graham has redefined what’s possible for plus size women in high-fashion and on the runway.
• Tess Holliday: Not only a top model, but also a fierce advocate for radical self-love and tattoos on catwalks everywhere.
• Precious Lee: One of the most popular plus size models today, Lee has walked for Versace and landed the cover of Vogue.
• Iskra Lawrence: Social media star and body confidence leader, Lawrence drives change on Instagram and beyond.
• Paloma Elsesser: Known for high-profile fashion campaigns and as a face for Fenty and Glossier.
• Candice Huffine: Famed for her versatility, from major print ads to editorials for inclusive brands.
• Hunter McGrady: Praised for her Sports Illustrated covers and outspoken takes on plus size fashion industry growth.
• Marquita Pring: Blends international modeling with advocacy for changes in sample sizing and model treatment.
• Philomena Kwao: A top curve model pushing for global runway diversity and African representation.

Rising Stars

• Yumi Nu: An emerging name with campaigns for Sports Illustrated and a message of intersectional identity.
• Jill Kortleve: Breaking ground for plus size models worldwide, especially in Europe’s top fashion shows.
• Alva Claire: Recent campaigns show fresh energy and unapologetic style—plus size representation for a new era.
• Denise Bidot: Expanding what “mainstream” looks like in advertising.
• Devyn Garcia: Social media’s latest breakout star, bringing Latina curve energy to big brands.
• Kate Wasley: An Australian voice for international curve modeling and fashion inclusivity.
• Sarinaa Strong: Known for boundary-pushing work in Asian representation (see 18 Asian BBW Models You Need to Know).

All of these curve models reflect a deeper truth: real beauty spans all sizes and cultures. As a Boston University study found, plus-size models averaged a height of 69 inches, bust 40 inches, waist 43 inches, hips 46 inches, and dress size 14, with a waist-to-hip ratio of 0.74, showing a consistent beauty standard across body types (Source: Boston University Study). This standardized vision has opened the door for even more diversity and authentic plus size representation. The relevance of this plus size model list isn’t fading—it’s making the next decade of fashion even more unpredictable and interesting.

Curve Models Redefining Style, Campaigns, and Confidence Today

Curve models aren’t just plus size—they’re leading a quiet revolution inside the plus size fashion industry. Every curve model on today’s runways is evidence that the old script of beauty standards is gone for good. The best known curve models are more than just faces in a magazine. They’re changing how brands talk, how fans scroll, and how everyday women get dressed with confidence. So what exactly do curve models do differently from traditional plus size models?

Instead of only filling a “plus” category, curve models capture runway diversity, partner with major labels, and stand at the center of fashion campaigns in every region. Their bodies are embraced as aspirational—not exceptions. Inclusive brands now want curve models on their magazine covers, not just buried in a catalog spread. Key faces like Ashley Graham aren’t outliers; they’re the proof that confidence, not just measurements, moves the industry forward.

Runway Trailblazers

• Precious Lee: Her bold walks at Fashion Week marked a new era of representation on runways worldwide.
• Jill Kortleve: First plus size model for Chanel, breaking barriers in Paris and international shows.
• Paloma Elsesser: Shows for Fenty Beauty and Savage X Fenty display the power of inclusive casting.
• Candice Huffine: Leads top curve models in editorial spreads, earning global recognition for brand partnerships.
• Nadia Aboulhosn: Noted curve model and entrepreneur championing both design and streetwear inclusivity.
• Sabina Karlsson: Swedish star combining natural hair and unique style with curve modeling success.
• Noelle “Eff Your Beauty Standards” Holmes: Inspirational for plus size model with tattoos and streetwear lovers.

Curve Models in Campaigns

• Ashley Graham: billboard queen, lingerie designer, and brand ambassador for love-your-body campaigns.
• Hunter McGrady: Sports Illustrated and international beauty brands feature her prominently.
• Philomena Kwao: Campaigns raise awareness for both size diversity and Black representation.
• Iskra Lawrence: For Aerie and other brands, her natural, un-retouched photos set a viral precedent.
• Alva Claire: Breaking molds in luxury advertising with her transformative style.
• Denise Bidot: One of the first curve models to work with major beauty and swimwear brands.

Curve models aren’t just shifting the landscape for themselves—they’re lifting every new voice that joins the plus size model list. Their presence lights the path for newcomers. Each campaign, each runway appearance is a small rebellion against old limitations. And if you follow their lead, you might see yourself in new, more powerful ways, too.

Plus Size Representation and Visibility in the Modern Fashion World

Progress in plus size representation feels like an uphill climb, but it’s visible if you know where to look. The fashion industry spent decades ignoring or marginalizing plus size women. Now, visibility is growing: more plus size models in fashion campaigns, magazine covers, and brand launches. Still, it’s not enough. So what’s changed for the better, and where do we go from here?

One hard fact says a lot: “In 2022, plus-size representation on fall fashion runways reached an all-time high of 2.4 percent, according to The Fashion Spot.” Even a small percentage makes a huge statement about shifting standards. That’s why the best known curve models keep fighting for more.

1. Historic Runway Breakthroughs: Years ago, seeing any plus size model on a couture runway was rare. Today, names like Jill Kortleve and Precious Lee show how runway diversity is gaining traction.
2. Brand Campaign Shifts: Companies now sign plus size model celebrities, centering them in ads and influencer partnerships. Savage X Fenty, Aerie, and Chromat have become known for their unapologetic plus size representation.
3. Media Coverage Expansion: Major magazines, once focused solely on straight-size models, now regularly feature international plus size models and the most popular plus size models, from Vogue’s covers to Instagram’s Explore feeds.

Even with this visibility, the push for more honest and diverse images is not over. Authentic plus size representation only happens when decision makers—brands and media—work together for inclusivity. If you want to discover different body types and see more BBW diversity, check out detailed profiles like Sexiest BBW Models. Everyone deserves to see themselves reflected on the world’s biggest stages.

The Plus Size Fashion Industry: Growth, Trends, and Inclusive Innovation

The plus size fashion industry used to be an afterthought. Now, it’s powering some of the hottest trends and campaigns every year. More designers, retailers, and media outlets understand that representing plus size women is good business—and good ethics. Brand campaigns now feature modeling careers built by international plus size models and top curve leaders. This shift isn’t just about more clothing options; it’s about active fashion inclusivity and acceptance.

Industry Trends

• Growing Market Demand: Plus size clothing sales in the US, UK, and Australia have surged in the last five years, reflecting consumer frustration with “one size fits all.”
• More Inclusive Sizing: Industry leaders like Savage X Fenty, Universal Standard, and Torrid are expanding sizing without sacrificing style.
• Increased Runway Diversity: Major runway events feature curve models from every continent, making “plus size models in fashion” the new normal instead of a PR stunt.

Leading Brands Supporting Curve Models

• ASOS Curve: Leading UK retailer employing top curve models as regular faces of its inclusive campaigns.
• Chromat: Known for runway diversity and its advocacy for body positivity movement across all genders and orientations.
• Lane Bryant: Historic brand with a modern focus, putting plus size model celebrities in front of new audiences.
• Fashion Nova Curve: Social media favorite, creating influencers out of curve models and fans alike.
• Eloquii: Trend-driven brand with a large following among US plus size women and best known curve models.

Today’s plus size fashion industry is a battleground for old biases and new opportunities. If you want to get involved, comment, share, or dress boldly—the more people stand out, the more brands listen. Models inspired by this movement are covered in depth in our piece on curvy body types, where fashion’s real potential is just taking shape.

Body Positivity Movement and the Rise of Plus Size Social Media Stars

The body positivity movement changed how we talk about beauty, but plus size influencer culture is what makes those words stick. Every time a plus size model posts an unedited photo, it’s a rebellion—and millions notice. These social media stars aren’t background figures anymore. They are the voice of their generation: louder, rawer, and unwilling to shrink so others feel comfortable.

Consider this: “Plus-size models collectively had 51 million social media followers and 190,000 total posts, indicating significant online influence” as highlighted in a recent Boston University study (Source: BU Study). The impact goes beyond the like button. It’s an entire lifestyle that supports body confidence from the phone screen to the fitting room mirror.

• Ashley Graham: Her transparency about motherhood and self-acceptance inspires a vast movement, not just a following.
• Tess Holliday: Unapologetically bold, her tattoos and activism fuel an entirely new conversation about what’s possible in modeling careers.
• Iskra Lawrence: “No retouching” posts empower millions to see their bodies as worthy, no matter the size.
• Nadia Aboulhosn: Blends street style and humor to make being a plus size influencer look undeniably cool and attainable.
• Dani Adriana: Australian powerhouse, using vulnerability to spark honest self-talk among her followers.

Each of these plus size social media stars took control where the fashion industry once said “no.” On the rough days, when the mirror stings, their feeds are reminders: Everyone’s meant to take up space. Find your tribe online and let it show you how body confidence is contagious—when it’s real.

Plus Size Models with Tattoos: Empowerment, Edge, and Authenticity

Bold, inked skin tells a story some might not want to hear—but the world listens louder when plus size models with tattoos walk in. These models challenge the rules twice: first for their body type, then for their unapologetic body art. In an industry once afraid of visible tattoos, these women put vulnerability in plain sight. Each tattoo, each photo, whispers: you can be all of yourself, all at once.

Models like Tess Holliday—the most recognized tattooed curve model—prove that ink doesn’t subtract, it multiplies beauty standards. Ashley Graham is another example, choosing subtle yet meaningful tattoos while staying on top of global fashion campaigns. Their influence gives permission to both body confidence and self-expression for thousands watching from the sidelines.

• Tess Holliday: Widely known for large, bold tattoos and building one of the most recognizable personal brands among plus size model celebrities.
• Denise Bidot: Combines Latinx pride, inked art, and campaign work for major swimwear and fashion lines.
• Diana Sirokai: Shows how visible tattoos and shape can blend elevated style and street fashion energy.
• Ashley Graham: Though less heavily tattooed, her small works remind fans that permanent art suits any silhouette.
• Noelle Holmes: Uplifting tattoos meet size diversity, making Holmes a favorite in alternative modeling scenes.
• Barbie Ferreira: Euphoria star and vocal champion of authenticity, she uses tattoos to highlight personal journeys.
• Sabina Karlsson: Mixes red hair and unique ink with editorial and commercial success.

If you want to know how beauty standards get changed in real time, look to plus size models with tattoos. The message: style has no one rule. What you wear—on your skin or your sleeve—is yours to define, regardless of what the old playbook says.

International Plus Size Models: Diversity in Fashion’s Global Spotlight

The influence of international plus size models stretches far beyond American pop culture. These curve leaders shape runways from London to Sydney, showing that plus size women and curve models rise everywhere—under different flags, in different languages. Global fashion inclusivity means seeing yourself not only in your local store, but in editorials, TV, and social media worldwide.

North America

• Hunter McGrady (US): Sports Illustrated mainstay and advocate for body inclusivity in American media.
• Tara Lynn (US): Classic features and high-profile print campaigns, setting the standard for plus size models in fashion.
• Fluvia Lacerda (Brazil): A Latin American icon blending runway and editorial success with cultural activism.

Europe

• Jill Kortleve (Netherlands): First curve model to walk for Chanel, opening doors in top European houses.
• Hayley Hasselhoff (UK): British voice for body positivity movement and entertainment crossover
• Justine LeGault (France): Notable for her striking looks in both lingerie and mainstream fashion campaigns.

Australia & Others

• Kate Wasley (Australia): Championing plus size representation and beach-focused fashion inclusivity.
• Dani Adriana (Australia): Vocal about mental health and self-love in modeling careers across continents.
• Sabina Karlsson (Sweden): Swedish multi-talent who’s changed global perspectives with natural beauty and charisma.

There’s no one route to success in the modeling world, especially as new plus size influencer names break out across cultures. If you want to dive into Asian curve talent, check out our feature on Plus Size Korean Models. What ties these international plus size models together is a refusal to be reduced or defined by a single country’s beauty code. They remind us—sometimes you have to look outside your comfort zone to see yourself fully reflected.