Inclusive modeling
About the Inclusive modeling section
The Inclusive modeling section of The Body Optimist follows fashion's opening up to profiles long missing from runways and ad campaigns: plus-size and curvy models, models over 50, models from diverse backgrounds and models with disabilities. It brings together model profiles, industry analysis and pointers for anyone thinking about modeling.
What you'll find in the Inclusive modeling section
- Model profiles: the careers, voices and looks of models who are widening beauty standards, in our Models section.
- Behind the scenes: how agencies work, how much room diversity really gets on the runway, and the limits of “plus size” as a marketing pitch.
- Age diversity: models still walking at 50 or 60 and changing the way we look at aging.
- Getting started: requirements, portfolio and social media, the basics covered in Becoming a plus-size model.
- Castings: how to prepare and which mistakes to avoid, in Plus-size castings.
What is inclusive modeling?
Inclusive modeling means casting models for runway shows, catalogs and ad campaigns who don't match the single standard that long dominated the industry: very thin, young and mostly white. It covers several realities:
- Plus-size modeling, also called curve modeling.
- So-called “mature” or “silver” models, who continue or begin their careers after 50.
- Diversity of ethnicities, skin tones and gender identities.
- Representation of disabilities, scars and skin conditions such as vitiligo.
Progress remains uneven: highly visible in advertising and e-commerce, more hesitant on the runways of the major fashion houses.
Our take on modeling
We celebrate every step forward without being naive. One plus-size model in an ad campaign says nothing about the sizes the brand actually sells, and a single “curvy” model in a show doesn't make a diversity policy. We tell career stories, share what models say about weight pressure and online criticism, and keep a critical eye on the marketing use of inclusivity.
Articles to start with
- Why the modeling industry is going through a quiet crisis.
- How Emeline Hoareau became a face of midsize at Fashion Week.
- Stephanie Cavalli, the gray-haired model in her 50s walking for a luxury brand.
- Paulina Porizkova, the model in her 60s rethinking how she sees her body.
- Tracey Norman, the Black trans model who became a symbol.
Frequently asked questions
Is inclusive modeling really making progress?
Yes, but the progress is fragile. Plus-size, older and minority models are far more visible than they used to be in advertising and e-commerce. On the runways of the major fashion houses, their numbers remain low and can drop from one season to the next, as fashion industry reports regularly point out after each fashion week.
Can you become a model after 50?
Yes. Several agencies have divisions dedicated to older models, often called “classic” or “silver,” and both fashion and beauty brands hire models in their 50s, 60s and beyond. Some started their careers late, while others returned to modeling after a long break.
Why does diversity in modeling matter?
Seeing a variety of bodies in fashion helps people picture themselves in a garment and puts very narrow beauty standards in perspective. Psychology research links repeated exposure to images of very thin bodies with lower body satisfaction. Model diversity therefore has a concrete effect on self-image, not just a symbolic one.
Keep exploring: our Fashion section, our Body positive articles and our section on Fatphobia.