Each season, more and more designers are tackling the issue of diversity [1], but I'll be the first one to say that it's a slow burn. Being an Indian person in fashion [2], I understand the importance of feeling represented, and it's an amazing feeling when you get a glimpse of the industry evolving each season. Some designers, like Christian Siriano [3] and Prabal Gurung, have made it their mission to champion body positivity and include an array of curve modes in their shows, but sadly, we know that this isn't always the case.
While we still have a ways to go, it's important to take a second and call out all of the amazing moments we saw during the Spring / Summer 2020 season of New York Fashion Week. Curve blogger Tess Holliday [4] made a statement in a white dress that had the words "Sample Size" written all over it during the Chromat show. Collina Strada and Kate Spade took a stand against ageism by including models from all different ages and backgrounds in their shows. For his last collection with Euphoria star Zendaya [5], Tommy Hilfiger had Ashley Graham walk down the runway after announcing her pregnancy. Hijabi model Halima Alden an appearance, too! Read on to see 10 empowering moments from NYFW ahead.
Chromat Spring / Summer 2020
During the Chromat Spring / Summer 2020 show, curve blogger Tess Holliday got the internet buzzing in a white dress that had the phrase "Sample Size" written on it.
Collina Strada Spring/Summer 2020
Collina Strada had models of all different ages walk the show, including a toddler!
Tommy Hilfiger x Zendaya Fall 2019
Ashley Graham, who is pregnant with her first child, walked the Tommy Hilfiger x Zendaya [7] Fall 2019 show and looked fiercer than ever. Hijabi model Halima Aden also walked the show which took place at the Apollo.
Kate Spade New York Spring / Summer 2020
Kate Spade New York's Spring / Summer 2020 collection made a stand against ageism by including models in a wide range of ages.
Rebecca Minkoff Fall / Winter 2019
Rebecca Minkoff teamed up with Stitch Fix to offer sizing from 00-24 and XXS - 3X. During the Fall / Winter 2019 presentation, a model was breastfeeding.
Christian Siriano Spring / Summer 2020
Christian Siriano has long been a champion for body diversity and his Spring / Summer 2020 collection was no different.
Tanya Taylor Spring / Summer 2020
Tanya Taylor's Spring / Summer 2020 collection featured models of all different backgrounds including modest fashion blogger Maria Alia [8].
Prabal Gurung Spring / Summer 2020
Prabal Gurung is one designer who has been very vocal about body positivity and always includes models of all sizes. Here is curve model Paloma Elessar.
Maryam Nassir Zadeh Spring/Summer 2020
Maryam Nassir Zadeh had a diverse model cast of all different ethnicities during her show and even played a '90s Bollywood song during the finale.
Sandy Liang Spring/Summer 2020
Sandy Liang's runway was packed with models from all different backgrounds, which was great to see.