As you might imagine given that plus size lingerie is our stock-in-trade here at Natural Curves, we certainly keep a close eye on the world’s catwalks, and the implications of what happens on them for the wider world of plus size fashion. 

And let’s face it – if there’s any simple barometer for attitudes to plus size fashion around the globe, it’s the number of plus size models who’re actually walking those catwalks at any one time. 

Great news! It seems there are more plus size models than ever... 

First of all, let’s share the good news with you. As reported by HuffPost, a seasonal diversity report released for the recent New York Fashion Week disclosed that 68 plus size models walked a total of 19 shows for spring 2020 – quite a jump from the previous season, when 37 models walked in 12 shows. 

Among those plus size models to hit the runway – and in the process, the headlines – was Tess Holliday, who turned heads for Chromat in a dress bearing the witty slogan, “sample size”. Rihanna’s Savage X Fenty show was another that showed the inclusivity of 2019 at its best, while Tommy Hilfiger and Zendaya’s show won similarly deserved rave reviews. 

Oh, and we couldn’t possibly not mention Christian Siriano, who has established form as a sincere hero of inclusivity on the catwalks, and continued to live up to his pedigree in this regard. 

...there was something a little troubling, though 

Unfortunately, as good as such statistics may look on the surface, HuffPost’s Jamie Feldman recently pointed out that 41 of those aforementioned 68 models were cast in just three shows: Tommy, Chromat and Siriano. This meant the rest of the castings were solo or small groups – not quite an indication of the entire fashion world’s dedication to values of inclusivity. 

The even worse news is that recent figures suggest even less progressive attitudes on our side of the Atlantic. Last season, for instance, saw not a single non-straight-size model walk in Milan, and while there were nine in Paris, seven of those walked in Tommy x Zendaya. 

As Feldman has wisely asked: “When it comes to designers who we see, season after season, including just one plus-size model in the mix, I wonder how many more times we can see it happen before we take stock of what their inclusion actually means? 

“Are they challenging the status quo because they are sick of it themselves, or are they doing it to create headlines and check a box? I’m not really sure anymore.” 

There’s at least one place you can always depend on for plus size lingerie, though...

...and that place is, of course, Natural Curves! We’ve been all about embracing voluptuous physiques since 2006, and we’re not going anywhere any time soon. 

Whether you are on the lookout for babydolls, bodysuits, hosiery, corsets, basques, shapewear or all manner of other plus size lingerie or related products to flatter the fuller figure, you can depend on finding the gorgeous items that perfectly match your preferences and needs when you shop with us.