Inclusive fashion is an increasingly popular topic of discussion, yet genuine representation in the industry remains a significant challenge. The majority of mainstream celebrities and influencers predominantly showcase straight-size clothing, which reinforces a narrow industry standard that often excludes plus-size fashion. In an effort to challenge this status quo, Aiyana Ishmael, the associate editor at Teen Vogue, initiated her thought-provoking column CTRL + C. This innovative series involves recreating celebrity outfits on her plus-size frame, allowing her to evaluate whether a particular look is genuinely stylish or merely flattering due to a thinner model’s body.

What began as a simple tweet has transformed into a widely followed column, garnering both Teen Vogue and Ishmael a dedicated audience that is deeply engaged in the conversation surrounding size inclusivity. As the column continues to evolve, it is now steering towards a new direction—one that promises to create an even greater impact in the realm of fashion representation.

Unpacking the Creative Process of CTRL + C

Aiyana Ishmael’s approach to crafting her column is refreshingly straightforward: she selects a celebrity, locates similar clothing options in plus sizes, and then tests the style to see how it translates on her body. “For the most part, I would just pick a celebrity that was on my list. When I first did Bella [Hadid], they said, ‘Okay, let’s make this a column.’ I ended up creating a list of nearly 15 different celebrities whose styles I admire or wish to critique,” she shares.

The quest for suitable outfits posed its own set of challenges. “I would start my search online at various retailers, simply typing in keywords like ‘strapless dress red plus size’ or switching to ‘curve,’ as many retailers neglect to label their plus-size offerings properly. It often required extensive searching, piece by piece, to find anything remotely similar. There are times when I come up empty-handed, and the experience of that search becomes part of the narrative,” she explains.

Overcoming Challenges in Size-Inclusive Fashion

One of the most significant barriers that Aiyana encountered was the glaring lack of available options in the market. “There are simply no choices, especially since many of the celebrities we select wear items that are either trendy or from high-end designers. Although there might be replicas available at mainstream retailers like Zara or H&M, many boutiques or smaller online shops do not carry my size. Consequently, I may find a replica of an outfit worn by a celebrity, but it often falls short of being something I can actually wear,” she recounts.

Despite these challenges, CTRL + C has successfully illuminated a vital message about vulnerability in the digital age. “Being vulnerable online is a rare quality, and I believe it’s something I speak about frequently. My generation, Gen Z, often struggles with showing vulnerability. We tend to hide parts of ourselves due to fears of judgment or misperception. I think we need to reclaim that space for honest expression,” she reflects.

Envisioning the Future of CTRL + C

Although CTRL + C was initially a personal project, Aiyana has always envisioned it as something much larger and more inclusive. “The next iteration of the series is launching this week, and it’s evolving. I won’t be the sole face anymore, which excites me because that was always the ultimate goal,” she explains.

Instead of focusing solely on her perspective, she has assembled a diverse group of content creators, including individuals who identify as plus-size, mid-size, nonbinary, and hijabi, all of whom are frequently underrepresented in the fashion industry. “I want them to explore celebrity styles. I’m particularly excited about the upcoming content creator, who is a powerful advocate for plus-size fashion, inclusivity, and challenging societal assumptions about what individuals of size should wear,” she shares.

With CTRL + C, Aiyana has established a movement that transcends her individual experience and invites a wider audience to see themselves represented in fashion. “In my last iteration of the column, I expressed my desire to contribute to something larger than myself. I genuinely believe that CTRL + C has achieved that. Now, it’s all about how everyone can see themselves reflected in this column,” she concludes.