As women of color, our primary desire is to see authentic and diverse representation in all media. For those who have avoided the eye-rolling frustration that often accompanies mainstream news outlets’ lists of so-called body positive icons, consider yourself fortunate. These lists frequently feature individuals who, despite being labeled as icons, often barely exceed a size 8. More concerning is the fact that these compilations typically include only one woman of color, if any at all. While I wholeheartedly support highlighting women who challenge beauty standards, it is crucial that these lists meaningfully include women of color to truly represent the diversity of our community.
This raises an important question: Are such lists genuinely challenging the existing beauty standards, or are they merely reinforcing them? The ongoing lack of access to resources and opportunities has led to the marginalization of our voices in this movement, creating an environment where our contributions remain largely invisible.
To address this issue, we have crafted this list in collaboration with our Editor-in-Chief, Marie, Madeline Figueroa-Jones, Editor-in-Chief of Plus Model Magazine, and Chenese Lewis, a renowned plus model, host, and spokesperson.
Figueroa-Jones Advocates for Greater Inclusion in Body Positivity
When discussing the pressing issue of inclusion, Figueroa-Jones emphasizes the need for a collective and inclusive approach. “Body positivity is not just a trend; it is a lifestyle that encompasses much more than what is portrayed on social media,” she asserts. “There are countless ways we can promote a body-positive lifestyle for ourselves and those around us. I want everyone to feel empowered to participate, regardless of whether they are bloggers or have a large platform.”
“Unity is the key to advancing this movement!”
– Madeline Figueroa Jones
Figueroa-Jones elaborates, explaining that the movement’s success stems from the daily support of men and women who uplift those of us who choose to openly share our experiences. The community’s collective encouragement has been instrumental in fostering real change.
Chenese Lewis highlights that the lack of representation is a persistent problem within the plus-size fashion industry.
“Throughout the decades of the plus size fashion movement, influential figures have emerged, with women of color consistently at the forefront of this evolution,” she notes. Yet, despite this prominence, women of color continue to be underrepresented in top leadership roles within the corporate realm, which greatly impacts the imagery celebrated in mainstream media.
The persistent lack of diversity reflects broader societal issues. Women of color account for a significant portion of the workforce, yet they remain woefully underrepresented in corporate America. Many accomplished women of color in the body positivity and plus size fashion sectors have had to go above and beyond to gain recognition, often overshadowed by those from more privileged backgrounds.
Despite the increasing mainstream media attention on plus size fashion, women of color still receive less visibility than their white counterparts. In celebration of the outstanding achievements and contributions of these trailblazers, we present our list of 25 remarkable women of color who have significantly influenced body positivity and plus size fashion (in no particular order).
25 Trailblazing Women of Color Impacting Body Positivity & Plus Size Fashion
Photo Credit: www.imdb.com
The late Mia Amber was a groundbreaking plus size model who made her mark in the 2000 film Road Trip. She famously stood up to Janice Dickinson during her reality show, leaving a lasting impact on the plus size community. Following her untimely passing in 2011, Figueroa-Jones expressed, “She was much more than just a model; she was a role model we could all look up to.”
Photo Credit: www.jibrionline.com
Jasmine Elder emerged as one of the pioneering independent plus size designers at a time when blogging and social media were just beginning to take shape. She skillfully built her brand from the ground up on Etsy before transitioning to her own platform. Her fabulous designs have been worn by notable personalities such as Jill Scott, Tasha Combs, and Chrisette Michele.
Photo Credit: www.dailyvenusdiva.com
Since 1998, Daily Venus Diva has served as a valuable online resource for curvy women and teens. Under the leadership of editor-in-chief Stephanie Penn since 2009, the site consistently delivers timely and relevant content impacting the plus size community. Recognized for her bold, unapologetic, and passionate voice, Penn tackles crucial topics and celebrity news with ease. A glance at the magazine’s cover archive reveals a strong representation of women of color, including Liris Crosse, Christina Mendez, and Erica Watson, among others.
Jordan Tesfay launched her modeling career by participating in a MODE magazine model search, ultimately standing out among 25,000 entries to secure a contract with Wilhelmina Models. She made history as the first plus size model featured in a CoverGirl campaign, shooting the Queen collection and its accompanying commercial released around 2008-2009. Despite the lack of fanfare surrounding the campaign’s launch, this achievement is a significant milestone in the industry.
Represented by prominent agencies including Ford, Next, Wilhelmina, and JAG, Maiysha has cultivated a successful career in plus size modeling. In addition to modeling, she is also a talented musician, but balancing both careers has not always been easy. An article in ESSENCE highlights her struggles, where she candidly shares, “No one wanted to sign me, and nobody wanted to buy my album. I know for a fact deals were lost because of my plus size.” Nevertheless, in 2009, she earned a Grammy Award nomination for Best Urban/Alternative Performance, a testament to her multifaceted talent.
Nikki Gomez has been a significant figure in the plus size fashion industry since 2004, initially making her mark as a plus size model. Her impressive client roster includes Monif C, Latina Magazine, and Saks Fifth Avenue. She also gained recognition as a cast member on the 2011 TLC show, “Big Sexy.” More recently, Nikki has transitioned into photography, channeling her passion into nurturing the careers of aspiring plus size models by helping to establish Bicoastal MGMT’s plus size print division.
