Date of Award

12-2024

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Fashion & Entrepreneurship

Department

Fashion Design

First Advisor

Chajuana Trawick Ferguson

Second Advisor

Amanda Casarez

Abstract

The standards of beauty, particularly in the fashion industry, have long been a source of societal debate and controversy. Although beauty can be seen as “subjective,” over the years, certain standards have become institutionalized, creating exclusionary ideals that have dominated the fashion industry. Historically, these standards have favored slim body types, marginalizing larger, plus-size bodies. This bias is deeply entrenched in the industry, influencing everything from design to representation in advertising. However, the body positivity movement has emerged as a transformative force, advocating for the acceptance of diverse body types and pushing for greater inclusivity in fashion. Despite these advances, there remains a significant gap in opportunities for plus-size models when compared to their slimmer counterparts. The industry has been slow to fully embrace this change, with many major fashion houses and retailers still resistant to size inclusivity. This literature review examines the ongoing challenges faced by plus-size models, the role of the body positivity movement in reshaping industry norms, and the need for further progress in achieving equal representation and opportunities for all body types in the fashion world.

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