5 Trailblazers Leading the Way in Plus Size Lingerie Modelling

Dear Lovelies,

Lane Bryant gave birth to what became the very first Plus Size Lingerie brand in America, Lane Bryant. However, Lane Bryant was no body-positive brand like their current ads would have you believe. They were established to meet the demand for maternity wear and expanded to focus on slenderizing “stout” women.

By the mid-’80s plus-sized and body-positive activists introduced the body positive message and magazines that were willing to feature plus-size modeling. 1997, the introduction of Mode an exclusively plus-size magazine brought to light a large but unrepresented market by featuring plus-sized models and the stylist and designers who dressed them. The mode may have been a short-lived hero, closing down in 2001, but its effect was long-lasting.  

By the late 2000's Lane Bryant had rebranded as a plus-sized retailer that prioritized body positivity and embraced the “real woman.” Equally introducing a lingerie line. In 2008, a new wave of body positive movement was born, and designers were once again put on blast for their lack of inclusion. By 2009 the world was introduced to “Full Figured Fashion Week”, the first exclusive plus-sized fashion week.

Here at Lavinia we welcome and host a diverse range of customers and lingerie sizes. To honor the history of this movement here are 5 Plus Size Trailblazers and links to lingerie we think would look great on them.

Ashley Graham, Known as the most popular plus-size model in the industry. Graham made history by appearing as the first plus-sized model on sports illustrated. Alcyone by Anais.

Tara Lynn, this alluring beauty made waves when she appeared on Vogue Italia. Now commonly known simply as “the body”. It is no surprise why Lynn is so high on our list.

Queen Chemise by Oh La La Cheri.

Philomena Kwao, soulful eyes and a curvaceous body Kwao continues to make a name for herself in the lingerie and modeling business.

Palmina by Anais.

Saffi Karina, Once dropped from her agency for being “too big” Karina became the first woman to own and run a plus-size modeling training company in the UK.

Luisse by Gorsenia.

Fluvia Lacerda, A month after Lynn made international waves, this Brazilian beauty graced the cover of Vogue Italia. Daring and gorgeous she soon earned the nickname of “plus-size Giselle Bundchen". However, we at Lavinia like to think of her as simply Lacerda.

Java by Sawren.

What do you think of our picks? leave a comment below.