Feb 22 β€’ 19:30 UTC πŸ‡¬πŸ‡§ UK Guardian

Body diversity returns to London fashion week as wider industry heads ultra-thin

London Fashion Week has seen a resurgence of body diversity on the runway, contrasting with the prevailing industry trend towards ultra-thin models.

London Fashion Week has witnessed a notable return of body diversity, with emerging designers like Karoline Vitto, Phoebe English, and Sinead Gorey showcasing a wide range of body shapes during their recent shows. Sizes featured have ranged from UK size 10-16, identified as mid-size, to plus-size models starting at UK size 18, marking a significant step in promoting inclusivity in the fashion realm. This shift is particularly heartening in light of previous concerns regarding a regression towards promoting thinness, a trend that has been prevalent within the broader fashion industry.

Experts have voiced their worries about the fashion sector's inclination towards ultra-thinness, citing alarming statistics that only a mere 0.9% of runway looks in major fashion cities included plus-size models. The catwalks had previously seen a substantial decrease in size inclusivity, with critics pointing out the pressing need for a diverse representation of body types to counteract the negative impacts of glamorizing extreme thinness. The resurgence at London Fashion Week indicates a hopeful pivot towards positive change, as designers expand their norms regarding beauty and body image.

Karoline Vitto emphasized the important role inclusivity plays in fashion during her first runway show in two years, calling for broader representation in the industry. Her sentiments resonate with many advocates for body positivity, as this new wave of inclusivity at fashion events reflects a growing cultural shift that embraces all body types. As London Fashion Week sets a progressive example, the question remains whether this newfound diversity will be sustained and inspire other fashion weeks worldwide to follow suit, combating the industry's historical tendencies towards exclusivity.

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