How Instagram Has Normalized Size Diversity
via @anjanaadev
by Cassandra Chum
The fashion and beauty industry has been criticized for its record of holding models to a certain body type and favoring rigid standards against inclusivity and diversity. It has told us we aren’t enough, no matter what shape or size we are. However, this has changed in recent years. It’s clear that body ideology is being challenged and the fashion and beauty industry is moving towards a more embracing environment. There has been a push to see women of all sizes and backgrounds, and now more than ever before there is a widespread celebration of size diversity, so much so that it has become normalized to see plus size women taking center stage. Seeing women of all sizes is the new normal.
Of course, this is an optimistic generalization for the industry, but it’s moving in the right direction. More plus size models walk the runway than ever before. What began as a few agencies accepting curve models and a narrow, homogenous standard for plus size modelling has grown into a space for more women to be seen. In Vogue’s recent model series, a series that allows models to share their stories, plus size model Paloma Elsesser shares her experience with discrimination and tokenism. Models are breaking through previous notions that women have to be a certain type to fit in the industry, and instead are stretching the bounds of the industry to fit them. She explains, “The industry is changing, but it still has a long way to go. It ebes and it flows... It’s important to create space sustainably. It needs to come, for fashion specifically, I think it needs to come from within, organically.”
Instagram has allowed us to be exposed to mainstream society and media right at our fingertips. Because of this level of freedom and autonomy for Instagram users, there is a lot more opportunity and demand for greater representation. Feedback is almost immediate, and the fashion and beauty industry can no longer ignore it.
It is also a level up for creative industries and a fresh perspective from traditional forms of advertising in these industries such as the runway, billboards, and magazines. Models and influencers can control their own content, in turn creating space for more representation and controlling the narrative of the industry. Both brands and consumers use Instagram to stay connected to the real world on a more personal level. We want to relate to our feed, be inspired by our feed, and feel included by our feed.
The fashion and beauty industry has redefined beauty standards away from a rigid ideal and towards body positivity. Instagram continues to be one of the most influential body positive platforms of media we have. So here’s to normalizing diversity.
*Originally published June 2019, updated August 28, 2021
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