In this personal essay, guest contributor Daria Nazarova shares her journey as a plus-size model, the resurgence of “quick thin” ideals and why authentic representation remains important.
The era of “quick thin” is once again shaping the fashion landscape. Drugs such as Ozempic have become symbols of an easy path to weight loss. With them, we are witnessing a return to narrow beauty standards. What only a few years ago looked like a victory for diversity is now under threat: runways are becoming less inclusive, brands are reducing extended size ranges, and the presence of plus-size models is too often reduced to a token gesture.
I do not see this from the outside, but from within. As an international plus-size model, I have walked the runways of New York Fashion Week, New York Swim Week and New York Bridal Fashion Week. I have also served as a judge at international beauty competitions and spoken at industry events, including Curve Expo. These experiences give me a clear perspective on the gap between the industry’s statements on inclusion and the reality of its practices.
That is why I ask a question that concerns not only models, but the future of fashion itself: is the industry ready to abandon one of its greatest achievements of recent years — genuine body diversity?
The gap between diversity promises and reality
Only a few years ago, fashion was moving confidently towards inclusivity. New faces were appearing on the runway, size ranges were expanding, and leading magazines were telling stories of beauty without boundaries. It seemed the industry had taken a decisive step towards real diversity.
Today, the picture looks different. At New York Fashion Week castings, I increasingly hear that collections do not include curve sizes. At best, there will be one or two models — sizes 12 to 14 — and that is all. I have learnt to ask in advance whether a designer plans to work with plus-size models, in order not to waste time or face repeated disappointment.
The contrast is striking. Just a year ago, plus-size models stood alongside standard ones, shared equal opportunities, and felt like a natural part of the industry. Today, many of us are left searching for work, suddenly deemed “unnecessary”. This trend extends beyond New York: at Moscow Fashion Week, I counted only two XL-size models across all the shows.
“Inclusion” has become one of the industry’s favourite words. Yet from the inside, I see how often it lacks substance. There are brands for which working with diverse body types is a core value. They expand their size ranges, cast plus-size models in campaigns, and foster a genuine dialogue with their audiences. These projects are inspiring because they feel authentic.
But there is also another approach. When a brand adds one or two size 12 to 14 models to a show only to “tick the box”, it reads as a marketing strategy rather than a conscious choice. That kind of inclusion feels hollow — and it does not fool either the industry or the audience.
I have witnessed both sides in my career. At Curve Expo, where I spoke as a panellist, the discussion on inclusion was backed by action: brands presented collections where plus-size was integrated naturally, not as an exception.
For me, true inclusivity is when models of any size are not singled out as “special”, but appear organically within the collection, side by side with everyone else. It is not about marketing; it is about values and the future of fashion.
Read also: Fatphobic or fashionable? The truth behind dressing for your body type
Why visibility matters
At a time when the industry is leaning back towards narrow standards, it is crucial to remind ourselves why the visibility of plus-size models matters. For women, it is more than fashion — it is about self-acceptance and breaking stereotypes that have defined beauty for decades. Seeing bodies like their own on runways and in magazines inspires women and affirms their worth.
For the industry, inclusion is also a strategic advantage. Brands that showcase real diversity open doors to new audiences and build trust. Modern women expect fashion to be honest and relevant to their lives, not built on unattainable ideals.
For the future of fashion, diversity is a measure of progress. A truly mature industry does not return to old standards — it moves forward, recognising the value of everybody and every identity.
The Ozempic era is a challenge — but also a moment of truth. True leaders in fashion will not narrow the frame; they will expand it, showing the world that beauty is multifaceted.
Yes, today people have choices: some use Ozempic, others live in their natural bodies. But one thing must remain clear: everybody deserves recognition. Women are beautiful as they are — regardless of whether they fit a trend.
For me, as a model, this is not an abstract discussion. My own journey — from New York runways to judging international competitions and speaking at industry conferences — proves that dress size doesn’t define beauty and success. The visibility of plus-size models is not a trend or a marketing ploy. It is a necessity shaping the culture of tomorrow.
Read more: The four horsemen of the skinny apocalypse: Why thin is in (again)
