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A New York Fashion Week Mystery: What Happened to All the Plus-Size Models?

The city’s designers have long been at the forefront of promoting size inclusivity, but cast noticeably fewer “curve” models this season. One theory: the rise of Y2K style is bringing back the era’s body standards as well.
Many observers noted a lack of curve models at NYFW this season. Precious Lee closing Thom Browne's show was an exception.
Many observers noted a lack of curve models at NYFW this season. Precious Lee closing Thom Browne's show was an exception. (Getty Images)

Hours before the official start of New York Fashion Week, model Georgina Burke seemed lukewarm about the days ahead. Burke, who is signed with IMG Models and has been a curve model for 13 years, said her hesitance was rooted in the fact that brands tend to reserve only a handful of spots for models like her – and that this season, those opportunities were even rarer than usual.

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Further Reading

The Business of Being Law Roach

The celebrity stylist has built a business that goes well beyond the red carpet, from magazine covers and marketing campaigns to judging reality television competitions and getting billionaires seated at couture shows. He spoke with BoF about his approach to building a multi-hyphenate empire.

What’s Driving the Model Casting Boom

A wider variety of people are able to become models today, and there’s more opportunities than ever to book jobs. But with that has brought increased competition and even diminished pay days.

About the author
Melissa Magsaysay

Melissa Magsaysay is a contributing writer at The Business of Fashion. She is a LA based journalist and entrepreneur who writes about fashion and beauty.

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