Ashley Graham is currently slaying the game with her gig on America's Next Top Model, killer product lines, and multiple magazine covers. And this morning the plus-size model added another big win to her scorecard: Walking the Michael Kors fall/winter fashion show at NYFW.
Graham's casting is notable because just last season Michael Kors told USA Today that it would be impossible for him to include plus-size models in his show:
"The only reason we don't have plus size on the runway, for me to have the range of sizes I would have to have a football stadium filled with clothes before I was able to put on a fashion show. I'd have to have everything from a size 2 to a size 18," he says. "But in real life, all of these clothes are available in this wider range in sizes. We're one of the few people who send designer clothes down the runway where we make a size 16." But today, Graham strutted down the runway in a gray body-con dress, cropped fur coat, and wide belt, looking fantastic.
Kors wasn't the only designer to include more body diversity in his runway castings this season. Christian Siriano, who's known for his dedication to inclusivity, sent five plus-size models down the aisles of the Grand Ballroom at the Plaza Hotel during his fall runway show.
Prabal Gurung also cast a mix of straight and plus-size models in his most recent show, and doubled down by making a political statement with this uber-feminist finale. Our favourtite NY moment? Tome FW17 runway celebrating all sizes, ages and knowing how to don a powersuit on the runway.
