Words by: Gitika Garg

Fashion remains an industry that touches the lives of all in one way or another. Put simply — everyone wears clothes and everyone deserves to feel confident and comfortable in them.

It comes at no shock that, despite this, the reality of fashion tends to lie far from this.

Historically speaking, fashion has been notoriously exclusive; it favours a certain type of body shape, size and colour on runways, in magazines and other forms of fashion media and discourse. That being said, in recent years, we’ve definitely come a long way from the standard white-tall-blonde-size 6 image.

Today, people of all different kinds of bodies, ages and abilities are (slowly) becoming a part of conversations surrounding fashion and challenging the ‘golden standard’ of beauty we’ve been taught to worship and idealise. This change has been long awaited and campaigned, and when I say change, I’m not just talking about clothing brands catering to beyond a size 16. Inclusivity cannot simply be reduced to size, it must be considered from all points of the design process and final product. Equal access extends to skin tone, gender and physical abilities, just to mention a few.

Here is a timeline which outlines just some of the models who have pioneered change in the past decade:

2017: At just 19-years-old, Halima Aden became the first hijab-wearing model to be signed with IMG.
Also 2017: American model, Ashley Graham, became the first size 16 cover star to American Vogue. 2018: South Sudanese-Australian model, Adut Akech, became the second woman of colour to ever close a Chanel couture show.
2020: British model Ellie Goldstein, then just 18 years-old, became the first model with Down Syndrome to model for Gucci.
2021: Aaron Rose Philip became the first black, transgender, and physically disabled model to catwalk using a wheelchair for a major luxury fashion house.

These are just some of the proponents of change that jump to mind, modelling the future of fashion (no pun intended).

While many brands and institutions have boarded a brief ride on the diversity train — capitalising off the buzz of inclusivity, sustainability and ethically made garments — genuine progress speaks louder.

Let’s outline some brands that have signalled acceptance of all bodies within the fashion space and encouraged a message of self-love. Importantly, they don’t solely focus on function. Rather, they truly consider fashion as a whole — both what’s trending and timeless. Here are some innovative brands making real change:

‘Skims‘ founded by Kim Kardashian

This wildly popular shapewear brand created by Kim Kardashian has changed the way people feel when wearing intimates. Its instantly selling-out ‘Fits Everybody’ collections are designed in nine different skin tone shades, that are available in sizes between XXS to 5XL. Aside from being buttery-soft and comfortable, the diverse range is, as the name suggests, flattering on everybody.

‘Selkie‘ founded by Kimberley Gordon

As we’ve established, size does not dictate style and wearing ‘plus-size’, especially, doesn’t make you any
less fashionable. ‘Selkie’ is the American clothing label pioneering ethereal femininity with a whirlpool of dreamy dresses, corset tops and jackets. Think bows, tulle and lacey goodness. And the garments are crafted up to size 5XL.

‘Tommy Adaptive‘ by Tommy Hilfiger

In 2020, Tommy Hilfiger launched a line of adaptive clothing designed to meet the needs of people living with a disability — making history as the first mainstream brand to do so. Keeping its signature sports-luxe aesthetic, the collection was designed with slight modifications such as side zips, magnetic closures, and easy-open necklines.

‘Asiyam‘ founded by Asia Hassan

Closer to home, Melbourne-based label ‘Asiyam’ is adding a modern spin on modest fashion, with collections featuring delicate draping and luxurious fabrics. As seen on their Instagram page @asiyam.au, the brand showcased oversized silk coats, flowing dresses and vibrant patterns at the Afterpay Australian Fashion Week in 2022.

‘The Iconic’

Moving from the runway into stores, an inclusive shopping experience is also an important pillar of genuine and meaningful inclusion. Sydney-based online fashion retailer, ‘The Iconic’ wears the crown with a Modest Edit as well as an Adaptive Edit featuring local Australian brands ‘Christina Stephens‘ and ‘Jam The Label‘ —both designed with independent dressing and fashion-forward self-expression in mind.

The concept of greater inclusivity within fashion also tugs at the prospect of exponential growth. According to a 2022 IBISWorld market research report, the Australian plus-size clothing industry is worth over $1 billion alone. From a marketing perspective, naturally, people are more likely to buy when fashion represents who they are.

There’s no denying that fashion is getting better at being for everyone. It’s important to acknowledge how far we’ve come, but arguably more necessary to under- stand that there’s still a long road ahead when it comes to holistic inclusivity. Where are luxury brands’ diverse ranges? What about bringing these inclusive labels into mainstream department stores? Difficult and uncomfort- able conversations like this are a launchpad for lasting change within the industry. An industry that will be, one day, built to fit everybody.