British influencer Felicity Hayward is on a mission to increase plus-size model representation on catwalks. The body positive activist believes beauty doesn’t have a size and is pushing for more diversity in fashion.
Hayward attends every London Fashion Week show to count the number of curvy models featured. Though she’s seen gradual improvement over the past decade, she says there’s still a long way to go.
In February 2022, Hayward estimated only 31 plus-size models walked among nearly 3,000 models in New York. London had 71 curvy models, while Paris featured 40.
The influencer boycotted London Fashion Week in 2019 to protest the lack of body diversity. She now only attends shows using models larger than a US size 9.
Hayward wants fashion to be more inclusive. She argues, “Fashion is trend-based, bodies are not.”
Her fashion career unexpectedly started in 2012 when photographer Miles Aldridge discovered her in London. She has since modeled for major brands and covered magazines.
Hayward also authored a body positive book titled “Does My Butt Look Big in This?”. She uses her large social media platform to spread messages of self-love and representation.
While the body positivity movement has made progress, Hayward believes pop culture icons like the Kardashians promote unrealistic beauty standards. She vows to keep fighting for size acceptance on runways.
As London Fashion Week starts, Hayward will continue counting curves on the catwalk and pushing for a fashion industry that includes women of all sizes.