The models fighting for diversity in fashion: from hijab-wearing Halima Aden to transgender actress Andreja Pejić and plus-size catwalk queen Paloma Elsesser

Jan 8 , 2021

Aaron Philip, Halima Aden and Paloma Elsesser are all game-changers paving the way for diversity in fashion modelling. Photo: @aaron___philip; @halimaaden_ ; @palomija/Instagram

Change makers: Paloma Elsesser was the first plus-size US Vogue cover model, Munroe Bergdorf caused controversy as a transgender activist at L’Oreal and Halima Aden modelled for Rihanna’s Fenty Beauty in a hijab

Fashion has not always been a welcoming place for models that are non-white, plus-size, gender-diverse or those with disabilities. And while diversity is on the rise, wins like Paloma Elsesser’s Vogue cover are still noteworthy enough to make headlines.

One hopes that in the future, seeing a plus-size, transgender or wheelchair-using cover star will be just another day in fashion. Here’s a look at some of the modelling world’s most groundbreaking and pioneering talents helping to change the narrative.

Paloma Elsesser

In December, Elsesser landed American Vogue’s first solo cover dedicated to a plus-sized model. Industry colleague Ashley Graham previously graced the cover of Vogue twice, albeit once in a group shot and another while heavily pregnant.

Elsesser’s moment capped off a year which finally saw plus-sized women, including Precious Lee and Jill Kortleve, appear on the runways of Valentino, Fendi, Versace and Alexander McQueen, hopefully with more major brands to follow.

Munroe Bergdorf

L’Oreal UK announced Bergdorf as its first transgender model in 2017, but dropped her just months later after she posted online that “all white people” were racist in response to the white supremacist riots unfolding in the US. As Bergdorf’s career suffered and she received death threats and hate mail, she switched her focus to public advocacy.

During 2020’s George Floyd protests, the public lambasted L’Oreal’s statement of anti-racist solidarity, recalling its treatment of Bergdorf just a few years prior. She finally received an apology and was appointed to the company’s Diversity and Inclusion Board. Bergdorf later covered Time’s Next Generation Leaders issue and continues her anti-racist and trans rights activism.

Halima Aden