From established names like Mango and H&M to up-and-coming designers like Karoline Vitto and Sinéad O’Dwyer, these 19 brands are leading the charge in making fashion inclusive for all body types. Discover the brands that are embracing body positivity and providing stylish options for everyone.
Virginie Viard, the esteemed creative director of Chanel since 2019, has announced her departure from the iconic fashion house. Having joined Chanel in 1987 as an embroiderer, Viard rose through the ranks to become Karl Lagerfeld’s right-hand woman before succeeding him as the brand’s creative lead. Her tenure has been marked by a softer, more relaxed approach to Chanel’s signature aesthetic, as well as a commitment to inclusivity in terms of size diversity. Viard’s designs have drawn inspiration from French street chic, fantasy, sports, and seaside glamour, and she has overseen Chanel’s first show in Sub-Saharan Africa, which showcased intricate embroideries, a skill she holds dear.
Model Paloma Elsesser and designer Francesco Risso have joined forces to create a capsule collection for Marni Jam, the brand’s multidisciplinary program for creative exchanges. The lineup features a range of summer-ready pieces inspired by Elsesser’s own personal style, including knit tops, bralettes, draped skirts, oversized button-downs, a playful handbag, and a bodycon dress. The collection also includes plenty of Risso’s signature touches, such as eccentric knitted details on blazers, funky trousers, and colorful, graphic stripes. In addition to expanding Marni’s sizing range to an EU 56 (US around a 40-42 in US), Elsesser and Risso worked together to infuse the collection with a sense of joy and freedom, reflecting the shared values and qualities that they both embody.
The Pratt Institute Class of 2024’s graduating fashion show exhibited a refreshing sense of lightness and a balance between design and materiality. Students showcased a renewed sense of confidence and purpose, particularly in addressing environmental issues and size inclusivity. This shift marks a departure from the inward-focused student shows during the pandemic. The show featured various explorations of connections, such as the intersection of craft and machine, heredity, and home/place. Notable collections included workwear-inspired designs, an amalgam of global impressions, performance wear, and garments tailored for a more apocalyptic world. While many designers embraced a sense of quietude, others showcased hyper-femininity and cheerfulness. Soccer player-turned-designer Christopher Hunte was recognized for his exceptional design with the Christopher Hunte “On Point” Award.
Fashion and home retailer Matalan has announced a significant expansion, introducing 17 new third-party brands and extending sizing options for greater inclusivity. The move aligns with the company’s commitment to providing customers with a seamless shopping experience, offering a wider range of styles, products, and sizes in one convenient location.
