Top Australian plus-size model calls out fashion industry for going backwards over inclusivity

The fashion industry first began including plus-size models about 2013, creating a new era of inclusivity. Then, in 2023, Ozempic arrived and changed it all.

It’s 10 years since the fashion industry began including plus-size models but curve model Jennifer Atilemile believes “we are going backwards”. Picture: Ashton Hugh

It’s been a decade since the fashion industry began including plus-size models and looked to be entering a new era of inclusivity.

However, 10 years on, one of Australia’s most successful plus-size models believes we are going backwards.

And Ozempic is partly to blame.

“I began my career in NYC at the height of body diversity,” Jennifer Atilemile told Sunday Confidential.

“I walked three shows at NYFW my first season, including Zendaya’s collection with Tommy Hilfiger. I think there were at least 10 plus-size models in that show.

Model Jennifer Atilemile. “The lack of inclusion, I would say, is even worse than before.” Picture: Jenn Edelson

“Since then, our inclusion in runway shows, and advertising, has slowly been less and less, with only one or two of us being included in a show, if at all.

“I’m lucky that my career is still going strong, but the kinds of jobs have changed, and I’m really concerned for the younger generation of curve models, will they even have an industry?

“The lack of inclusion, I would say, is even worse than before, because now we know better, and we know that brands are actively excluding people. It’s a choice. That’s why it’s so disappointing.”

Many of the Sports Illustrated model’s friends and colleagues no longer have a job in the industry. There is simply no demand, forcing them back to their 9-5 jobs.

“We know that brands are actively excluding people.” Picture: Annemarie Sterian

Friends and colleagues no longer have a job in the industry. Picture: Ashton Hugh

“I don’t want to bite the hand that feeds me, but so many brands are using a size 8/10US, even smaller to be honest, and calling that curve, and calling it a day, completely erasing and disregarding an entire group of people.

“While I’m grateful to be working, I also know so many of my peers are a lot slower than before, some are being dropped from their agencies because there’s not enough interest, and some have had to go back to working a 9 to 5.

“The lack of inclusion, I would say is even worse than before, because now we know better, and we know that brands are actively excluding people. It’s a choice. That’s why it’s so disappointing.”

The wellness culture, return of ’90s fashion and the arrival of Ozempic in 2023 is fuelling the trend.

And while Atilemile, who was the first Australian (curve model) to shoot a worldwide Victoria Secret campaign, agrees the drug can be positive and is saving some lives, others are using it for the wrong reasons.

Ozempic is fuelling the trend. Picture: Sylwia Szyplik

“Not everyone is supposed to be thin.” Picture: Sylwia Szyplik

“Ozempic is undoing all the positive work models like myself have done,” Atilemile said.

“Not everyone is supposed to be thin. So, yes, it does undo a lot of the work that we did.

“2019 was the peak of inclusivity. I really felt like we were headed in such a positive direction but, over the last five years, we’ve gone backwards about 20, and politically, especially in America, several more. It’s really sad, but it’s up to us now to keep the conversation going so that we don’t lose progress altogether.”

And, sadly, Atilemile doesn’t believe the trend to be thin will go away anytime soon, but hopes it does.

“This isn’t sustainable, and it excludes so many people,” she said.

“It’s not even just about fashion. It sets a dangerous precedent that I think, if we’re not careful, we won’t be able to come back from. I believe a better, more inclusive industry (and world) is possible, and I’ll be here for when it is.”

Atilemile is due back in the country in coming weeks to attend Australian Fashion Week

“I’m excited to be back among some amazing Australian talent,” she said.

“ There have been so many brands that have recently launched into the US market, and word on the street (especially in LA) is that there’s some great stuff coming out of Australia.

“I can’t wait to see the new collections from our legacy brands, but what I’m most excited about are the new generation of designers.”

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Originally published as Top Australian plus-size model calls out fashion industry for going backwards over inclusivity