Fashion Week's Body Positive Resurgence Clashes with Industry's Ultra-Thin Ideal

As the global fashion industry continues its relentless pursuit of the ultra-thin ideal, a refreshing countermovement has emerged on the runways of London Fashion Week. Designers like Karoline Vitto are championing body diversity and celebrating the beauty of all shapes and sizes.

The Rise of Body Positivity

Vitto's autumn/winter 2026 show was a joyous celebration of curves, with models of all body types strutting the catwalk in her signature body-hugging designs. "There's usually just one of us in a model line-up," says Brazilian model Anna Bia, who walked in the show. "It's so rare for us all to be booked for the same show together."

What this really means is that the fashion industry is finally starting to catch up with the body positivity movement that has been gaining momentum for years. Brands are realizing that consumers want to see themselves represented on the runway, not just aspirational waif-like figures.

The Bigger Picture

However, the wider fashion landscape still has a long way to go. As The Guardian reports, the industry as a whole is doubling down on the ultra-thin ideal, with many major brands and magazines promoting dangerously restrictive body standards.

The bigger picture here is that the fashion world is caught in a tug-of-war between progress and tradition. While pioneers like Vitto are pushing for greater inclusion, the industry's deep-seated biases and commercial interests continue to prop up unrealistic beauty norms. The battle for true diversity on the runway is far from over.

As WHO guidelines make clear, the fashion industry's promotion of ultra-thin ideals can have serious consequences for public health, particularly among vulnerable young people. Brands must be held accountable for the damage they inflict, both literal and figurative.

The resurgence of body positivity at London Fashion Week is a promising sign, but the war for inclusivity in fashion is far from won. Designers, brands, and the industry as a whole must continue to challenge outdated norms and embrace the diverse beauty of all body types.