Decline in body diversity on the runway
Recent data has highlighted a concerning trend in the fashion industry, with a significant decline in body diversity on the runway. A staggering 95% of outfits showcased in 208 recent runway shows were presented by size-zero models, marking a sharp reversal from previous efforts to promote inclusivity. This shift raises questions about the industry’s commitment to representing a broader range of body types.
Over the past decade, there had been gradual progress towards greater inclusivity in fashion. Designers began casting models of different sizes, and brands embraced a more diverse representation of beauty. However, the latest runway statistics indicate a retreat from these efforts, reinforcing outdated beauty standards that exclude the majority of consumers.
“Seeing a lack of body diversity on the runway sends a message that only one body type is valued in fashion,” says an Australian fashion industry expert. “This not only affects aspiring models but also impacts how consumers perceive themselves and their place in fashion.”
Some industry insiders speculate that the shift back to predominantly size-zero models is driven by commercial pressures, with high-end designers prioritising traditional aesthetics over inclusivity. Others point to the influence of social media trends that have once again glorified ultra-thin body types. Regardless of the reasons, the lack of diverse representation on runways affects both the industry and its audience.
For Australian fashion consumers, this trend is particularly disheartening. The local fashion scene has made strides in recent years to embrace a wider range of body shapes, with brands showcasing plus-size models and promoting body positivity. However, the global shift away from diversity threatens to undermine these efforts, making it harder for inclusive fashion to gain lasting traction.
As the industry moves forward, the question remains: will designers and brands recognise the importance of body diversity, or will the fashion world continue to revert to narrow and unrealistic beauty ideals?
The impact of exclusivity on fashion consumers
The lack of body diversity on the runway has far-reaching consequences beyond the fashion industry itself. For consumers, the predominance of size-zero models reinforces unattainable beauty standards, contributing to body dissatisfaction and self-esteem issues. When fashion brands fail to represent a diverse range of body types, many consumers feel excluded, leading to a disconnect between the industry and the people it seeks to serve.
In Australia, where body positivity movements have gained momentum in recent years, the shift back to ultra-thin ideals is particularly concerning. Many Australians have embraced brands that celebrate inclusivity, yet the global fashion industry’s retreat from diversity threatens to undo this progress. When mainstream fashion showcases only one type of body, it sends a message that other body shapes are not fashionable or desirable.
For young consumers, especially those who look to runway shows and designer campaigns for inspiration, the absence of body diversity can have a profound impact. Studies have shown that exposure to unrealistic beauty standards can contribute to disordered eating habits, low self-confidence, and mental health struggles. By prioritising exclusivity over inclusivity, the fashion industry risks alienating a significant portion of its audience and reinforcing harmful societal norms.
“When people don’t see themselves reflected in fashion, they start to believe they don’t belong,” explains an Australian body image advocate. “It’s not just about clothing—it’s about self-worth and feeling represented in a space that should celebrate all bodies.”
Beyond personal impacts, the lack of inclusivity in fashion also has commercial implications. Consumers are increasingly seeking brands that align with their values, and inclusivity has become a key factor in purchasing decisions. Australian shoppers, in particular, have shown strong support for brands that champion body diversity. If high-end fashion continues to ignore this demand, it risks losing relevance among modern consumers who expect representation and authenticity.
As the industry grapples with this setback, the challenge remains: how can fashion reconnect with consumers and rebuild trust? The answer lies in meaningful, long-term commitments to inclusivity that go beyond token representation. Without genuine change, the industry risks alienating a generation of consumers who are demanding better.
Steps needed to restore inclusivity in fashion
To restore inclusivity in fashion, meaningful action must be taken at every level of the industry, from designers and brands to media and consumers. A return to diverse representation on the runway requires a conscious effort to challenge outdated beauty standards and embrace a broader spectrum of body types.
One of the most immediate steps designers can take is to cast a wider range of models in their runway shows and campaigns. This means not only including plus-size models but also representing a variety of shapes, sizes, ages, and ethnicities. Australian brands that have championed diversity in the past can play a leading role in setting an example for the global fashion industry by continuing to prioritise inclusivity in their collections and marketing.
Fashion media also has a responsibility to promote diverse representation. Magazines, digital publications, and influencers must showcase a variety of body types in editorial spreads and advertisements. By doing so, they can help shift consumer expectations and normalise body diversity in fashion imagery. Australian publications and media platforms can support this movement by highlighting local designers and brands that are actively working towards inclusivity.
Another crucial step is for fashion education institutions to instil values of inclusivity in emerging designers. By encouraging students to design for a diverse range of body types and challenge restrictive beauty ideals, the next generation of fashion professionals can help drive lasting change. Australian fashion schools and industry bodies can play a pivotal role in fostering this shift by incorporating inclusivity into their curriculum and industry standards.
“Inclusivity in fashion isn’t just a trend—it’s a necessity,” says an Australian fashion advocate. “Brands that fail to embrace diversity risk losing relevance in an industry that is evolving to reflect the real world.”
Consumers also have the power to influence change by supporting brands that prioritise body diversity. By choosing to buy from inclusive labels and calling out brands that exclude diverse representation, shoppers can help push the industry towards a more inclusive future. In Australia, where body positivity movements have gained strong traction, consumer demand for authenticity and representation can serve as a powerful force for progress.
Ultimately, restoring inclusivity in fashion requires a collective effort. Designers, media, educators, and consumers must work together to challenge exclusionary norms and create an industry that values all body types. Without a sustained commitment to diversity, the progress made in recent years risks being undone, leaving fashion disconnected from the people it seeks to inspire.
Decline in body diversity on the runway
In a concerning shift, recent data highlights a significant regression in body diversity on the runway. A staggering 95% of outfits showcased in 208 recent runway shows were modelled by size-zero figures, signalling a retreat from the industry’s previous strides towards inclusivity.
Just a few seasons ago, designers were applauded for embracing a broader spectrum of body types, with curvier models and varied silhouettes making their way onto the catwalk. However, this latest data suggests a sharp reversal, raising questions about the industry’s commitment to lasting change.
Fashion weeks in global capitals have long dictated beauty standards, influencing not just trends but also consumer perceptions. The near-exclusive presence of ultra-thin models sends a narrow and unrealistic message, one that many hoped the industry had moved past.
For Australian consumers and designers alike, this shift is particularly disheartening. The local market has been making progress in championing size diversity, with homegrown brands leading the charge. Yet, if global runways set the tone, there’s a risk that inclusivity efforts could be sidelined in favour of outdated ideals.
With representation shrinking once again, the question remains: will the industry course-correct, or is this the beginning of a return to a more exclusionary standard?
Challenges in sustaining inclusivity efforts
Maintaining inclusivity in fashion has always been an uphill battle, and recent setbacks highlight just how fragile progress can be. While past seasons saw a rise in diverse casting, the latest data suggests that these efforts have not been firmly embedded within the industry’s framework. Instead, inclusivity appears to be treated as a fleeting trend rather than a lasting commitment.
One of the biggest challenges is the persistent influence of traditional beauty ideals. Despite growing consumer demand for representation, many luxury houses and high-profile designers continue to prioritise a singular body type, reinforcing outdated norms. The pressure to conform to a specific aesthetic—one that aligns with high fashion’s long-standing preference for ultra-thin models—remains deeply ingrained.
There’s also the issue of commercial viability. While brands may introduce size-inclusive collections, many struggle to sustain them due to production costs, limited retailer support, and the misconception that larger sizes don’t sell. This results in tokenistic representation rather than a genuine shift in industry standards.
For Australian designers, the challenge is twofold. On one hand, there’s a strong push for inclusivity, with local labels embracing diverse sizing and casting. On the other, global fashion’s regression threatens to undermine this progress, making it harder for brands to gain international recognition while staying true to their values.
Without systemic change—both on the runway and behind the scenes—fashion risks falling back into exclusivity. The industry must decide whether inclusivity is a passing phase or a fundamental evolution.