The concept of body positivity in fashion has gained significant momentum over the past decade, moving from social media movements to mainstream discussions. Since the hashtag #BodyPositivity first took off in 2012, it has transformed into a cultural force, amassing over 43 billion views on TikTok and 12 million Instagram posts.
The message is powerful: every body, regardless of size, deserves confidence and acceptance. However, while the idea of body positivity in fashion has become widely embraced by consumers, the fashion industry itself still struggles to fully adopt this ethos. Despite initial steps toward inclusivity, the industry often reverts to old, exclusive standards.
Historically, fashion has been an elite, exclusive world, catering to a narrow vision of beauty. Industry icons like Karl Lagerfeld once famously said, “No one wants to see curvy models,” while Kate Moss’s infamous “Nothing tastes as good as skinny feels” epitomized the ultra-thin ideal that dominated for decades. Although the movement toward body positivity in fashion has called these outdated ideas into question, much of the industry remains stuck in its ways, with inclusivity still treated as a fleeting trend rather than a permanent shift.
The Struggle for Diversity on the Runway
The cancellation of Victoria’s Secret’s iconic runway show in 2019 was seen as a watershed moment for the body positivity movement. After years of criticism over its lack of body diversity, many believed this was the beginning of real change. However, just a few years later, there are growing concerns that the industry is slipping back into its old habits.
Paris Fashion Week 2024, for instance, was marked by an unsettling return to size-zero models, with The Times’ Anna Murphy expressing disappointment over the lack of diversity on the runways. British Vogue’s Chioma Nnadi also criticized the alarming uniformity of body types seen during London Fashion Week.
As newer designers like Coperni continue to push for diversity by featuring plus-sized models such as Paloma Elsesser, many of the industry’s established players are less enthusiastic. Despite widespread calls for inclusivity, many luxury brands still stick to the traditional “standard” model size, avoiding meaningful representation of diverse body types. This reluctance suggests that while the fashion world may have embraced the mantra “anything goes” when it comes to clothing, the same flexibility has not extended to body shapes.
Body Positivity in Fashion: The Pakistani Landscape
In Pakistan, the conversation around body positivity in fashion is still developing. Though the movement has begun to resonate with some consumers and designers, it has not yet become a fully mainstream idea. Many local designers continue to cater to smaller, petite body types, reinforcing unrealistic beauty standards. As a result, shopping for clothes remains a frustrating experience for larger women who feel excluded from fashion’s idealized image.
Designer Zohra Alam, who has gained recognition for her inclusive approach, shared her thoughts on how her design process accommodates all body types. “My designs are such that you can increase or decrease the size of the outfit without compromising the overall look,” she explained, emphasizing the importance of creating garments that can be easily adapted to fit different body shapes.
Zohra Alam, herself a plus-sized woman, believes that inclusivity should be central to design, not an afterthought. She works closely with her clients to ensure they feel confident and beautiful in their clothes, regardless of size.
Shamaeel Ansari, a well-established name in Pakistan’s luxury fashion industry, takes a slightly different approach, focusing on age positivity alongside body positivity in fashion. She ensures that her production lines include a wide range of sizes, from small to large, catering to women of all ages and body types.
“Samples will always only be one size,” she explained, “but we produce everything from small to large.” Shamaeel Ansari believes that while it is important to offer inclusive sizing, her focus remains on designing garments for specific occasions rather than tailoring her marketing toward different body types.
The Models’ Perspective
For models, navigating the industry’s beauty standards can be a difficult task, especially in Pakistan, where the ideal remains fair-skinned and thin. Model Maleena Mansoor shared her perspective, explaining how she deals with criticism. “I laugh it off because not all five fingers are the same,” she said, highlighting her personal resilience in an industry that often enforces rigid standards.
While Maleena Mansoor’s confidence is admirable, many models still face immense pressure to conform to narrow beauty ideals, and the emotional toll of constantly striving to meet these expectations can be overwhelming.
Fashion’s influence on society’s perception of beauty is undeniable. When runways and advertisements predominantly feature slim bodies, the message is clear: only certain body types are considered worthy of celebrating fashion. Until designers consistently embrace diversity across all sizes, body positivity in fashion will remain more of a marketing strategy than a true industry-wide change.
A Long Road Ahead for True Inclusivity
While body positivity in fashion has sparked a necessary conversation and brought about some change, the fashion industry still has a long way to go before it fully embraces inclusivity. The return of size-zero models on major runways and the reluctance of luxury brands to feature diverse bodies shows that the battle for true representation is far from over.
In Pakistan, the movement is gaining traction, but mainstream acceptance is still a work in progress. As more designers and models push back against unrealistic beauty standards, there is hope that body positivity in fashion will one day be more than just a trend—it will be the norm.
In 2024, Pakistan’s fashion scene showcases a captivating blend of tradition and modernity. Style enthusiasts can look forward to classic silhouettes infused with contemporary elements, emphasizing eco-friendly fabrics and bold patterns. Designers are pushing creative boundaries while honoring cultural heritage, resulting in sustainable choices and minimalist designs.
Eco-friendly materials like organic cotton and bamboo silk are gaining popularity, reflecting a commitment to ethical practices in fashion. Clean lines and simple silhouettes dominate, with sleek pantsuits and minimalist kurtas complemented by statement accessories. The rise of fusion fashion introduces Indo-Western ensembles and vibrant prints, celebrating individuality and creativity in Pakistani fashion.
