Plus-Size Models and Inclusivity Shine at Sinéad O’Dwyer’s Show 2026

Plus-size models and inclusive pricing took center stage at Sinéad O’Dwyer’s recent runway show at the Victoria and Albert Museum, proving that fashion can embrace all body types. The event featured models of every size, from underwear to sequined suits, and was open to the public for just £5 a ticket.

The Push for Body Diversity in Fashion

Since her London Fashion Week debut in 2021, O’Dwyer has challenged the industry’s standard of size 4-8 samples by creating garments for size 18 models. This commitment has earned her awards and celebrity fans like Cardi B and Björk. “In terms of the ethos, it’s a lot more appropriate for everyone than the luxury fashion system,” she says.

Progress Stalled Despite Early Gains

While the industry saw a brief shift toward inclusivity—Paloma Elsesser became the first plus-size Model of the Year in 2023—recent data tells a different story. The Size Inclusivity Report by Vogue Business found that for autumn/winter 2026, 97.6% of runway models were “straight-size” (UK 4-8).

The rollback to thinness mirrors a broader cultural trend away from diversity. Stylist Jeanie Annan-Lewin notes, “It coincided with Trump coming into power. There are fewer people of any minority across the board.”

Key Takeaways from the Show

• Inclusive casting: Models of all sizes performed on the catwalk, including interpretive dance.
• Affordable access: £5 tickets made high fashion accessible to the public.
• Body-positive design: O’Dwyer’s samples use size 18, not the industry standard.

Why Inclusivity Matters

Fashion’s narrow standards have been criticized for decades—from the flapper 20s to the slender 60s to the athletic 80s. Today’s return to thinness threatens the progress made by designers like O’Dwyer. Her work is a counterforce, proving that body diversity is not a trend but a necessity.

FAQ

Events like O’Dwyer’s remind us that fashion can be beautiful, accessible, and representative of all people. As the industry evolves, designers who prioritize inclusivity will shape a more equitable future.