Milan Fashion Week Women’s Collection for autumn/winter 2023/24 created memories beyond the precious materials highlighted by the stunning models. All trending aside, Dolce & Gabbana celebrated diversity and inclusion in the show that will find its way into a piece of history. There was a lot of balance on the catwalk, and the curvy presence of Ashley Graham was an excellent representation. The size range of models has opened the door for less extreme body types, sending a message of healthiness to the stage. Ashley is a reminder never to discriminate against or misjudge an overweight body.
Dolce & Gabbana and Plus Size Models
The growing trend of body positivity shown in advertisements in the fashion world showing realistic body proportions enabled the growth of the plus-size clothing market. Dolce & Gabbana was on board. Ashley Graham led the 1990 ‘supers’ walkers and plus-size models down the catwalk in Milan in 2018, marking it as the first in the Italian city for some time. The Italian brand was the first to offer ready-to-wear pieces above a size 16, upping them to 18 in 2019. Online retailers saw a significant sales increase for D&G’s first two collections.
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Ashley Graham’s Commitment to Advocacy
Ashley Graham is an American model whose career began in 2000 with her discovery by a scout from a model agency in a mall in Omaha, Nebraska. She advocates for the Health at Every Size and body positivity movements. In 2016 Ms. Graham was the first plus-size model to have a feature on the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue cover. She has always been a vocal critic of the lack of diversity in the fashion industry, working tirelessly to change the narrative around beauty and body image. Ashley is a force in the industry and one of the business’s most successful plus-size models.
Dolce & Gabbana’s Fashion Week in Milan
The old Hollywood theme for this year was a celebration of the undeniable world-class tailoring that is Domenico Dolce and Stefano Gabbana. They are the best in the world in luxury fashion. The “Sensual” collection features classic black, brilliant white, bright red and gold designs. Chiffon dresses with long black sheer gloves and furry collars paired with a 1990s approach was a stellar kickoff to the opening of Dolce & Gabbana’s autumn/winter 2023/24 show.
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Ashley Graham’s Accomplishments
With her long legs and curvy body, Ashley Graham is a supermodel with a purpose. In 2010, she appeared in a controversial Lane Bryant commercial that gained recognition of over 800,000 views on YouTube and the attention of the New York Post and The Huffington news outlets. That same year Ms.Graham appeared on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno to discuss the controversy. In 2017 she wrote her first book, “A New Model: What Confidence, Beauty, and Power Really Look Like” providing insight into her life as a plus-size model.
Diversity in Dolce & Gabbana
Working with Ashley Graham is a sign of good faith that the Italian fashion company is genuine in fostering a progressive company. Diversity is in the DNA of D&G.
Featured image
https://vimeo.com/jimmiearmentrout, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
