The brand casted not just one, but three plus-size models.
The fashion industry has long been criticized for its lack of diversity on the runway. While there’s always been a dialogue around change, a permanent shift has yet to happen, but during the Versace spring 2020 runway show at Milan Fashion Week, there was a major step taken in the right direction.
On Friday, the Italian fashion house made history with its first-ever show including women of all sizes. At first, it appeared as business as usual when supermodel veterans Irina Shayk and Joan Smalls hit the runway, but soon they were joined by not just one, but three plus-size models — Jill Kortleve, Alva Claire, and Precious Lee — on stage.
Alva and Precious strutted their stuff in slinky dresses with sea-inspired prints, while Jill — who also walked in Fendi’s fall 2020 show this year — wore a crop top and a pencil skirt with a single cut-out at the hip.
Later that evening, Kortleve took to Instagram to reflect on the trio’s achievement. “This is such an historical moment and I can’t believe it actually happened. Im still shaking. Im so so so proud of us @alvaclaire @preciousleexoxo,” she wrote alongside photos and video footage from the runway. “It’s so unbelievable to work for brands I always dreamt of working for. I hope that we open the doors for a new generation with the same dreams but who never saw themselves in the magazines or the commercials.”
As for the outfits in bold prints and vibrant colors meant to lift our spirits during quarantine, Donatella told reporters, “I wanted to do something disruptive and to break the rules because I think that, what worked a few months ago does not make any sense today.” Looks like she’s done that in more ways than one.
