Tess Holliday Instagram – Another fashion week begins, and once again, I won’t be participating. Over the last decade, I’ve been lucky to build a career in fashion—first as a model, then as a diversity & consultant consultant, pushing for true diversity and inclusivity. Lately, “DEI” has become more of a whispered afterthought than a movement, and let’s be honest: too many brands are quietly (& very loudly) scaling back their commitments.
But here’s the thing—diversity and inclusion were never a trend. They’re not a marketing strategy. They’re a necessity.
For those of us who are diverse just by existing, we don’t get to opt in and out. We show up, take up space, and demand better because we are the change.
My commitment to this work has never wavered, and it won’t. There’s still so much to be done. So as the runways fill with familiar faces and old ways, I’ll be here—doing the work, asking the hard questions, and making sure diversity and inclusivity are more than just industry buzzwords.
Fashion, do better. We’re watching
(Now more than ever, you can support this mission by pre-ordering my new book Take Up Space, Y’all! It’s a bold and bright guide to self-love that I can’t wait to share with y’all and our youth. Available for pre-order now (linked in bio). 💞 #takeupspaceyall #effyourbeautystandards #nyfw #plussize #plussizemodel #dei | Posted on 06/Feb/2025 23:04:51
