Breaking the Mold: How 27 Fashion Influencers Are Diversifying the Industry
The fashion industry has long been criticized for its lack of diversity and inclusivity. For decades, the industry has been dominated by a narrow standard of beauty, with limited representation of people of color, different body types, and gender identities. However, in recent years, there has been a significant shift towards diversity and inclusivity, thanks in large part to the efforts of fashion influencers. These individuals are using their platforms to break the mold and push for a more inclusive and representative industry. In this blog post, we will explore how 27 fashion influencers are making a difference and diversifying the fashion industry.
1. Naomi Campbell (@naomi)
Naomi Campbell needs no introduction. As one of the most iconic supermodels of all time, she has been a vocal advocate for diversity in the fashion industry. She has spoken out against the lack of representation of black models and has used her platform to mentor and support emerging models of color. She has also been a strong advocate for diversity on magazine covers and in fashion campaigns.
2. Paloma Elsesser (@palomija)
Paloma Elsesser is a plus-size model and body positivity advocate who has been breaking barriers in the fashion industry. She has been featured in major campaigns for brands like Nike and Fenty Beauty, and has also graced the covers of magazines like Vogue and Elle. Paloma uses her social media platform to promote body positivity and diversity in the fashion industry.
3. Winnie Harlow (@winnieharlow)
Winnie Harlow, also known as Chantelle Brown-Young, is a Canadian model and activist who has been challenging beauty standards in the fashion industry. She has a skin condition called vitiligo, and she has not let it stop her from becoming a successful model. Winnie has been featured in campaigns for major brands like Nike, Desigual, and Diesel, and has walked the runway for Victoria’s Secret. She has also used her platform to educate people about vitiligo and promote self-acceptance and diversity.
4. Alok Vaid-Menon (@alokvmenon)
Alok Vaid-Menon is a non-binary writer, performer, and activist who has been disrupting the fashion industry with their gender-nonconforming style. Alok has been featured in major magazines like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar and has also walked the runway for brands like Gucci and Prada. They use their platform to challenge traditional gender norms and promote gender inclusivity in the fashion industry.
5. Halima Aden (@halima)
Halima Aden made history as the first hijab-wearing model to walk the runway for major fashion brands like Max Mara and Yeezy. She has also been featured in campaigns for Rihanna’s Savage x Fenty and CoverGirl. Halima has used her platform to break stereotypes and promote diversity in the fashion industry, particularly for Muslim women.
6. Denise Bidot (@denisebidot)
Denise Bidot is a Latina plus-size model who has been breaking barriers in the fashion industry. She has been featured in campaigns for brands like Lane Bryant and Target and has also walked the runway for Chromat and Christian Siriano. Denise advocates for body positivity and diversity in the industry and uses her platform to promote self-love and acceptance.
7. Billy Porter (@theebillyporter)
Billy Porter is an actor, singer, and fashion icon known for challenging gender norms with his bold and extravagant fashion choices. He has been featured in major fashion magazines and has made history as the first openly gay black man to win an Emmy for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series. Billy uses his platform to promote diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry, particularly for LGBTQ+ individuals.
8. Hari Nef (@harinef)
Hari Nef is a transgender model and actress who has been making waves in the fashion industry. She has been featured in campaigns for major brands like L’Oreal and H&M and has also been the first transgender model to walk the runway for designers like Gucci and Eckhaus Latta. Hari uses her platform to advocate for transgender rights and promote diversity in the fashion industry.
9. Jillian Mercado (@jillianmercado)
Jillian Mercado is a model, activist, and fashion editor who has been using her platform to promote inclusivity and representation in the fashion industry. She has a muscular dystrophy and uses a wheelchair, and has been breaking barriers by appearing in campaigns for brands like Diesel and Nordstrom. Jillian has also been vocal about the lack of representation of people with disabilities in the industry and has been advocating for change.
10. Nikita Dragun (@nikitadragun)
Nikita Dragun is a transgender model, beauty influencer, and entrepreneur who has been making a name for herself in the fashion industry. She has been featured in campaigns for brands like Calvin Klein and has used her platform to promote diversity and inclusivity for transgender individuals. Nikita has also launched her own cosmetics line, Dragun Beauty, which caters to all skin tones and gender identities.
11. Mama Cax (@mamacaxx)

Breaking the Mold: How 27 Fashion Influencers Are Diversifying the Industry
Mama Cax, also known as Cacsmy Brutus, is a Haitian-American model, activist, and amputee who has been breaking barriers in the fashion industry. She has been featured in campaigns for major brands like Tommy Hilfiger and has also graced the covers of magazines like Teen Vogue and Glamour. Mama Cax uses her platform to advocate for disability rights and promote diversity and inclusivity in the industry.
12. Leomie Anderson (@leomieanderson)
Leomie Anderson is a British model and activist who has been using her platform to promote diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry. She has been featured in campaigns for brands like Fenty Beauty and has also walked the runway for Victoria’s Secret. Leomie is also the founder of LAPP, a platform that promotes empowerment and inclusivity for women of color.
13. Duckie Thot (@duckieofficial)
Duckie Thot, also known as Nyadak Thot, is a South Sudanese-Australian model and activist who has been pushing for diversity in the fashion industry. She has been featured in campaigns for major brands like Fenty Beauty and has also walked the runway for designers like Moschino and Fendi. Duckie has used her platform to speak out against colorism and promote self-love and diversity.
14. Precious Lee (@preciousleexoxo)
Precious Lee is a plus-size model and body positivity advocate who has been challenging beauty standards in the fashion industry. She has been featured in campaigns for brands like Lane Bryant and Marc Jacobs and has also graced the covers of magazines like Vogue Italia and Glamour. Precious uses her platform to promote body diversity and inclusivity in the industry.
15. Kimora Lee Simmons (@kimoraleesimmons)
Kimora Lee Simmons is a model, fashion designer, and entrepreneur who has been a trailblazer in the fashion industry. She has been featured in campaigns for major brands like Chanel and has also launched her own successful fashion lines, Baby Phat and KLS. Kimora has been a strong advocate for diversity and inclusivity in the industry, particularly for women of color.
16. Tess Holliday (@tessholliday)
Tess Holliday, also known as Tess Munster, is a plus-size model and body positivity activist who has been pushing for change in the fashion industry. She has been featured in campaigns for brands like Torrid and has also graced the covers of magazines like Cosmopolitan and Self. Tess uses her platform to promote body acceptance and diversity in the industry.
17. Jeremy Meeks (@jmeeksofficial)
Jeremy Meeks, also known as the “hot felon,” is a model and social media influencer who has been breaking the mold in the fashion industry. He has been featured in campaigns for major brands like Philipp Plein and has also walked the runway for designers like Tommy Hilfiger. Jeremy uses his platform to promote diversity and inclusivity in the industry and has been vocal about his past struggles and redemption.
18. Ashley Graham (@ashleygraham)
Ashley Graham is a plus-size model, body positivity advocate, and entrepreneur who has been making a significant impact in the fashion industry. She has been featured in campaigns for brands like Lane Bryant and has also graced the covers of magazines like Sports Illustrated and Vogue. Ashley has used her platform to promote body diversity and inclusivity and has launched her own lingerie line, Swimsuits for All.
19. Munroe Bergdorf (@munroebergdorf)
Munroe Bergdorf is a transgender model, activist, and DJ who has been using her platform to promote diversity and inclusivity in the fashion industry. She has been featured in campaigns for brands like L’Oreal and has also been the first transgender model to walk the runway for designers like Ashish. Munroe has been a vocal advocate for transgender rights and has been pushing for change in the industry.
20. Carmen Carrera (@carmen_carrera)
Carmen Carrera is a transgender model, actress, and activist who has been challenging beauty standards in the fashion industry. She has been featured in campaigns for brands like MAC Cosmetics and has also walked the runway for designers like Marco Marco. Carmen has used her platform to advocate for transgender visibility and promote diversity and inclusivity in the industry.
21. Adwoa Aboah (@adwoaaboah)
Adwoa Aboah is a British model, activist, and founder of the mental health awareness organization, Gurls Talk. She has been featured in campaigns for major brands like Marc Jacobs and has also graced the covers of magazines like Vogue and Allure. Adwoa has used her platform to promote diversity, mental health awareness, and inclusivity in the fashion industry.
22. Andreja Pejic (@andrejapejic)
Andreja Pej