How are designers supposed to be inclusive when they’re only given one type of mannequin? (Picture: Getty)

Including plus-size women in the world of fashion is important. We all know that.

But as great as it is to see plus-size models like Ashley Graham seeing success, the lack of inclusiveness in the fashion industry starts long before an ad campaign is shot.

So it’s time to go right back to the source: fashion design. How are designers supposed to include a diverse range of sizes when they’re only given sample size mannequins on which to base their designs?

One design student is taking a stand.


Nayyara Chue, a student at Parsons New School of Design, has started a petition urging her university to increase the number of plus-size mannequins on offer, after learning that the school currently only has one plus-size mannequin available for students to use.



‘The average woman in the United States is a size 14,’ writes Nayyara on her petition’s mission statement.

‘It has come to my attention that there is currently only one plus-sized mannequin at Parsons, while there are approximately one thousand students focusing on fashion design attending at the moment.

‘It is preposterous that several students can’t execute their plus-sized specialties at the school, even more so when the resources aren’t readily available to us.’

The petition already has more than 4,500 signatures.

‘This petition isn’t solely about mannequins and making frilly clothes with them,’ adds Nayyara. ‘It’s about women KNOWING (not feeling) that we are beautiful no matter what size we are.’

We hope Parsons is listening.

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