Scroll through recent Victoria's Secret campaigns and you'll spot something pretty refreshing—models that look a lot more like regular people. For years, the brand was slammed for only featuring one body type. But things started to change, and now plus-size models are right at the forefront. No more guessing what "perfect" looks like; it’s right there, looking a lot more real.
This shift isn’t just about photoshoots. It's helping loads of people feel seen and heard in a world that tends to ignore anyone who isn't thin. If you’ve ever felt left out by traditional fashion ads, you’re definitely not alone. Victoria's Secret turning to models like Paloma Elsesser didn’t just make headlines—it opened doors. Curious about who she is or how you might see yourself in these new faces? You’re about to get the inside scoop, without all the marketing fluff.
- Key Facts About Victoria’s Secret Plus-Size Model
- Direct Answer: Who Is the Plus-Size Model?
- The Story Behind Victoria’s Secret’s Big Change
- Why Plus-Size Models Matter in Fashion
- How You Can Embrace Body Positivity
Key Facts About Victoria’s Secret Plus-Size Model
The buzz started back in 2019 when Victoria’s Secret first invited a plus-size model onto their team. The most talked-about star? Paloma Elsesser. She became one of the brand’s main faces in several campaigns, breaking ground not just for herself but for plus-sized women everywhere.
Here’s what’s important to know about the rise of Victoria's Secret plus-size model representation:
- The first true plus-size model in a mainline campaign was Ali Tate Cutler for the Bluebella x Victoria’s Secret collab in late 2019. Not long after, Paloma Elsesser joined for even bigger brand launches.
- Paloma Elsesser wears a US size 14. This is a big deal when most previous Angels were sizes 0-4.
- Victoria’s Secret’s shift to feature plus-size models was fueled by criticism over its lack of diversity and falling sales. They wanted to actually reflect their customer base.
- These models appear in everything from catalog shoots to major TV commercials, not just small plus-size-only collections.
Want some quick numbers?
| Model Name | First Campaign Year | Usual Size |
|---|---|---|
| Ali Tate Cutler | 2019 (Bluebella x VS) | 14 |
| Paloma Elsesser | 2020 (Mainline) | 14-16 |
It’s also worth noting: the average American woman wears a size 16-18, so these additions are way overdue. Victoria’s Secret now markets a wider size range and actually uses plus-size models in ads for core products—think bras, panties, and even loungewear. They also feature other body-positive advocates like Devyn Garcia and Candice Huffine in special projects.
Don’t get confused by old myths, either. Plus-size models at VS aren’t just off to the side—they’re front and center, showing up with other models in the same frames. This isn’t a one-off trend, but a real change in the brand’s approach.
Direct Answer: Who Is the Plus-Size Model?
If you’re searching for an official Victoria's Secret plus-size model, Paloma Elsesser is the name that keeps popping up. She made waves in 2021 by starring in a Victoria’s Secret campaign, making her one of the first plus-size models to work with the brand after it dropped its old “Angels” image. Paloma isn’t just any model—she’s a game-changer. She’s famous for representing curvier bodies in a space long ruled by unrealistic standards, and her work is all over the biggest fashion magazines and runways.
Paloma was born in London, raised in Los Angeles, and started modeling after being discovered on Instagram by beauty mogul Pat McGrath. Since then, she’s landed campaigns with brands like Fenty, Nike, and, of course, Victoria’s Secret. When the brand brought her on, it was a clear sign they were ready to shake things up.
Victoria's Secret has also brought in other plus-size models like Ali Tate Cutler and Devyn Garcia. Ali was among the first curvier models to feature in a Victoria's Secret and Bluebella collaboration, another big moment for the brand’s changing image. Devyn Garcia appeared in their 2023 holiday campaign, too. It’s clear that the door isn’t just open for one trailblazer—there’s a wider move toward diversity happening here.
If you want a name to know for this new wave, it’s Paloma Elsesser. She’s not just a model, she’s helping push the whole industry in a more open and honest direction.
The Story Behind Victoria’s Secret’s Big Change
For years, Victoria’s Secret held onto a very specific image: tall, super-thin, and mostly white models in glitzy runway shows. But after a ton of criticism (and a sharp drop in sales around 2019!), the brand realized it couldn’t keep ignoring what people actually wanted. Shoppers and activists were loud about it—bodies come in way more shapes and sizes than what they saw in Victoria’s Secret ads. Even big names in fashion were calling them out for being behind the times.
Things really shifted in 2021. Victoria's Secret scrapped its famous "Angels" altogether and launched the VS Collective—a group of more diverse voices, featuring athletes, activists, and plus-size models. The move wasn’t just for show. They brought in plus-size models including Paloma Elsesser, who already had a huge following for her work with brands like Fenty and her honest talk about self-image.
Why the change? Sales were tanking. In 2018-2019, US sales dropped by nearly $700 million. Brands like Savage X Fenty were getting all the buzz for representing real people, so Victoria’s Secret knew it had to catch up fast.
| Year | Major Event | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| 2018 | Backlash for lack of diversity, sales dip | Lost $700M in US sales |
| 2019 | CEO resigns amid criticism | Company starts talks of change |
| 2021 | Launch of VS Collective | Plus-size and diverse models featured |
Since then, Victoria’s Secret campaigns have started to look way more inclusive. You’ll spot women of all backgrounds, sizes, and body types. The brand is betting on being real—and honestly, that’s what got folks interested again. Now, more people actually see themselves wearing Victoria’s Secret, not just wishing they could.
Why Plus-Size Models Matter in Fashion
Let’s face it, fashion was stuck in a rut for years. It just showed off one style of body—tall, thin, and usually airbrushed. But times are different now, and there’s real proof that people want more diversity. When a brand like Victoria’s Secret puts a Victoria's Secret plus-size model front and center, it’s a huge deal because it finally acknowledges what shoppers actually look like. You don’t have to be a size 2 to feel confident, and you shouldn’t have to be, either.
Here’s why these changes are such a big win for everyone:
- Representation Changes Everything: When girls and women see models who have curves or wear bigger sizes, it sends a simple message: you belong here. That’s not just good for self-esteem, it also helps knock down the old idea that only one body type deserves attention or respect.
- It Helps Business Too: Numbers from Coresight Research in 2023 showed over 68% of women in the U.S. wear size 14 or above—so it’s just smart business. Plus-size fashion sales hit almost $32 billion in the U.S. last year, and it keeps growing.
- Redefining Beauty Standards: These models push brands to rethink what’s considered beautiful or stylish. When Paloma Elsesser walked the runway for Victoria’s Secret, it proved style can—and should—include all shapes.
- It’s Not Just for Ads: Big names like Barbie Ferreira and Ashley Graham made waves by landing magazine covers and major contracts. It’s practical, too: real customers want to see how clothes fit on bodies like theirs before buying.
Just look at the boost in sales and social buzz when brands started booking more plus-size models. In fact, a 2022 study from Harvard found that campaigns with body diversity led to a 32% jump in customer engagement online.
| Year | U.S. Plus-Size Fashion Sales (in billions) | Percentage of Female Shoppers (Size 14+) |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $29.5 | 67% |
| 2023 | $31.8 | 68% |
If you’re a shopper who never saw yourself in fashion magazines before, this shift isn’t just symbolic—it gives you choices that actually fit your life and your closet. The days of one-size-fits-all beauty are fading out, thanks to these models leading the way.
How You Can Embrace Body Positivity
Body positivity isn’t just a hashtag—it’s about seeing your body as worthy, no matter the shape or size. Embracing it means shutting down old ideas of what’s “ideal” and starting to appreciate what makes you, you. In a 2020 interview, Paloma Elsesser, a leading face for Victoria's Secret plus-size model campaigns, said, “Representation is more than seeing yourself in an ad. It’s realizing you deserve to take up space just as you are.” That’s a big deal and a great place to start.
If you're looking for ways to jump on board the body positivity train, here’s what works in real life:
- Curate your feed. Unfollow accounts that make you feel bad about yourself. Instead, follow models, influencers, or brands that truly celebrate different bodies.
- Speak kindly to yourself. If you wouldn’t say it to a friend, don’t say it to yourself. Replace negative self-talk with supportive words.
- Dress for yourself. Wear what makes you comfortable, not what you think you’re “supposed” to wear. Fashion should lift you up, not stress you out.
- Learn about body standards. Once you recognize that most ads and magazines are staged, it makes it easier to see your own body in a better light. Did you know over 80% of photos in mainstream fashion are retouched? That’s wild—and freeing to realize.
- Have honest conversations. Talk with friends about what you’re learning and feeling. You’ll probably find they get it, too.
If you need inspiration, remember that seeing someone like Paloma Elsesser in a major campaign isn’t just good for diversity—it boosts self-confidence for anyone who’s ever felt left out. When big brands represent everyone, it helps turn body positivity from a buzzword into something you can live every day.
"There is no wrong way to have a body." — poet and activist Glenn Marla
Trust your gut, challenge old standards, and support others to do the same. Body positivity is a practice, not a destination—so every little choice you make can shift your view for the better.
