Thin is back in! Fashion insiders fume as Size 0 clothes hanger models once again the runway norm

They’re not cat-walking the walk.Despite calls in recent years for plus-size inclusion on runways, a recent slew of fashion weeks around the globe revealed a notable backing away from the recent industry trend toward body positivity — with insiders are decrying the move as “disheartening.” The shift comes as trendy weight loss drugs like Ozempic are bringing skinny chic back, some say — with designers even controversially referencing the phenomenon in their shows this year.A new report published by Vogue Business found that less than 1% of the 8,763 looks shown at 208 presentations between New York, London, Milan and Paris this season were worn by plus-size models, which is a US size 14 or larger.Meanwhile, 4.3% were mid-size, a US size 6-12, and nearly 95% were straight-size, a US size 0-4.The findings mirrored last year’s, per the report, but insiders like Dazed fashion features director Emma Davidson found 2024 to be the “worst season” for representation “in a long time.”“It has felt like brands were turning their back on inclusive casting for a while, but this season, I sat in my seat a few times at shows where bigger models had previously been present, and it was so disheartening to see no representation — this season feels like the nail in the coffin,” she told the outlet.The looks from cult-followed “it” brands like Coperni and Miu Miu sat at 0% for plus-size runway looks, while Ester Manas and Rick Owns landed first and second place, respectively, for plus-size runway representation in Paris.

Meanwhile, Milan was the least size inclusive and London was the most.In New York, only four of the top 10 brands included any plus-size models at all, which Vogue reported is less than last season.Some fashionistas aren’t even trying to hide their affection for the toothpick look —  on TikTok, footage of a Balmain model from this season is captioned, “the skinniest model ever,” and viewers praised her looks for being “unreal,...