19 OG Black Plus-Size Models & Influencers Still Doing It Big

Source: River Callaway / Getty Let’s be clear: Black women have always set the standard in the fashion and beauty industries. From the regal gold adornments of our African ancestors to the street style of the B-Girls of Brooklyn and the Sunday flair from First Ladies, we are the blueprint. Our creativity, innovation, and swagger has been borrowed, imitated, and exploited without credit. We don’t just follow trends, we create them. And when it comes to plus-size fashion, that same energy applies tenfold. Before hashtags, brand campaigns, and inclusive sizing became the buzz, Black plus-size influencers were already out here making statements. We were never ashamed of our curvy silhouettes or shied away from serving body. We aren’t afraid to rock brightly colored clothes, prints or different textured clothing. When they didn’t make room for us, we carved out our own lanes and lit up every room we entered—whether in professional arenas, church pews, block parties, or Instagram feeds. We took up space, demanded visibility, and redefined beauty on our own terms. Oh and let’s keep it real: that work wasn’t just about clothes. It was—and is—about freedom. It was—and is—about legacy; our badass birthright to show up and show out without apology. It’s our magic and if we know nothing else, we know how to stay in our magic. RELATED CONTENT: How Designer Rachel Marie Hurst Is Challenging The Limitations Of Plus-Size Fashion Black Plus-Size Influencers The OG Black plus-size influencers in this space didn’t just serve looks—they broke down barriers. They built communities, launched brands, and showed the world what it looks like to show up boldly, with style, and confidence. Think of icons like Mia Amber Davis, Gabi Fresh, and Chastity Garner Valentine, who used their platforms to challenge norms and open doors for a new generation of plus-size fashionistas. Their presence caused the world to reimagine what it meant to be curvy. Their influence can be seen on runways, in retail collections, and across digital media. They’re not just participants in the fashion conversation—they’re architects of it. From fashion to fitness, from content creation to entrepreneurship, Black plus-size influencers continue to prove that style, success, and self-love have no size limit. We’re no longer waiting for permission. We’ve claimed our seats at the table—and redecorated the whole damn room, sis. For Black Women’s History Month, we celebrate the girls who have been doing the work, shifting the narrative, and reminding the world that beauty looks like us. The culture moves because we move it. And yes, the girls deserve their flowers—today and every day. 1. GarnerStyle A pioneer in plus-size blogging, Chastity Garner Valentine of GarnerStyle has been a leading voice in the plus-size fashion movement for over a decade. She offers high-end fashion tips, travel content, and thoughtful commentary on body politics. Chastity is also co-founder of The CurvyCon a highly successful plus-size event held during NYFW.

19 OG Black Plus-Size Models & Influencers Still Doing It Big - Page 19

19. Gwen DeVoe