Curvy models hit the Alexander McQueen catwalk for the very first time

Lauren Sharkey
Alexander McQueen broke the old-fashioned Paris Fashion Week rules by casting two curvy models in its SS18 show [Photo: Getty]
Alexander McQueen broke the old-fashioned Paris Fashion Week rules by casting two curvy models in its SS18 show [Photo: Getty]

Paris Fashion Week is (unfortunately) known for its old-fashioned thinking when it comes to body size. Usually sticking to the traditional thin models, it was a surprise to see a major brand breaking the mould.

Alexander McQueen’s Sarah Burton sent out a bunch of frills and florals for her SS18 show – and two curvier models.

Eline Lykke and Betsy Teske are two names that will be remembered for showing Paris that diversity is much needed on the catwalk. Most people watching the show didn’t even notice the difference, proving that a designer’s vision doesn’t just have to be one size.

So this Just happend!!! Thank you so much @alexandermcqueen for having me in your show at Paris Fashionweek!! I’m so grateful and happy! And Thankyou for changing the game for Curvy models!! ❤ • • • • • • • • • #Vouge#Curve#Curvy#model#Alexandermcqueen#ootd#exited#happy#Model#Parisfashionweek#pfw#Paris#fashion#Hf#mcqueen#ss18#amazing#excited

A post shared by E L I N E (@elinelykke) on Oct 2, 2017 at 1:28pm PDT

And although the two women weren’t strictly plus-size, they were significantly curvier than their catwalk counterparts (though still much smaller than the average UK woman).

McQueen casting director Jess Hallett said the decision came about as a result of the collection’s theme which “was all about sisterhood and celebrating femininity.”

“When I found out it was for Alexander McQueen, a designer I absolutely love, I cried from joy,” one of the models, Eline Lykke told Vogue. “I was, and still [am], so overjoyed.”

When “bigger-than sample size” casting works so beautifully with the clothing. Sarah Burton ‘s @alexandermcqueen garden thrills/frills on @betsyteske

A post shared by Susie Lau (@susiebubble) on Oct 3, 2017 at 12:23am PDT

In the Fashion Spot‘s most recent diversity report, only two plus-size models walked during Paris Fashion Week last season. And that was for H&M Studio, not a high-end brand.

While Milan didn’t fare much better with only Dolce & Gabbana casting different-sized models, New York had 26 plus-size faces taking to the catwalk. Not a great number but still better than Europe.

Let’s hope McQueen’s casting can prove that designer fashion isn’t just reserved for the skinny and that all women need to be represented on the catwalk.

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