Which Model Is the First Plus Sized to Walk the Versace Runway?

In recent years, the fashion industry has made significant strides towards inclusivity and diversity. One area where this progress has been particularly evident is in the representation of plus-sized models on the runway. One groundbreaking moment in this regard was when Versace cast its first plus-sized model to walk the runway in 2019.

The model who made history at Versace is named Jill Kortleve. She hails from the Netherlands and is represented by various modeling agencies such as Milk Management, Women Management Paris, and The Society Management. Jill Kortleve is a size 14 or 16 depending on the brand, which is considered plus-size in the fashion industry.

Versace’s decision to cast Jill Kortleve for their Spring/Summer 2020 show was hailed as a significant step towards inclusivity. The show took place during Milan Fashion Week, and Kortleve walked alongside supermodels such as Kendall Jenner and Gigi Hadid.

Kortleve’s appearance on the runway was a breath of fresh air for those who have long been advocating for more diversity in fashion. She looked stunning in her ensemble, which included a flowing green dress with a thigh-high slit and bold accessories.

This move by Versace reflects a growing trend in the fashion industry to embrace models of all sizes, shapes, and colors. While it may seem like a small step, casting a plus-size model to walk in one of the most prestigious fashion shows in the world can have significant ripple effects throughout the industry.

In conclusion, Jill Kortleve made history when she became the first plus-sized model to walk for Versace during Milan Fashion Week 2019. Her inclusion was seen as a positive step towards inclusivity and diversity within an industry that has long been criticized for promoting unrealistic beauty standards. By breaking down barriers and challenging norms, models like Kortleve are paving the way for future generations to see themselves represented on the runway.