Racism has always prevailed and existed in all areas of life, but African American women have struggled with western beauty standards because of race, skin color, and body type for a long time.
Luckily, with the new wave of revolution, these beautiful African American plus-size hotties are embracing themselves confidently and showing the world that big is always beautiful. Being a plus-size model in the challenging fashion industry is difficult.
But these ladies are becoming industry icons by shattering outdated requirements of slimmer body types and fair skin colors. Their journey toward changing the narrative of the fashion industry and introducing a new and fresh mindset was never easy.
Along the way, they faced challenges and encountered racism and discrimination. But, now that the number of black plus-size models is rising, the world gradually understands that holding on to old stereotypes is nothing but unfair and unreasonable.
These confident and beautiful curvy black women have shown everyone that true beauty is not in the exterior features but the heart and values.
So, here are those top fifteen beautiful faces whose confidence, skills, and self-esteem have made them reach the top.
Check out the list now.
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1) Precious Lee
Ranking your name among some top fashion models and turning your name into a brand is not an easy task. But this gorgeously inspiring lady has done it with class.
Dreaming of being a lawyer, Precious Lee was born and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, US. Lee holds the title of the first black curvy model on the cover of Sports Illustrated Swimsuit.
She came to prominence after being signed by IMG Models. In her ten-year fashion career, she has campaigned for Top brands Miu Miu, Marc Jacobs, and Fleur du Mal, a recent Italian Vogue cover.
She also starred in an American comedy TV series,” Run the World,” that premiered on Starz in 2021.
Now, as a lifestyle influencer, she is coaching young models who lack self-confidence but aspire to make a difference in the fashion industry. Her spirit and self-esteem are worth applause.
Lee’s motto is to give confidence to every curvy struggling with her body size and make her realize that a person’s qualities and character are what allow him to outshine others.
Instagram Account: preciousleexoxo
2) Philomena Kwao
Whenever people search for top black plus-size models, Philomena Kwao’s name automatically appears on top. Born and raised in London, Philomena Kwao has set herself as a rising talent in the fashion and modeling industry.
With multiple campaigns under her belt, Philomena Kwao has always advocated for racial equality and the boycott of the prejudice against racial diversity.
She has outshined another famous black plus-size model with her class, beauty, and confidence.
Philomena started her international model career in 2013 after graduating. She got signed for Ford Models and, since then, modeled for countless international brands.
The Ghanaian British model has walked for brands like Isabel Toledo, Torrid, Lane Bryant, Estée Lauder, and Swimsuits for All. She’s also a big humanitarian as she established an organization, The Lily Project, to raise voices on women’s issues.
Instagram Account: philomenakwao
3) Tash Ncube
Tash Ncube is one of the most in-demand plus-size models in the world. Having starred in numerous campaigns and brands, Tash Ncube is a rising model and law student from New York.
Tash is already achieving new heights of success with an exciting career ahead of her. She moved to Australia at four and appeared on Australia’s Next Top Model.
This classy lady has also walked at NYFW. With her glamorous facial features and warm personality, Tash Ncube embraced her curvy figure with fineness.
Her life doesn’t revolve around fashion and camera clicks; she is also a source of motivation and inspiration for other plus-size women struggling to acknowledge their bodies.
She is a very active fashionista and slays in every new campaign and picture. Her Instagram is a definite head-turner and work of inspiration for all upcoming models.
Instagram Account: tashncube
4) Brielle Anyea
Brielle is a Body Positive Activist and an International Plus Size Model. Her versatility in modeling is as remarkable as her activism.
Besides modeling for brands, she advocates for ending discrimination in the fashion industry. Brielle makes a strong impression on people through her brave, confident personality with one of the most flawless walks.
She entered the entertainment industry as an actor, but her early projects were not a hit. Fast-forward to five years, and not only is Brielle a regular in Sports Illustrated, but she is also making her way up in the industry by working for high-fashion editorials.
Brielle also became the 2019 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Search Finalist.
Among the rising female plus-size models, her Instagram account is a must-follow. With up to 157K followers, her social media account promotes beauty, fashion, and racial tolerance.
Brielle aims to encourage women to feel beautiful irrespective of their skin color or type and encourage them to show their beauty courageously.
Instagram Account: missesbrielle
4) Candice Sabiduria Walton
This next model proved to the industry that you can simultaneously be curvy, beautiful, and talented. Candice Sabiduria Walton is a confident and bold curvy black fashion model.
Walton started her first modeling job accidentally as a teenager in school for enjoyment. But after her first industry experience, she became famous instantly, so she pursued it seriously.
Since then, this classy young woman never held her horses and went on chasing one achievement after another. Turning everyone’s head with her stunning body Candice is the new forefront of the plus-size model industry.
According to Candice, it was a long and tiring journey for her to make a name in an industry where there was no place in front for plus-sized models.
She also faced some backlash over keeping her natural hair texture. But this iron lady forged her way up gracefully and successfully worked with top brands.
Candice also owns her skincare brand, SABII SKIN, which promises effective, vegan, cruelty-free, skin-loving products.
Instagram Account: candicesabiduria
5) Akon Adichol
Akon Adichol is another young and inspirational plus-size model. With half-African and half-American roots, she aims to become a successful fashion model and an advocate for gender equality.
Her recent venture with Italian Vogue has made her the new emerging face of Sudan’s Next Top Model. Akon’s work speaks on her behalf, and she is an ambassador for spreading goodwill and celebrating diversity.
She is standing as an inspiration for all curvy women out there. This Sudanese native is also working to uplift her community by providing opportunities for education to those children living in poverty and underdeveloped areas.
She is a compelling influencer with some of the most compelling content. It would be best if you turned your Instagram notifications on for this diva.
Instagram Account: akonadichol
6) Jamil Kali
Jamil Kali has a gorgeous complexion and is a female black plus-size model. She has been fortunate to have modeled for the world’s leading labels and recognized magazines, such as Baby Phat, Lane Bryant, and House of Dereon.
She is a proud Mother, a loving Wife, and a confident Model who grew up empowered by her curves instead of discouraged by them. This beautiful woman is among those few people on earth who truly accept their body.
Once interviewed, this plus-size biracial model told the world that working as a plus-size model in the modeling business is helping redefine beauty standards.
Besides inspiring the world as a plus-size model, she also runs the Chrysalis Initiative organization. It strives to create Medical and health awareness in deprived communities, especially regarding women’s health and breast cancer.
The organization also mentors patients and healthcare providers by providing Education, Support, and Counseling.
Instagram Account: truejamilkali
7) Samantha Lebbie
Samantha Lebbie is an inspiring well-praised African American plus-size model and will no doubt be appearing on the top charts very soon. Lebbie believes in confidence and emphasizes that confidence is key to success in the modeling industry.
She is regarded as a successful black model in the fashion industry because she owns her color and embraces her curves.
Her biggest aim is to help other black plus-size women to recognize their true beauty and give them the confidence to progress in the world with their heads up.
Her modeling career started with a simple modeling gig, but she is now a great black plus-size model with sheer determination and struggle.
Her Instagram account is a work of art that displays a deep impression on people and motivates more curvy black women to break the prejudice against their color and courageously show their true beauty.
It allows young girls to focus on a healthy lifestyle without becoming obsessed with a certain size.
Instagram Account: samanthalebbie
8) Toccara Jones
With an outstanding portfolio and having been featured in Black Hair Magazine, Black Men Magazine, and King Magazine, Toccara is a compelling model to follow in the plus-size modeling industry.
The biggest highlight at the start of her career was her participation in season 3 of “America’s Next Top Model.” Although Jones finished in seventh place, her modeling journey has reached new heights.
Her journey as a curvy model has never been easy, and she went through some bumpy roads to reach where she is today. She walked for several runway shows like Ellegirl Presents Dare To Be You Fashion Show and Rip the Runway, an annual fashion show.
With her unique statement style and charismatic allure, she also aced an incredible 14-page spread in Vogue Italia, snapped by the legendary Stephen Meisel.
This ambitious and curvy beauty is featured as a plus-size model for top-rated magazines and brands. She even got the opportunity to sign with Wilhelmina Models. Today, she is a tough competition for many in her field.
Her Instagram account is also worth drooling over. She has successfully amassed more than 255K followers on Instagram.
She can balance her impressive work and campaigns for Universal labels with ensuring her voice is heard far and beyond.’
Instagram Account: iamtoccarajones
9) Chloe Vero
All it takes is one glance at Chloe’s walk, and you can say confidently that this model is going places. Her career is equally parts remarkable and outstanding.
With impressive campaigns for Olay, Everlane, and H&M, she is showing no signs of slowing down. From walking the runway for Prabal Gurung to modeling for Tommy Hilfiger, her career proves that she is a role model for many.
Through her class, charisma, and courage, this African American model is now coaching the next generation of models who aims to begin careers in today’s modeling business. Chloe is also very vocal in her beliefs.
Her Instagram account is filled with photos showing her flawless skin and stunning features that one can easily get lost there. It also highlights the struggles of the black community and encourages her followers to support their efforts and cause.
Chloe never shies away from sharing details of her experiences and struggles as an African American plus-size model in the industry. She believes in inspiring others to dream, learn, do, and become more through her actions.
Her motto is not just to advocate for plus-size women of color but to motivate them to control their narratives.
Instagram Account: chloevero
10) Enam Asiama
Enam Asiama is one of the living examples of those plus-size women who celebrate their bodies as an art of God. As an influencer and model, she loves creating content that celebrates curvy women worldwide.
Enam’s love for beauty and fashion sparked during her childhood as her fashionista mother and drag scene inspired her. She has worked with many organizations like Missguided’s “Keep On Being You” movement to promote self-love.
She was ranked as one of the “top British feminists to follow on social media,” as her content and editorials are always exciting and compelling.
Enam has worked with big fashion names like Rodarte, Refinery29, Bustle, Sephora, StyleLikeU, and Universal Standard.
Enam is an inspiration for many others in the plus-size fashion industry. One should follow her Instagram handler to see her inspiring journey.
Many African-American plus-size models are leading the way in promoting body positivity and inclusivity within the fashion industry.
Embracing their curves, they inspire others to feel confident and beautiful in their own skin. If you’re looking for trendy and stylish plus size dresses online, be sure to check out the wide range of options available.
Instagram Account: enamasiama
11) Anita Marshall
Her first attempt at a modeling agency was a total disaster as the casting directors rejected Anita due to her size. But that didn’t stop her from believing in herself and trusting her beauty and talent.
Now she is seen on the cover of almost every top brand and fashion magazine. Her photoshoot for Sports Illustrated turned heads and spread like wildfire. With her charming body and captivating eyes, Anita is considered a regular in the world of Plus size models.
Her Instagram displays her lifestyle and newest ventures with top brands, campaigns, and labels. She recently modeled for Khloé Kardashian’s brand Good American and her interview was also published in Paper Magazine.
Anita Marshall has also worked under the companies like Muse Management and Dorothy Combs Models, originating in New York City, to help groom her career and accrue more roles.
Instagram Account: anitamarshall
12) Arame Fall
Arame Fall is a Stunning beauty hailing from West Africa. Her personality mixes resilience, beauty, strength, persistence, and charm. She is a free spirit who always works towards encouraging women to manifest the fullness of one’s self.
Arame started her journey as a freelancer at the age of 15. Her first modeling job was an annual fashion show for a garments store named the Boutique. Her career boomed at 23 when she signed with a modeling agency; since then, we have witnessed this beauty diva’s rise.
Her newest ventures include names of some prestige brands such as Good American, Savage x Fenty, and 11 Honoré. Besides modeling, Arame’s beauty is featured in Beyoncé’s visual album “Black Is King.” The album received many awards, all thanks to this diva.
Instagram Account: fallarame
13) Essie Golden
Essie Golden is an encouraging plus-size model who motivates women to feel good in their skin and step out of their comfort zone.
She confidently supports and promotes the plus-size community as a successful model and advocate.
She is one of the top names in plus-size models and one of the hottest models of the moment. She moved to NYC to follow her dreams and make a career in modeling. Over the past ten years, she has worked with notable brands like Macy’s, Walmart, and Lane Bryant.
Essie aims to grow a community of women where all women live the life they want and feel free to break all fashion rules.
She is a body-positive advocate and blogger who helps and mentors other models to overcome the body issues that she once faced herself. She also owns her fashion brand and collaborates with other labels to help normalize diverse bodies.
Instagram Account: essiegolden
14) Ariel Brownridge
Ariel Brownridge is another fantastic name in the plus-size model industry. Hailing from Virginia, Ariel belongs to an African and Puerto Rican ethnicity.
She faced a lot of hurdles while starting in the industry, but with sheer focus and determination, she made it despite the rejections.
According to the model herself, her portfolios in different magazines flopped initially.
But with the help of Dorothy Combs Models, she got her breakthrough in the industry. She is now changing the outlook of the fashion industry and building her career by working with major brands.
Her bouncy natural curly locks and her sexy curvy figure make her the top choice of modeling brands.
Conclusion
In a world filled with zero-size models, curvy models are not new but were disregarded for a while. But with the help of these plus-size models, the message is being shared far and wide. These models are not only changing the world’s course but are defying the odds and becoming the industry’s new icons.
