Fashion speaks of a big game when it comes to inclusion, but few brands can really support it. So it’s a breath of fresh air to see the legendary Fendi house take steps to become more inclusive by presenting Jill Kortleve and Paloma Elsesser in its Fall 2020 show in Milan. They are the first “plus size” models to have taken part in a Fendi fashion show.
Modeling alongside Gigi and Bella Hadid and Kaia Gerber, Elsesser sported a soft yellow tailored jacket with a wide belt that created a bend at the waist. After her debut on the Fendi show, Elsesser took to Instagram to share what the moment means to her.
“I would just like to express my thanks for this monumental moment. Thank you EVERYONE INVOLVED,” she wrote .
Elsesser explained how walking the show made him “feel protected, safe and seen” and hopes it will have the same effect on those who normally don’t see themselves on the fashion catwalks in cities like Milan. As this was Elsesser’s first Fendi show, the New York primitive is no stranger to the luxury fashion house and starred in the brand’s advertising campaign in 2018.
For fellow model Jill Kortleve, Fendi’s Fall 2020 show was a first who walked for Kate Spade, Michael Kors, Mugler, Rag & Bone and more. Like Elsesser, Kortleve’s debut in Fendi was another pinch moment.
“Hi to my first Milan fashion show walking to freak @fendi. Sometimes I feel like my life is not real, thankful for all the opportunities I have and all the people who believe in me and help make it all happen. ”
But the inclusion of Elsesser and Kortleve shouldn’t be a “historic” moment, especially in 2020. Milan was a start – will the Paris Fashion Week brands follow suit?
