In Project Runway first, finalist debuts entirely plus-size fashion show

By Hayley Wilbur From Mashable

Project Runway has had 14 seasons of contestants show at New York Fashion Week and, for the first time, one designer showcased a completely plus-size collection — something that has never been attempted on Project Runway or at a major New York Fashion Week show.

Judges Heidi Klum, Nina Garcia, Zac Posen and celebrity guest judge Carrie Underwood sat front row at Skylight at Moynihan Station on on Sept. 11 to watch six finalists show their collections. (Finalists’ identities were kept secret to avoid spoiling the season — it still has eight episodes left. )

The plus-size collection, which many have speculated to be the creation of contestant Ashley Nell Tipton who is known for her plus-size designs, was modeled by full-size models and received a positive reaction from the audience and judges.

“I’m very proud of it,” Zac Posen told the Daily News. “It’s a big moment for not only the runway, but New York Fashion Week.”

I’m praying that this helps opens more doors for plus models on the major fashion runways at NYFW and around the world,” Liris Crosse, one of the models, wrote on her website.

New York Fashion Week 2015 has included a growing assortment of diverse models—from a model with a bionic arm and another with Down syndrome to two more plus-sized models at the Chromat runway show.

With fashion growing ever bolder in its recognition of all types of beauty, it may not be news when a plus-size model is walking down the runway someday — just the norm.

IMAGE: THOMAS CONCORDIA/WIREIMAGE
Project Runway – Runway – Spring 2016 New York Fashion Week: The Shows
IMAGE: THOMAS CONCORDIA/WIREIMAGE
Project Runway – Runway – Spring 2016 New York Fashion Week: The Shows
IMAGE: THOMAS CONCORDIA/WIREIMAGE

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