Paloma Elsesser: The Famous Plus Size Model.

Paloma Elsesser: The Trailblazing Plus-Size Model Redefining Beauty Standards

In the world of fashion, where size zero has long been the standard, Paloma Elsesser emerges as a revolutionary figure, challenging and transforming the industry’s perceptions of beauty. This article takes you into her journey, her impact on the fashion world, and how she continues to inspire countless individuals.

Early Life and Background:

Paloma Kai Shockley Elsesser was born on April 12, 1992, in London, England, and raised in Los Angeles, California. Of Swiss-Chilean and African-American descent, Paloma’s diverse background has significantly influenced her worldview and approach to modeling. Her unique look and charismatic personality quickly set her apart in an industry often criticized for its lack of diversity.

Breaking into the Fashion Industry:

Paloma’s entry into the fashion industry was anything but conventional. Initially studying psychology and literature in New York, her path took a dramatic turn when she was discovered by makeup artist Pat McGrath on Instagram in 2015.

This serendipitous moment marked the beginning of her illustrious career. Paloma’s first major break came when she became the face of McGrath’s beauty line, Pat McGrath Labs. Her debut showcased her stunning beauty and challenged the industry’s narrow beauty standards.

As per Paloma Elsesser “I was praying on my hands and knees at the Sunset Tower Hotel in the afternoon of December 3. I was nominated for Model of the Year at the annual Fashion Awards, which are organized by the British Fashion Council and celebrate designers, models, and other individuals. It was the day before the awards. Still, I had been pleading silently not to win the whole day.” further She said

I pleaded, “Please, God, don’t let me win this award.” I just don’t have the ability.

I was studying psychology and literature at the New School when I was twenty-two years old. I was following cosmetics artist Pat McGrath on Instagram when someone from her staff wrote me an email that would forever alter my life.

Since I began modeling nine years ago, I’ve accomplished things I’m very proud of, including purchasing a house, walking the runways all over the globe, and even landing many covers of American and British Vogue. Still, in the midst of these achievements, I’ve been terrified of being discovered.

I’m always revising myself, trying to strike a balance between loving acceptance of who I am and unrestrained loathing of who I am. Every triumph for representation is met with a fresh round of hate mail and questions: Perhaps they’re right, perhaps I don’t deserve to be here at all.

I knew that the prize would spark criticism along the lines of, “Oh, this fat girl doesn’t deserve to win,” or “Inclusivity is ruining fashion.” But I really thought it wouldn’t happen that night, so winning wasn’t even on my radar. My buddy Anok Yai had such a great year, and I’m so happy of her and the other candidates that I had been telling everyone who would listen that she will win.

There’s a certain kind of loneliness associated with modeling: You give up friendships, birthdays, funerals, and education. You sit at various hotels with fresh people every day at work. In this game, longevity is unusual, particularly if you don’t match the stereotypical definition of slim or white.

Many of us are supporting our relatives back home during this time. My other candidates are all excellent examples of what it takes to stick with something when it doesn’t center you. None of us are white, and none of us have renowned parents as parents. We’re all working really hard.

I didn’t even try to get a speech ready. Thus, when host Damson Idris announced, “Model of the Year goes to… Paloma Elsesser!” Start planning what you’re going to say, bitch, I thought to myself. With lights blazing, I made my way across the hallway as both strangers and peers rose up and applauded.

My reward, a complex amber orb that Damson presented to me, I placed under my arm. “I feel very honored and very shocked, but I’m also primarily honored because I’m the first curve model to win this award,” I replied, stuttering my words and looking stunned. I meant it, even though I felt awkward and overawed.

It was like seeing a highlight reel of my own career as I strolled around the Royal Albert Hall. The importance of my victory was mirrored by everyone in my immediate vicinity, not just for myself but also for representation in the field. Text messages from my loved ones and my team were flooding my phone. I experienced delight, validation, and excitement throughout those priceless times.

On my drive to the airport the next morning, reality set in. The vitriol had torn apart my physique, my face, and my stride over hundreds of comments on X, Instagram, and TikTok. In my own blogs, people were engaging in-depth discussions in the comments sections.

Remarks such as “Real models work so hard to have the bodies that they have” and “She’s a diversity pick” are common. My phone was inundated with messages saying, “You get to just sit around eating cheeseburgers,” and the barrage of hate wasn’t limited to anonymous trolls.

Kanye West stoked the flames in a TikTok that received 219,000 likes by claiming I was a part of a massive plot to “push obesity to us.” This story has long followed me and many other well-known people with non-slim bodies. However, in recent years, fatphobia has resurfaced as acceptable. People no longer find media representation to be as appealing, and its significance is being reduced to “woke ideology.”

Advocacy and Body Positivity:

Paloma Elsesser is more than just a model; she is a powerful advocate for body positivity and inclusivity. She has consistently used her platform to promote self-love and acceptance, urging the fashion industry to embrace diversity in all its forms. Her advocacy extends beyond just words; she has graced the covers of major magazines like Vogue, Elle, and Glamour, often discussing the importance of representation and the need for change.

Paloma Elsesser told” I used to think of myself as this mentally sick, overweight dark female with a disorganized home and constant trouble opening my mail. “Modeling altered my story and offered me a reason to question the conventions surrounding our bodies that I had also been conditioned to accept. My body turned become a medium for communication. A container for ideas.

I’ve come to accept losing chances in exchange for annoying folks. Since voicing my support for “Free Palestine,” I’ve lost two magazine covers and encountered offensive remarks from random people, such as “I hope Hamas rapes you.” But there’s a difference between being the greatest in heels and taking unrelenting flak for just living in my own body and not advocating for human rights.

Major Milestones and Achievements:

1. Vogue Cover Star: In January 2021, Paloma Elsesser made history by appearing on the cover of American Vogue, a significant milestone that highlighted her influence and the growing acceptance of diverse body types in mainstream fashion.
2. Runway Triumphs: Paloma Elsesser has walked for top designers like Fendi, Alexander McQueen, and Marc Jacobs. Her presence on the runway is a powerful statement, challenging traditional beauty norms and paving the way for future generations of plus-size models.
3. Brand Collaborations: Beyond modeling, Paloma Elsesser has collaborated with various brands, including Nike, where she has worked to promote body diversity and inclusivity in sportswear.

Challenges and Triumphs:

Paloma Elsasser’s journey has not been without its challenges. The fashion industry is notorious for its rigid beauty standards and resistance to change. However, Paloma Elsesser has faced these challenges head-on, using her experiences to fuel her advocacy. She often speaks about the pressures of the industry and the importance of mental health, offering a candid and relatable perspective that resonates with many.

Everyday Beauty and Wellness:

Paloma Elsesser’s approach to beauty and wellness is refreshingly authentic. She emphasizes the importance of self-care and finding products that work for her unique needs.

Impact on the Fashion Industry:

Paloma Elsesser’s impact on the fashion industry is profound. By breaking barriers and challenging stereotypes, she has opened doors for a new generation of models. Her presence in high fashion campaigns and on prestigious runways sends a powerful message: beauty comes in all shapes and sizes.

Future Prospects and Legacy:

Looking ahead, Paloma Elsesser shows no signs of slowing down. She continues to push boundaries and advocate for greater inclusivity in the fashion industry. Her legacy is one of empowerment and change, inspiring countless individuals to embrace their true selves and redefine beauty on their terms.

Conclusion:

Paloma Elsesser is a trailblazer, a beacon of body positivity, and a champion for diversity in fashion. Her journey from a psychology student to a supermodel is a testament to her resilience and determination. As she continues to challenge the status quo and inspire change, Paloma’s impact on the fashion industry and beyond will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.