Diane von Furstenberg, the iconic fashion designer best known for her timeless wrap dress and influential voice in the industry, recently shared candid thoughts on the economic challenges of size diversity in fashion. Her perspective highlights not only broader industry dynamics but also implications for models, modeling trends, and the role of model agencies today.
At the Future of Everything Festival hosted by The Wall Street Journal, von Furstenberg explained that while her eponymous brand aspires to cater to as many people as possible, offering extended sizing across collections comes with higher production costs. She emphasized that larger sizes require significantly more fabric, which directly increases manufacturing expenses — something that must be balanced with consistent retail pricing for all sizes. Von Furstenberg also noted her concern about not wanting smaller customers to pay more simply because pricing is standardized across size ranges.
These comments have sparked discussion across the fashion world. They remind designers and decision‑makers that inclusivity — from extended sizes to varied body shapes — isn’t only a matter of style, but also production logistics and financial modeling. This ties closely into ongoing debates about diversity in the casting process, where models of different body types often face unequal opportunities due to entrenched standards and limited sample range preparation.
For aspiring models and those working with model agencies, the conversation around size diversity also intersects with career opportunities. Agencies that actively champion diversity can help broaden representation on runways and in campaigns, connecting brands with a range of talent and advocating for modeling work across sizes and looks. Casting directors are increasingly aware that the models they select send powerful cultural signals, and that diversity — including size diversity — can influence a brand’s relevance and commercial appeal.
While Von Furstenberg’s remarks focus on the financial realities of fashion production, they also serve as a reminder that the industry continues to grapple with balancing cost, creativity, and inclusivity. As designers, model agencies, and modeling professionals evolve with consumer expectations, conversations about representation — whether about fabric, fit, or the models themselves — will remain central to shaping fashion’s future.
