By Thea Voutiristsas
Designer, Ashley Nell Tipton, is the first plus-size fashion designer to ever appear on Project Runway, much less win the entire show. The 24-year old was crowned winner of season 14, the only plus-size designer to win the show in its 11 years on air. Her designs inspired by the 1950s-era Mexico City showed viewers that designers can and should make great clothes for women size 14 and up.
In the face of a society that shames plus-size women, Tipton attempts to change the game. In an interview with Buzzfeed News, she said, “This industry puts a bad view on plus-seize women and the way we dress, and it’s because we don’t have options…[the industry] is really ignoring that they’re missing us in the market – it’s a multimillion-dollar market.” As Tipton continues to create the bold clothes all plus-size shelves are missing, she helps to break down negative stigmas and stereotypes.