Fashion show makes history with all-trans line-up of models
Jennifer Graylock/Getty
Fashion house Marco Marco were the champions of diversity at this year’s New York Fashion Week after they featured an all-trans line-up of models to show off their new collection.
The appearance of the 34 trans models in the fashion show at the Style Fashion Week New York has been hailed as a groundbreaking moment in the fashion industry.
Jennifer Graylock/Getty
Speaking to Mic, designer Marco Morante said that he wanted to create a space to “celebrate trans bodies.”
“This was an opportunity for their presence to be undeniable and reinforce that trans is beautiful,” he added.
Among the models featured were YouTube star Gigi Gorgeous and actress Trace Lysette, who has become well known from her role in Amazon show Transparent.
Speaking about her inclusion in the show, Lysette wrote that she has never been “model industry standard” and added that she doesn’t want to be.
“I love my thickness. Thanks Marco Marco for embracing ALL types of beauty.”
Other models featured in the show included Dominique Jackson, Angelica Ross, Geena Rocero, Carmen Carrera, Hanson Gobron, Aydian Downing and Laith Ashley.
Actress and trans activist Laverne Cox was also in attendance. She posted a video of the models on the runway on Instagram, and described the show as “yet another fulfilment of the empowerment of trans beauty.”
Speaking about the hashtag #TransIsBeautiful, which she started three years ago, she said: “Thank you to everyone who has used this hashtag to empower yourselves and each other.”
She also congratulated the models who took part in the “historic” show.
Jennifer Graylock/Getty
Trans models have been making significant gains in the fashion industry in recent years. Just last week, a transgender model who also has cerebral palsy was signed by a major modelling agency, Elite Modelling.
Speaking about the achievement, Aaron Philip thanked her supporters for helping to “make the fashion world more inclusive.”
Another trans woman, Paris Lees, made the front cover of Vogue earlier this year. She said it was “insane that I could be in Vogue.”
“People at school told me I’d never be a girl, would never be pretty enough, would never be accepted,” she added.
Other trans models, including Isis King, Valentina Sampaio and Leyna Bloom have also made significant gains in the industry in recent years.
