Bridgeton’s Blueprint for Body Positive Charm
Nicola Coffran’s rise to stardom through “Bridgeton” coincided with her appearance and her appearance as a red carpet force, accompanied by her acclaimed performance in the series. The Irish actress didn’t just capture the heart on screen. She is revolutionizing what the plus-size appeal looks like in Hollywood’s most famous events.
In true Penelope Featherlington fashion, Coffre’s red carpet moments aren’t short in drama. As seen at Fashion Awards 2024, she wore a Gruv Gupta black and light blue ball gown that Bridgeton’s character certainly loves. Her approach to fashion focuses on empowerment, explaining that dressing up makes her feel more powerful and sometimes sexy, and emphasizes the transformational power of fashion choices.
Unpleasant backslides in the fashion industry
Recent industry data reveals a troubling reality. Of the 8,763 looks presented at the 208 shows and the Spring/Summer 2025 presentation, only 0.8% were plus size (US 14+), with 4.3% medium size and 94.9% straight size (US 0-4). This effectively represents progress from the previous season.
Ariel Tunnell, a celebrity stylist who styled stars like Camila Cabello and Rachel Bloom, says that while designer options exist in the larger body, the choices are increasingly limited. Emma Davidson, director of fashion features, calls it “the worst season of a long time,” explains how discouraged it was to not see where the bigger models were previously.
A new star redefines the red carpet rules
Nicola Coffran’s versatility captures audiences all over the world, has risen to prominence for her role in “Delhi Girls” and has been further praised for “Bridgeton,” which will star in the third season in May 2024. Her presence of the red carpet shows how the plus-size actress claims in Highlywood’s most possible moments.
Michel Butteau has drawn attention with her infectious energy and the sharp magic of sartorial magic, and Natasha Rothwell’s sharp comedy timing and magnetic presence has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase through her roles in Anxiety, White Lotus and Wonka. Before joining “Euphoria,” Barbie Ferreira started as a plus-size model using American apparel, and later appeared in “regremant” and “NOPE” in Jordan Pier.
Victoria’s Secret and Inclusive Illusion
Victoria’s Secret attempted to be inclusive by including plus-size models like Ashley Graham in its improved fashion show in October. Although they argue that “celebrating every woman throughout every stage of life, from promoting the exclusive view of the sexy,” critics still found the show to include skinny models and “missed the mark.”
Even traditional brands like Victoria’s Secret have featured plus size and trans models on the show, but many people felt they had a hard time talking to the world we live in, despite the 2024 show signaling opportunities for authentic inclusivity. These token efforts highlight the gap between the company’s message and authentic representation.
Data behind the act of disappearing
The opportunity for fashion plus size models is disappearing at an astonishing speed. In Spring/Summer 2020, the 86 plus-size models walked the runways through all four major cities, accounting for 2.8% of all models, but by Spring/Summer 2025, that number had plummeted significantly. Only one of nine Americans says that fashion companies have positively influenced body image perception, but far more (69%) believe the fashion industry is negatively affecting the agreed majority of both males (66%) and females (72%).
Three-quarters of US adults (76%) say they believe that the media promotes unattainable body images for women, and that both men (73%) and women (78%) do. These statistics reveal the enormous pressure facing plus-size actresses trying to claim space on the red carpet.
Forward fashion despite the odds
The fashion industry’s historical ability and discrimination for bodies that do not fit the sample size makes the success of the Coffran red carpet particularly important.
Cofflan embraces the contrast between her modest personal style and the charm of the red carpet, saying, “It’s good to know that my professional life and my personal life are different. Her approach shows that the plus-size star doesn’t have to apologize for taking up spaces or soften her fashion choices.”
The revolution is happening one red carpet at a time, and stars like Coffran prove that charm is unaware of size restrictions. As the fashion industry continues to have a nasty retreat from inclusivity, these actresses have written their own rules, showing the world how true confidence will look under the spotlight.
Source: The Curvy Fashionista – thecurvyfashionista.com
