Ella Halikas: A Voice for Body Positivity
Slim Pickings at NYFW 2025
A Call for Greater Representation in Fashion
Published September 16, 2025, at 1:47 PM PDT | Updated September 16, 2025, at 2:24 PM PDT
TMZ.com
Model and body-positivity advocate Ella Halikas expressed her disappointment at the ongoing trend toward thinness dominating New York Fashion Week 2025. According to Halikas, the event has seen a crucial lack of representation, sidelining diverse body types in favor of the slimmer silhouette.
In a candid discussion, Halikas remarked on her growing concern with each passing year, noting that the celebration of varied body types seems to be deteriorating rather than improving. She shared her feelings of disappointment over the fashion industry’s increasing focus on thinner models, suggesting that it contrasts sharply with the inclusivity that many advocates strive for.
Halikas, who attended a recent NYFW show, noted that the recent “Ozempic craze” has influenced fashion standards significantly. Many models are reportedly using this weight-loss drug, sparking concerns about a resurgence of unrealistic beauty standards and contributing to a culture of fatphobia.
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While she expressed her disappointment with the current trends, Halikas did commend a few brands like Eloquii and Christian Siriano for their efforts in promoting inclusivity and body diversity. However, the overall narrative at Fashion Week left her feeling alienated—a sentiment she felt was more pronounced this year than any before.
Ella Halikas’s perspective sheds light on a critical issue in the fashion industry: the urgent need for inclusivity. As weight-loss drugs become more common and the “SkinnyTok” trend fosters an environment promoting thinness, she believes that the conversation around body diversity must become a priority now more than ever. Advocates like Halikas are essential in pushing for change, and their voices must be amplified to create a more inclusive future in fashion.
