This model wants to change the modeling game and she is well on her way.
Who is La’Shaunae Steward?
That’s the question many asked when the 22-year-old model was featured in Universal Standard’s announcement of their new foundation line in sizes 0 to 40.
The image of Steward in underwear had social media buzzing with many women overjoyed at seeing a visibly plus size body and a dark-skinned woman of color front and center.
She’s even on a billboard on the streets of NYC…
We first saw the size-24 model when she partnered with indie shoe brand Jeffrey Campbell to launch a capsule collection of wide width shoes and wide shaft boots a few months ago.
Read more: Plus Size Model La’Shaunae Steward’s Latest Wide Width Shoe Collection is Pure Slayage
Steward recently signed with London’s Revolt Model Agency and is the first black model of her size to do so. She’s also the founder of Inclus Models, a platform created for unsigned models with non-traditional body types (under 5’8″ and over size 18).
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmpAcSflBjm/?taken-by=inclusmodels
On the Inclus Models Instagram page, Stewart posts images that aspiring models have sent her via email in an effort to help them get noticed by brands, scouts and potential clients.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BmXn-9FFjX8/?taken-by=inclusmodels
Therefore, she is not only trying to make it in this business but also passionate about helping others do the same. It’s more than just a career for Stewart. It’s personal.
When the Universal Standard announcement launched, Stewart posted on Instagram:
“A shoot that was so special and important to me. being a model that people constantly look over or being a curve model that isn’t conventionally attractive or ‘fat in all the right places’ and always finding myself only posting angles I felt were more appealing. This angle shows everything I fought being insecure about and shows every part of me that people told me would have to be smaller in order to be accepted. this is also the most powerful photo I have ever seen of myself and I couldn’t be more proud.”
We predict we haven’t seen the last of Stewart and her presence will definitely be a force to be reckoned with.
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bl8c-_dB8hR/?taken-by=luhshawnay
Major kudos to her for never giving up and fighting for more model diversity. It’s people like Stewart that challenge the status quo and make change happen.
Click here to follow Steward on Instagram and here to check out Inclus Models.