In an era where size inclusivity is diminishing, Eloquii emerges more prominent than ever.

      In a sleek, atmospheric bar in downtown Manhattan, models adorned in tailored suits, pillbox hats, and cow-print pony-hair dresses swayed to the soothing rhythms of jazz, embodying a subtle, nearly sensual defiance—a perfect backdrop for a brand revitalized. On the surface, Eloquii's September fashion show appeared to be another stop on the New York Fashion Week roster. In reality, it represented a quiet rebellion, showcasing a runway where size inclusivity was not merely an afterthought but the central focus. Editors and influencers, primarily plus-size, sat in crushed-velvet booths, applauding a moment for a brand that, by 2025 standards, should not seem groundbreaking, yet stands out in a season where size inclusivity has sharply declined.

      After over ten years in the industry, American plus-size label Eloquii is experiencing a resurgence that is both innovative and sophisticated. Although its strategy has been developing for some time, the fashion crowd is only now starting to take notice. In previous years, Eloquii was associated with reliability but never with aspiration; nostalgic memories of early 2000s peplum tops and cold-shoulder dresses lingered, but the current collection is a significant departure from that. Initially established in 2011 as a subsidiary of The Limited and then rebranded as an independent entity three years later, Eloquii has spent over a decade navigating the unpredictable landscape of plus-size fashion. With fresh investment and Creative Director Yesenia Torres finally free to design her envisioned collection, Eloquii is now thriving.

      The brand's inaugural runway show feels less like a coincidence and more like an act of resistance. Contextualized by Vogue Business's Spring/Summer 2026 Size Inclusivity Report, the show gains significance. As the fashion world pivots away from body positivity in 2025, plus-size options are dwindling, while slimness regains its foothold in cultural trends. "Seeing plus-size women on the runway is amazing, and realizing that I would gladly spend money on these pieces is refreshing," remarks Katie Bradshaw, a New York University graduate student, journalist, and content creator. Having begun purchasing Eloquii items during her senior year of college, she feels a connection to the brand's evolution. "It's remarkable to witness Eloquii's growth over these past four years, now offering styles that many plus-size women adore," she notes.

      Eloquii stands out as an exceptional success story in a time when size inclusivity is regressing. Many prominent brands have gradually reduced their extended sizing, beloved indie labels have closed, and fashionable options for plus-size shoppers remain noticeably limited. For some, including Bradshaw, Eloquii's revival is a sign of optimism and social affirmation. "Often, when I wear something, my straight-sized friends ask, 'Where did you get that? I need the link,' and I have to say, 'Unfortunately, you can't shop here,'" jokes Bradshaw. "It's something I never imagined saying as a plus-size woman; historically, it has been the opposite."

      Under Torres's guidance as Vice President of Design, Eloquii has refined its aesthetic, modernized its sizing, and reintroduced itself to a community long neglected by mainstream fashion. Gone are the outdated peplum tops, dull oversized fits, and cold-shoulder blouses designed to "conceal problem areas." Instead, customers will now discover an array of garments that feel distinctly modern and upscale. Campaigns now feature visually striking aesthetics that can compete with those of The Row and Khaite, showcasing silhouettes, patterns, and colors reminiscent of Parisian runways. While the transformation may seem abrupt, Torres and her team have been orchestrating it for years. After working in straight-size clothing development, Torres discovered the brand and reached out to its founders, leading to her current success.

      "When I tell people I've been with Eloquii for eight years, they often seem surprised, thinking I've only been with the brand for a couple of years," Torres shares. "While I’m thrilled for people to see our growth, the reality is that since I joined, I've had to combat misconceptions surrounding plus-size fashion." As a plus-size woman, she understands this struggle. Many inclusive brands seem hesitant or conservative, presuming their customers aren't aware of social media trends and merely wish to dress comfortably or, more negatively, conceal their bodies. Torres emphasizes that this misconception stems from deep-seated trauma that is difficult to overcome and is something she has personally battled. Growing up plus-size, she learned the impact clothing could have during introductions; if she couldn't conform to the prevailing beauty standards within the Latino community, at least she could wear the best outfit.

      Before the body positivity movement of the mid-2010s popularized models like Ashley Graham, plus-size women were essentially considered fortunate for receiving any representation at all. "In those days, women were shamed and outcast,