Plus-size model Jennie Runk appeared in an H&M campaign in 2013 with little fanfare, proving that the brand didn't discriminate between sizes.
Source: Business Insider
Mariah Idrissi made history when she wore a hijab earlier this year in an H&M campaign. She was discovered on Instagram.
Source: Business Insider
Ashley Graham broke ground as the first ever size 14-16 model to appear in Sports Illustrated. She appeared in ad for Swimsuitsforall.
Source: Business Insider
Robyn Lawley is size 12, and she appeared in Sports Illustrated the same year that Ashley Graham's ad did. This caused some controversy, as not everyone considered her to be truly plus size. She also has appeared in Ralph Lauren campaigns.
Source: Business Insider; Business Insider
Tess Holliday was the biggest model to ever be signed by a major talent agency. She is a size 22. She celebrated the news on Facebook with her followers.
Source: Business Insider; Facebook
Tyra Banks was the first-ever African American model to appear on the cover of the iconic Victoria's Secret catalog and on the cover of Sports Illustrated. She made history in 1996 when she appeared on both covers — as well as on the cover of GQ.
Source: People
In 1974, Beverly Johnson was the first African-American model to appear on the cover of Vogue.
Source: Vogue
Emme is known to many as the first plus-size supermodel. She's currently changing the fashion industry by launching Fashion Without Limits, a program at Syracuse University to teach young designers how to craft clothing for larger bodies.
Source: Business Insider
Jamie Brewer walked the runway for Carrie Brewer at this past February's New York Fashion Week — making her the first model with Down Syndrome to walk the runway during the iconic week.
Source: Time
In the same Carrie Hammer show, Danielle Sheypuk also broke ground. She was the first model in a wheelchair to appear on the runway during New York Fashion Week.
Source: The Guardian
Transgender model Andreja Pejic made history as the first ever transgender woman to be the face of a major makeup brand. She told Vogue earlier this year she would participate in a Make Up Forever Campaign, and, when the campaign photos broke, it was proof that beauty norms are evaporating.
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Source: Vogue
Iskra Lawrence has appeared unretouched in Aerie campaigns alongside other gorgeous models who forwent Photoshopping. Lawrence has continued to break ground by becoming a National Eating Disorder Awareness ambassador. She also created the NEDA Inspires seal, a seal of approval that indicates body-positive content.
Source: Business Insider
The New York Times called Naomi Sims a "pioneering cover girl." She was the first African-American woman to appear on the cover of Ladies' Home Journal back in 1968.
Source: New York Times
Veronica Webb was the first black model to land a contract with a major makeup company. She signed with Revlon in 1992.
Source: Huffington Post