Why H&M's PFW Model Line-Up Is So Important

Pick any fashion week show at random and flip through the runway pictures. Without a doubt, you'll see a slew of 5'10" models with 34 inch hips gliding down the runway, which isn't exactly representative of the general population. H&M decided to take a different approach when it came to casting models for its Autumn/Winter 2016 Paris Fashion Week show on Wednesday. While the Fall 2016 show featured plenty of typical-looking supermodels, like Taylor Hill and Devon Windsor, H&M also asked Ashley Graham and Andreja Pejic to walk the show, making for a far more inclusive cast than most other fashion runway line-ups.

H&M's model lineup included all kinds of diversity (well, diversity for the fashion industry). Transgender model Andreja Pejic walked in the show alongside plus size/body-positive model Ashely Graham. To make things even more exciting, H&M asked 65-year-old legend Pat Cleveland to be a part of the show. To round out the incredible model line-up, Amber Valletta, Jourdan Dunn, and Natasha Poly also walked the runway.

H&M's decision to include models of many different shapes, sizes, and ages is not surprising for the progressive brand, but really shows their commitment to being a part of the movement towards inclusivity. It also isn't totally bad for their business either — who doesn't want to shop at a store that embraces and welcomes everyone?

H&M's inclusive cast is helping disrupt the status quo in an industry that has typically fawned over super thin models.

Hopefully H&M's foray into diversity for something as pivotal as Paris Fashion Week will encourage more brands to do the same, because it's definitely refreshing to see variety on the runway.

Props to H&M for making this one of the most memorable runway shows yet!

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