Paloma Elsesser keeps making history. She recently was awarded Model of the Year at The British Fashion Awards. But, according to Elsesser, she actually hoped she wouldn't win. "I had been making silent pleas not to win," she admitted in a personal essay published by The Cut. Win she did and managed to put together a truly inspiring speech pretty much on the fly. "I feel very honored and very shocked, but I'm also predominantly honored because I'm the first curve model to win this award."
Elsesser has made navigating the relatively new world of plus-size modeling look easy, but, in truth, it has been a struggle. Which she's more than happy to talk about. Yet another reason we absolutely love, not to mention admire, her. We're not alone, either.
Just ask her legions of social media followers, 579,000 to be exact. Then there are all the designers that have booked her to walk down their runways. The certified supermodel has strutted her stuff for Chloe, Michael Kors, Marni, Altuzarra, Coperni, Lanvin and more. She opened Ganni's Spring 2024 show so it's not surprising that the Copenhagen-based brand recently revealed an upcoming collaboration with Elsesser, called GANNI x Paloma.
The collection is designed to "celebrate confidence and self-expression" and will naturally come in extended sizes. The collab doesn't drop until Wednesday, April 17. Although you really should register for updates via Ganni's website so you don't miss out.
While you're waiting, scroll down to discover some of the most encouraging and uplifting quotes Elsesser has blessed us with.
"I think self-love isn't some destination you get to and you are then incapable of feeling those feelings, but a journey in which you adapt your experiences to make for a happier life."
"I used to view myself as a flawed individual — this mentally ill, chubby brown girl with a messy house and an ongoing struggle to open my mail. Modeling changed my narrative and gave me a sense of purpose in challenging norms around our bodies that I too had been indoctrinated into. My body became a vessel for connection. A vessel for thought."
"I have to remind myself when I'm on a job and I'm feeling a lull in attitude or confidence or whatever, I'm there for a reason. I have to constantly remind myself of these almost corny Pinterest mantras, like 'You are worthy.'"
"Beauty means expression and being your most authentic self."
"There may be moments when I wish I could move through this industry with ease. But sometimes the work is painful and the accolades are met with fear. Perhaps I deserve recognition not just for the wins but for the effort, the struggle, and the hope that it might just matter to someone else."
