In an era where inclusivity defines innovation, the concept of “best” is no longer tied to a single standard. Whether in fashion, automotive design, technology, or digital representation, the most impactful models today reflect diversity—not just in appearance, but in functionality, accessibility, and real-world relevance. A truly great model accommodates a broad spectrum of users, body types, preferences, and cultural backgrounds. This article explores standout examples across industries that exemplify excellence through diversity in style, size, and approach.
Fashion: Redefining Beauty Through Inclusive Sizing
The fashion industry has undergone a seismic shift in recent years, moving away from narrow beauty ideals toward more representative modeling. Brands like Savage X Fenty, Universal Standard, and ASOS Curve have led the charge by casting models across sizes, ethnicities, ages, and gender identities. Rihanna’s lingerie line, for instance, regularly features models ranging from size 4 to 24, including transgender and disabled individuals, normalizing visibility for bodies long excluded from mainstream media.
This evolution isn’t just ethical—it’s effective. According to a 2023 report by McKinsey & Company, brands embracing size inclusivity see up to 30% higher customer retention and engagement. When consumers see themselves reflected in advertising, trust and loyalty follow.
Automotive: Vehicles Designed for All Body Types
Car manufacturers are increasingly prioritizing ergonomic diversity in vehicle design. Historically, crash test dummies were modeled on the average male physique, leading to safety gaps for women and smaller drivers. Today, companies like Volvo and Tesla incorporate data from a wider range of body types into their testing protocols.
The Volvo XC40 Recharge stands out not only for its electric efficiency but also for its adjustable seating, customizable driver profiles, and intuitive interface placement accessible to drivers between 4'10\" and 6'5\". Similarly, Toyota’s Sienna minivan offers multiple seating configurations and wide entry points, accommodating mobility aids and families of all compositions.
| Model | Size Range Accommodated | Key Inclusive Feature |
|---|---|---|
| Volvo XC40 Recharge | 4'10\" – 6'5\" | Adjustable pedals, memory seats, low step-in height |
| Toyota Sienna (2023) | All family types | Power sliding doors, third-row accessibility |
| Ford F-150 Lightning | Wide cab options | Adaptive steering, spacious interior |
“Designing for the edges means designing better for everyone.” — Lina Ghotmeh, Automotive Design Researcher, IDEO
Tech & AI: Avoiding Bias in Digital Modeling
Artificial intelligence systems rely heavily on training data—and when that data lacks diversity, the outcomes can be exclusionary. Facial recognition software, for example, has historically struggled with darker skin tones due to underrepresentation in training sets. IBM and Microsoft have since revised their datasets to include broader racial and age demographics, significantly improving accuracy across groups.
In product design, Apple’s introduction of nine skin tone options for Memoji and Animoji was a small but meaningful step toward digital inclusivity. Google’s Project Relate, which helps people with speech impairments communicate via AI, uses voice samples from non-standard speakers to ensure functionality across conditions like stuttering or slurred speech.
Checklist: Evaluating Tech Model Diversity
- Does the AI system account for variations in race, gender, and disability?
- Is user testing conducted across age and ability spectrums?
- Are language and dialect options inclusive of regional accents?
- Is there transparency about training data sources?
- Are accessibility features built-in, not added as afterthoughts?
Real Example: The Rise of Adaptive Fashion Models
In 2022, Tommy Hilfiger launched its adaptive clothing line featuring models like Jillian Mercado, a wheelchair user and advocate with muscular dystrophy. The campaign wasn’t a one-off; it included functional designs such as magnetic closures, adjustable hems, and seated-fit tailoring. Sales of the adaptive line increased by 47% year-over-year, proving that inclusive modeling drives both social impact and commercial success.
Jillian’s presence didn’t just represent a niche market—it challenged assumptions about who belongs on a runway. Her visibility inspired other brands, including Zappos Adaptive and Target’s Cat & Jack line, to follow suit with campaigns featuring children and adults with physical differences.
Beauty & Cosmetics: Foundation Shades That Match Real Skin Tones
No category illustrates the power of diverse modeling more vividly than foundation makeup. For decades, many brands offered fewer than 20 shades, overwhelmingly catering to light skin tones. Fenty Beauty disrupted this norm in 2017 by launching with 40 foundation shades—and later expanding to 50. The result? $100 million in sales within the first 40 days.
Other brands followed: Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez now offers 48 shades, while Estée Lauder’s Double Wear line includes deep, warm undertones often missing in traditional palettes. These ranges are tested on models across skin types and pigmentation levels, ensuring accurate representation in promotional content.
Do’s and Don’ts of Shade Representation
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Use unfiltered lighting in shade swatches | Rely solely on flash photography |
| Show multiple angles and skin textures | Use only one model per campaign |
| List undertone (warm, cool, neutral) clearly | Assume all dark skin is “deep” without nuance |
| Include post-application wear tests | Omit oxidation effects over time |
FAQ
Why does model diversity matter beyond representation?
Diverse modeling improves product functionality. Clothing fits better, vehicles accommodate more drivers, and tech tools work accurately across populations. It reduces bias and increases usability for everyone, not just marginalized groups.
Can small brands afford to feature diverse models?
Absolutely. With the rise of stock platforms like Tonl and CreateHER Stock, small businesses can access affordable, high-quality imagery featuring people of various backgrounds. Authenticity matters more than budget—real stories resonate louder than polished exclusivity.
How can consumers support inclusive modeling?
Purchase from brands that showcase diversity consistently—not just during awareness months. Share content that highlights underrepresented models. Provide feedback to companies requesting more inclusive sizing or representation in their campaigns.
Conclusion: Choosing Models That Reflect the Real World
The best models aren’t defined by perfection—they’re defined by relatability, adaptability, and authenticity. From runways to robotics, the future belongs to designs that embrace variation rather than erase it. When brands commit to showcasing a full spectrum of humanity, they don’t just sell products—they build trust, foster innovation, and expand what’s possible.
It’s time to move beyond tokenism and toward systemic inclusion. Whether you're a designer, marketer, or consumer, your choices shape the standards of tomorrow. Support models who look like the world we live in—because the best models aren’t the ones who fit a mold. They’re the ones who break it.








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