Despite their best efforts, many major fashion brands struggle to be size-inclusive and create clothes for different body types. Two BFFs Denise Mercedes and Maria Castellanos embarked on a quest to find clothes that fit their different body types and started a viral campaign “Style Not Size”.
Mercedes found success as a plus-size model long before this campaign saw the light of day. She worked with such brands as Forever 21, Target, and JCPenney, and she was no stranger to viral campaigns after promoting body positivity with #becauseitsmybody.
Mercedes met Maria Castellanos a few years back when she started shooting photos for her Instagram and blog. She encouraged her to take pictures of herself, as well, and that’s how the idea for “Style Not Size” was born.
Mercedes and Castellanos started wearing the same clothes in different sizes, in an attempt to showcase that all body types can wear the same item and look beautiful, and they were overwhelmed by the positive response they’ve received since starting this campaign.
“We’re so used to only seeing one body type being praised and that leaves a lot of other people out. The series makes other people feel included and they tell us their confidence levels went up so much. You never know who you’re inspiring!” Mercedes told Naira NYC.
