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Marquita Pring: Redefining Beauty in the Fashion Industry

A candid interview with model Marquita Pring about breaking barriers, challenging labels, and inspiring confidence in the modeling world.

By Medha deb

Created on Sep 30, 2025

A candid interview with model Marquita Pring about breaking barriers, challenging labels, and inspiring confidence in the modeling world.

Marquita Pring’s trajectory in the modeling world isn’t just a story of personal success; it’s a testament to changing tides in fashion and society’s understanding of beauty. Through candor, resilience, and a pioneering spirit, Marquita has not only commanded the runway but also the narrative around diversity and inclusivity. In this interview-inspired exploration, we dive deep into her experiences, the labels thrust upon her, and how she’s using her platform to champion self-love and representation.

Why the Term “Plus-Size Model” Misses the Mark

One of the most compelling points Marquita addresses is her discomfort with the term “plus-size model”. Despite having been labeled this way throughout her career, Marquita emphasizes:

The label is limiting, often overshadowing her work and talent by reducing her identity to her size.
It perpetuates the idea that standard sizing is the default and that all other bodies require special categorization.
She prefers to be recognized simply as a model—no qualifier necessary.

Marquita’s stance is both personal and political, reflecting a desire for the modeling world to move toward greater inclusivity and away from superficial divides. She believes that language shapes perception and that moving beyond such terms would foster more authentic body positivity and self-acceptance.

Becoming a Model: Early Ambitions and Breakthroughs

Like many young women, Marquita was fascinated by fashion magazines, but she never saw anyone who looked quite like her. Her entry into modeling wasn’t straightforward:

She began her career after realizing there was a demand for women whose bodies didn’t conform to straight-size modeling standards.
Marquita signed to Ford Models at 15, joining their division for curve models, which marked the start of her journey in the competitive world of fashion.
Her big break came when she was featured in a high-profile spread for Vogue Italia, shot by the legendary Steven Meisel.

These early successes gave her a strong sense of purpose: she wanted to be the representation she never saw growing up and to break stereotypes about beauty and worth in fashion.

Navigating the Runway: The Realities of Modeling While Curvy

Marquita’s runway experiences have been both exhilarating and unsettling. While she relishes opportunities to walk for top designers, the journey hasn’t always been smooth:

Finding garments that fit properly backstage is a frequent challenge, as many designers still don’t create samples in a range of sizes.
Some brands are more progressive, inviting diverse models onto the runway, but there’s still much work to be done for size inclusivity behind the scenes.
Frequently, Marquita is asked to “own” her body, which she does, but she feels that true change requires the industry as a whole to recognize beauty in all forms, not just in curated moments.

Confidence on the runway is as much about mindset as it is about clothes: Marquita shares that she stays grounded by focusing on the impact her presence can have on audience members who may have never seen someone of her size represented before. She takes pride in knowing that her visibility can inspire confidence in others.

The Power and Problem of Visibility

Visibility is a double-edged sword in modeling. On one hand, being a prominent curve model puts Marquita in the spotlight, allowing her to:

Advocate for positive change in the industry.
Encourage young women to love themselves as they are.
Act as a role model for audiences seeking authentic beauty standards.

But it also brings intense scrutiny. Marquita notes that with visibility comes criticism from all sides—people feel entitled to comment on her body, choices, and right to be in the spotlight. She counters this by staying true to her values and focusing on her mission to broaden the definition of beauty.

Busting Beauty Myths: Confidence, Health, and Stereotypes

Marquita is adamant about dispelling myths that persist about body shape, health, and self-worth. Some of the key points she raises include:

Size does not automatically equate to health; you cannot judge someone’s well-being based on appearance alone.
Confidence is cultivated through self-acceptance, not size or money.
She is often asked about her diet and workout regime, to which she explains that all bodies require care and maintenance—modeling is physically demanding regardless of size.

Marquita also challenges the idea that being curvier is fashionable only in a performative context, such as during specific campaigns or for token diversity. She wants to see sustained, systemic change that celebrates all forms of beauty.

Personal Style: Embracing Individuality Beyond Sizing

Fashion is a form of self-expression for Marquita, and she relishes putting together looks that make her feel powerful. When discussing her style:

She loves pieces that celebrate her curves rather than hide them, favoring bodycon dresses, cropped jackets, statement jewelry, and bold shoes.
She encourages others to experiment and reject any rule suggesting they must dress a certain way because of their body type.
Marquita often draws inspiration from icons who have owned their unique looks with confidence.

For her, style is not about camouflage—it’s about embracing what makes you unique and standing out rather than fitting in.

Social Media, Representation, and Community

Marquita is vocal about the role social media now plays in representation:

Platforms like Instagram allow her to connect directly with fans and advocates for body positivity worldwide.
Visibility online ensures that diverse bodies and stories reach larger audiences, breaking down the narrow lens of traditional fashion media.
Marquita uses her presence to encourage open conversations about self-image, bullying, and mental wellness.

She’s mindful of the influence she wields, often posting candid content and stories to show that even models have insecurities and bad days. Authenticity, rather than polish, drives her engagement and impact.

Advice for Aspiring Models and Anyone Struggling with Confidence

Marquita’s journey offers practical lessons for those hoping to enter modeling or who are navigating their own self-image battles:

Believe in your value: Don’t let industry standards or limited representations define your worth.
Take care of yourself: Physical and mental health should always be a priority, regardless of professional goals.
Find supportive communities: Whether online or in real life, surround yourself with people who uplift and understand your journey.
Persist through setbacks: Rejection is part of the process—stay focused on your goals and know that the industry is evolving, albeit slowly.

Above all, Marquita underscores that confidence is not something you’re born with but something you develop, one small risk and positive affirmation at a time.

Marquita’s Vision for the Future of Fashion

Looking forward, Marquita remains optimistic about the changes she observes in the fashion world. She points to trends such as:

More diverse runways where models of all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds are celebrated for who they are.
Brands that are expanding size offerings and casting inclusively for campaigns and editorial shoots.
Rising public demand for authenticity, representation, and inclusivity in both models and the wider entertainment industry.

While challenges remain, Marquita believes progress is possible when individuals, brands, and the media commit to sincere change. She continues to advocate for a future in which the term ‘plus-size’ becomes obsolete, replaced simply by “model”.

Snapshot: Marquita Pring’s Impact At-a-Glance

Area	Impact
Representation	Inspired countless women to see themselves as beautiful and worthy.
Advocacy	Pushed the fashion industry to reconsider rigid labels and sizing.
Career Highlights	Vogue Italia feature, major runway shows, international campaigns.
Message	Authentic beauty comes in all forms—no qualifiers needed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Why does Marquita Pring dislike the term “plus-size model”?

Marquita feels that the term is restrictive and reinforces outdated notions about beauty. She prefers to be recognized for her talent and presence, not her clothing size.

Q: How did Marquita start her career in modeling?

She began at age 15 when she joined a major agency’s curve division. Her big break came with a major spread in Vogue Italia, and she quickly became a prominent face on international runways.

Q: What advice does Marquita give to aspiring models?

She encourages aspiring models to believe in their own worth, prioritize self-care, seek supportive communities, and persist despite challenges. She emphasizes that confidence is built over time through self-acceptance and positive experiences.

Q: What changes does Marquita hope to see in the fashion industry?

Marquita hopes for an industry that no longer relies on labels like “plus-size,” embraces inclusivity year-round (not just during specific campaigns), and offers honest, unfiltered representation of all bodies.

Key Takeaways

Marquita Pring is a trailblazer in challenging restrictive labels and promoting diversity in fashion.
Her advocacy and visibility have inspired women everywhere to embrace their unique beauty.
She calls for more consistent representation and genuinely inclusive practices in modeling and media.
Marquita’s journey is proof that confidence, resilience, and authenticity are the true marks of beauty—on and off the runway.

References

Author

medha deb

Medha Deb is an editor with a master's degree in Applied Linguistics from the University of Hyderabad. She believes that her qualification has helped her develop a deep understanding of language and its application in various contexts.

Read full bio of medha deb