Ben Barry runs a modeling agency representing models of all sizes and ethnicities. He built his business on the belief that diversity in fashion is a good thing, and he set out to prove it in his doctoral thesis at Cambridge. The results of his study are published in the June issue of Elle Canada. Barry surveyed and conducted focus groups with more than 2,500 women, from ages 14-65, sizes 0-18 and representing a range of ethnicities. He created a mock ad featuring women of different sizes and ethnicities wearing the same Diane von Furstenberg wrap dress. Here's how women responded to the ad:
http://proud2bme.org/content/memo-fashion-industry-using-diverse-models-increases-your-sales