15 Famous Women Designers Refused to Dress

Red carpet fashion is often seen as a symbol of glamour and exclusivity, but not every celebrity has had an easy time securing designer outfits. Many high-end brands only cater to “sample sizes” or have other restrictions that exclude certain stars.

Here are 15 famous women who were turned down by designers—and why.

1. Zendaya

When Zendaya first started attending major events, her stylist Law Roach revealed that luxury fashion houses refused to dress her. Despite her meteoric rise, she has never worn some of the biggest names like Dior, Chanel, or Gucci on the red carpet.

2. Danielle Brooks

The Orange Is the New Black star shared that top designers never offered to dress her, despite her talent and award nominations. She continues to advocate for body inclusivity in fashion.

3. Meghan Markle

Before her royal status, Meghan struggled to get designer pieces for press events. British designers reportedly refused to lend her outfits during a London trip, as shared by stylist Juliet Angus.

4. Dascha Polanco

Known for her role in Orange Is the New Black, Dascha revealed in 2016 that luxury brands turned her down due to her size, despite her passion for high fashion.

5. Anna Kendrick

Anna Kendrick had to spend $1,000 of her own money on designer shoes for an Up in the Air premiere because no brand would lend her a pair—even after her Oscar nomination.

6. Sheryl Lee Ralph

The Abbott Elementary actress recalled being told by a major fashion house that she didn’t have the right body type for their designs, leading her to boycott the brand.

7. Beyoncé

In a 2016 speech, Beyoncé revealed that early in her career, luxury designers refused to dress Destiny’s Child because they were “four Black country curvy girls.” Her mother, Tina Knowles, ended up creating many of their iconic outfits.

8. Christina Hendricks

Despite being named Esquire’s Sexiest Woman Alive, the Mad Men actress struggled to find designers willing to dress her due to her curvier figure.

9. Bebe Rexha

Bebe Rexha called out designers in 2019 for refusing to dress her for the Grammys because she wasn’t a sample size. She later rocked a custom gown and encouraged body inclusivity.

10. Bryce Dallas Howard

The Jurassic World star revealed that designers rarely offer her red carpet outfits, so she buys her own dresses from department stores.

11. Octavia Spencer

The Oscar-winning actress faced difficulties finding designers willing to dress her. She now works with inclusive designers who appreciate her talent and style.

12. Melissa McCarthy

For the 2012 Oscars, Melissa McCarthy reached out to multiple designers but was rejected. She later launched her own clothing line to address the industry’s exclusivity.

13. Gabourey Sidibe

After her breakout role in Precious, many designers refused to dress her. She publicly called out the industry’s lack of inclusivity.

14. Leslie Jones

The Ghostbusters star tweeted in 2016 that no designer wanted to dress her for the premiere. Christian Siriano stepped in, creating a custom gown and proving fashion should be for everyone.

15. Ashley Graham

Despite being one of the world’s most famous plus-size models, Ashley Graham revealed that top designers have refused to dress her for major events. She continues to push for representation in fashion.

15 Famous Women Designers Refused to Dress  was originally published on b1057.com