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Weighing 449 lbs and identifying as gay, Arcadio “Ady” Del Valle has made an indelible mark on the fashion scene, leaving no one untouched by their presence. Could this signify the dawn of real change?
Back in 2015, Ady began sharing selfies on Instagram, driven not by ambitions of becoming a model, but by their genuine love for the world of fashion. However, Ady felt out of place within the glamorous facade. Their primary aspiration was to connect with like-minded individuals.
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This marked Ady’s initial foray into the world of social media—a realm that seems to have room only for the so-called “normal.” Yet, for Ady, it served as a platform to shed light on what had long been overlooked.
Born in Boston in 1987 to a Puerto Rican family, Ady spent years as a spectator of fashion shows, model interviews, and reality television. Their journey took a significant turn in 2016 when an independent designer invited them to walk the runway at New York Fashion Week.
Initially hesitant, Ady couldn’t fathom striding down a catwalk. However, with encouragement from friends and family, they eventually agreed. Within a mere month, they were gracing the runway in an old New York church alongside other plus-size models.
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But Ady’s story isn’t solely about their striking appearance. Their aspirations extend beyond personal fulfillment, delving into a deeper collective purpose. Ady’s figure and the imagery they share compel us to contemplate societal norms.
Their journey has undeniably triggered a revolution within the modeling industry, in which they are now an integral part. Their photos serve as a milestone on social media—a turning point. What makes Ady an influential force in the world of plus-size fashion?
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Ady’s presence can be seen on the beach, by the poolside, basking under the sun with a bare torso or clad in a full swimsuit. They blend tulle with animal prints, lace bodices with daring thongs, shattering the stereotype of a brooding man in flannel shirts performing laborious tasks. For this plus-size model, clothing transcends its traditional role of concealment; it now accentuates the figure.
Today, Ady is a prominent activist within the plus-size industry, striving to dismantle the perception of people like them as anomalies. Their approach is strategic: instead of succumbing to the influence of social media, Ady wields it for their own mission.
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In their own words, “Instagram rarely showcases plus-size men in swimwear due to content removal. Diverse bodies are erased, censoring those who deviate from the norm in size or color. Yet, we hold more power than social media itself; without us, it wouldn’t exist.”
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When questioned about the preference for critiquing an XXXL body over an XS one, Ady responds, “From childhood, TV and magazines dictate our perception of beauty, which we internalize as we grow. Today, social media empowers individuals like me to challenge this narrative, encouraging others to embrace diverse bodies. Hopefully, one day, TV and magazines will follow suit.”
Perhaps, this time, there’s reason to believe that real change is afoot. We all possess notions of beauty and desirability to some degree. To deny this reality would be disingenuous. Breaking free from stereotypes is akin to swimming against the tide. Nevertheless, a growing number of courageous souls manage to do so, and they’ve earned our admiration and respect.