The sad runway rewind: Fashion is sliding back to ultra-thin ideals

A model presents a look at the Valentino Spring/Summer 2026 Couture show in Paris in January 2026. The backlash to “wokeness” has swept up size inclusivity on the runway. Photo: The New York Times

If you think that fashion models are getting skinnier, you are not misguided.

Sitting at the recent couture shows, and then sifting through photos looking for runway images to go with show reviews, I had the same thought.