Raven-Symoné opened up about her early struggles with red carpet fashion. The former Disney Channel star said designers often did not carry her size. She recalled paying for expensive outfits herself throughout her childhood. Her comments highlighted the fashion industry’s past lack of size inclusivity.
Raven-Symoné recalled having to buy her own wardrobe growing up due to sizing issues
Raven-Symoné, 40, discussed celebrity fashion during her podcast. She spoke about the subject during a recent episode of Tea Time w/ Raven & Miranda. Her wife, Miranda Maday, also co-hosts the podcast.
“Fashion is beautiful,” Raven-Symoné said while discussing designer clothing. She praised Zendaya’s fashion, explaining her different experience. “My fashion is never free,” she said. “I’ve had to buy it my whole life because of my size.”
The actress explained that she did not receive complimentary designer clothing growing up. Instead, she had to purchase everything worn on red carpets. She said some outfits cost around $1,000 because designers lacked her size.
“I didn’t get that free stuff growing up,” Raven-Symoné explained. She added that “no one had my size” at the time. The experience clearly shaped her feelings towards the fashion industry.
The actress then delivered an especially blunt message about those past experiences. “So fashion could f— off,” she said. She added that she was “not sorry” for making that statement.
She also said her approach to fashion had changed over time. Raven-Symoné now wears clothing from designers who accommodate her size. She noted that being “thick” had become more accepted in fashion.
Her comments also connected to previous discussion about body image. She has spoken openly about experiencing body shaming during her career. She previously said other people controlled her appearance while she grew up in Hollywood.
In 2020, she shared that the industry influenced her hair and clothing. She also said other people controlled her words and eyebrows. The actress described that period as difficult but said she eventually overcame it.
She previously discussed undergoing breast reduction surgeries as a teenager. Raven said adults around her encouraged the first procedure. She later recalled undergoing liposuction because of pressure surrounding her size.
Her latest comments showed how those experiences continued influencing her perspective. She now appears determined to choose fashion on her own terms.
TELL US – DO YOU THINK FASHION DESIGNERS ARE DOING ENOUGH TO OFFER MORE SIZE-INCLUSIVE RED-CARPET OPTIONS?
