Dani DMC is a leading figure in fashion and activism. Her strong presence, natural beauty, and thoughtful actions have led her to be recognized as a symbol of body positivity and inclusivity. With her unshakable confidence and infectious energy, Dani has built a dedicated community that inspires her to embrace their unique beauty.
Growing up in a world that often tried to dim her light, Dani developed a deep-rooted passion for spreading confidence. This early experience fueled her desire to challenge the norms society wants to impose on others’ appearance and rewrite the narrative for those who have been unfairly labeled as “not good enough.” Her journey from a young rebel to a renowned plus-size model and content creator exemplifies resilience and self-confidence.
Beyond her digital presence, Dani has achieved notable success in the fashion industry. Her participation in prestigious events like NYFW and London Fashion Week has solidified her status as an icon of inclusivity. While the industry has made progress, Dani remains vocal about the need for more radical change and continues to advocate for greater representation of diverse bodies.
We had the chance to talk to Dani in an exclusive interview, where she shared her journey in modeling, her passion for empowering others, and her perspective on the fashion industry’s progress towards inclusivity. Join us as we delve into the world of Dani DMC and discover the woman who is redefining beauty standards and inspiring a new generation of confident individuals.
Your ‘Confidence Crew’ on social media is such a powerful community. How do you use your platforms to empower them to embrace their bodies and build self-esteem?
My community was built on the foundation of me pushing them to embrace themselves just as they are and be radically confident. I knew that was my mission from the very beginning, so it’s easy for me to stay true to that and continue to create content that aligns with my purpose. I love tapping into my creativity and finding new innovative ways to engage my audience. Some of my series I’ve really enjoyed sharing with my community are my ‘Style With Strangers’ series, where I do street interviews. “Spend The Day With Me As A Plus Size Influencer”, which is also a community favorite, is where I show a day in my life and really hope to show we are valued and appreciated in this community, and us plus girls are booked & busy as well. My ‘Fashion 101’ is also a favorite, where I help my community build their closets and challenge the fashion “rules” we’ve been taught.
Moving on to another subject, you have recently taken part in the NYFW and London Fashion Weeks. What was the most powerful or memorable moment for you during these shows?
I had this moment outside of the AKNVAS show when I got out of the car, and over 50 photographers were all shooting me, screaming for me to look at them. It was so exhilarating, and my inner child was just BEAMING. Like wow. Look at us. The girl that was bullied for years for being “FAT” and not good enough. LOOK AT US NOW. Full-figured, over 200lbs, bald head, at NYFW dressed by a top stylist, attending a huge show. It’s moments like these that remind me that everything I do is so much bigger than me, it’s for every person who has been deemed “not good enough” by the outside world.
How did it feel to be part of prestigious fashion events like Alexander Wang, Akvnas, LUAR, and NYLON’s party, to name a few?
It felt good for sure, and I’m grateful to be in these spaces to show up for the plus-size community, but I would’ve loved to see more people that didn’t look the same at these shows and events. I’m so bored of seeing the same things over and over. Shock me. Do something bold. Be a pioneer in this industry. So many attendees of these events and models walking in the shows are copy-paste, and it’s definitely frustrating to witness.
I will say my favorite show of all the fashion weeks was HARRI in London. It challenged the societal standards we see – so many different types of models, including a woman in her 50s, which I loved to see. Still not a lot of body inclusion, but I was happy to at least see diversity through race, age, and sexual orientation. The clothing was also so unique and definitely shocked me, which I love. It makes me so happy to see a brand create a whole new blueprint and break barriers.
What do you think these events are important in challenging beauty standards and promoting inclusivity?
I think everything needs to be challenged in order to grow and expand. The fashion industry is absolutely no exception. I want to always push the envelope and do my best to use my voice and presence to elicit change. Taking up space and attending the Fashion Weeks is just the initial step. I always do my best to network and connect when I’m in these rooms, so I can continue to push the industry standards.
Do you feel fashion weeks are evolving in terms of inclusivity for plus-size models and creators? Are there any standout moments where you felt that shift happening?
I don’t. I could easily give you a cutesy answer and tell you some change is better than no change, but I think we can all agree we’re sick of the bare minimum. We should be witnessing radical change in the world right now, but instead, everyone is choosing to play it safe and even revert to how the beauty and fashion industry was in the late ’90s and early ’00s. I personally can’t give praise when everyone could collectively be doing so much more. I was often the only plus-size person in the room at NYFW, although London was a bit better. I also attended events that gave clothing away and never came in a size bigger than an L. I did not see one plus-size model at any show I attended in either NYC or London as well. Also, most brands that invite me to their shows don’t carry my size, and because of that, they are unable to dress me for the show. While my straight-size friends that attend are fully dressed by the brand. Fashion and the ability to dress your body are not meant to be exclusive. In order to indulge and learn your own personal style, you have to be able to have clothes that are made for your body.
What advice do you have for women who struggle with societal expectations and body image issues?
I think the hard work starts within. Outside opinions & societal standards are ALWAYS going to be there, unfortunately, but how you choose to respond to or ignore the outside noise is going to dictate the quality of your life. I always encourage people to spend time alone and conquer the fear of being alone. Realizing the relationship you have with yourself will be the most fulfilling relationship of your life and will push you to invest the most in YOU. In turn, you will start to see you slowly care less and less about what anyone else has to say and won’t have the need for external validation.
Finally, what excites you more about the future? What has Dani DMC set as goals for her career in fashion and activism?
I’m ALWAYS excited about the future. I’ve been in this industry for over 7 years, and I still feel like this is just the beginning. I have SO much more to give. I’m looking forward to potentially moving to a new city soon and starting a new chapter of my life. I want to continue to do public speaking events as well as hosting, and red carpet opportunities to represent us plus-size women in the media more. I will always continue to utilize my platforms to inspire and motivate women —and all people— to love themselves unapologetically. Most importantly, I plan to continue to shock my younger self with the moves I will make that I haven’t even dreamed of yet…
CONNECT WITH DANI DMC
