Ep. 25: Plus size representation, photography, and finding beauty in every body with Lydia Hudgens

In this episode, Kristen and Jennine talk with photographer Lydia Hudgens, whose new book Plus: Expanding the Frame features 100% plus-size models and is the first of its kind. Lydia shares her journey from street-style photographer to celebrating body diversity through her lens, the state of plus-size representation in fashion today, and how posing can empower confidence for every body type.

They also explore how the rise of GLP-1 weight loss drugs, post-pandemic beauty standards, and internalized fatphobia are reshaping conversations about body image and inclusivity. Lydia discusses her modeling classes, why she believes representation matters across generations, and how her work helps people see the beauty in themselves that they might have forgotten was there.

We dive into:

The inspiration behind Plus: Expanding the Frame
How fashion’s body inclusivity has backslid in recent years
The impact of GLP-1 drugs on representation and body image
“Aspirational plus size,” and why it’s problematic
How age, tattoos, and size intersect in modeling
Why posing can help you feel more confident and connected to your body
The message Lydia hopes her book will leave with readers

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About Our Guest

LYDIA HUDGENS
photographer, model, and advocate for body diversity. Her work has appeared in Vogue, Teen Vogue, Glamour, and more, and her clients include Anthropologie, Reformation, and Rent the Runway. Her book Plus: Expanding the Frame is available now.

Follow Lydia on Instagram:
@lydiahudgens (photography) @lydiaoffduty (modeling)
Visit Lydia’s website
Buy Lydia’s book: Plus: Expanding the Frame

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