Lizzo refuses to be 'token big girl' in fashion world

Lizzo is determined not to become the "token big girl" in the fashion world.

In an interview for ELLE U.K.'s September 2022 issue, the About Damn Time hitmaker discussed her work as a body image activist.

But while Lizzo, real name Melissa Jefferson, is making waves in the clothing industry with her size-inclusive shapewear line, Yitty, she believes there is still a long way to go when it comes to diversity and inclusivity in fashion.

"I've had a lot of shoots with people making outfits from scratch for me. And I'm not mad at it. Thank you. But what about the millions of people who are my size or bigger who can't get access to chic and glamorous clothing?" she asked. "I don't want to be the token big girl for the fashion world. I want to open the door. I want this for everybody."

And even though Lizzo could have created a fashion collection, she had a very specific reason for starting her venture into the industry with shapewear and underwear.

"More than any piece of clothing, shapewear can make people feel ways about their bodies and, most of the time, it's bad. I want to revolutionise shapewear. I want to change how people think when they hear the word 'snatched'. I don't want people to ever have to deal with a girdle again in their lives," the 34-year-old added.