KEY TAKEAWAYS ▶
- Kate Kope went viral after a passenger on a Delta flight told her “you’re not that fat,” sparking a discussion on body bias.
- In an exclusive *People* interview, she criticized media standards that skew toward thinness and endanger young viewers.
- Her Instagram advocacy highlights a recent dip in true plus-size representation and calls on brands to feature diverse “curve” models.
- Kope credits her #CurveCommunity of plus-size peers for healing her own self-image and urges audiences to seek authentic representation.
- She continues sharing behind-the-scenes stories on TikTok, using every platform to elevate plus-size visibility and inclusivity.
Table of Contents
Brooklyn-born Kate Kope (size 8/10) went viral after recounting on TikTok an awkward encounter aboard a Delta flight, when a fellow passenger—learning she’s a professional curve model—insisted, “Oh, don’t worry, you’re not that fat.” Rather than recoil, Kope turned the moment into a wider conversation about how media— and even well-meaning strangers—frame thinness as virtuous and curves as a problem.
Read Kate Kope’s Exclusive People Interview“Our perception of thinness cannot be so skewed by the media we are consuming,” Kope told People. “It’s so unhealthy for the younger generation. I should not be the largest size they see in campaigns. I should not be the only depiction of a ‘curvy’ woman.”
From Flight Aisle to Fashion Campaigns
Standing at 5’9″ with measurements of 36-30-42, Kope defies simplistic “plus-size” labels. Her portfolio spans major brands—Victoria’s Secret, SKIMS and Fenty Beauty—where she’s championed genuine diversity, not tokenism. Yet Kope warns that industry inclusivity has regressed recently, favoring “smaller curves” over true plus-size representation.
Advocating on Instagram
On her Instagram, Kope celebrated the People feature and doubled down on her message:
“I witnessed so much growth in the industry over the past decade, but in the last couple of months there has been a dip in true plus-size representation. We as a culture have felt this resurgence of thinness in media, but I am so proud to be able to advocate for the curve community. We sure as hell aren’t going anywhere!”
With behind-the-scenes stories on TikTok and a call to “seek out” under-represented models, Kope uses every platform to elevate her #CurveCommunity—and reminds brands that body diversity drives culture forward.
How Kate Kope Transforms Bias into Empowerment
Rather than shrink from uncomfortable moments, Kope seizes them as catalysts for conversation. She celebrates the power of her plus‑size peers—“confident, fashionable, funny, smart, and just the coolest people I know”—who’ve reshaped her own self‑image and challenged brands to diversify their campaigns. As she told People, “Nothing has healed my perception and love of my body more than my community of plus‑size models. If brands aren’t featuring us now, go find us—and demand the spotlight!”
Kate Kope’s fearless advocacy shines a light on why authentic representation matters—and why the curve community is here to stay.
Who Is Kate Kope?
Kate Kope is a 27-year-old “curve model” hailing from Brooklyn, New York. Standing at 5’9″ with measurements of 36–30–42, she’s signed to Jag Models and has walked—and posed—for brands such as Victoria’s Secret, SKIMS, Fenty Beauty, and Hollister.
Her journey began with local shoots and small gigs, but Kope’s candid TikTok video about an awkward Delta-flight comment recently vaulted her into the viral spotlight. On Instagram, she proudly calls herself “fortunate to exist and work as a curve model,” using the handle @katekope to champion plus-size inclusivity. With nearly 40,000 followers on TikTok and a growing YouTube and Pinterest presence, she shares behind-the-scenes stories, fashion shoots, and outspoken calls for genuine curve representation.
Kope uses every platform—from her People magazine feature to her own social channels—to demand that the fashion industry expand beyond tokenism. She rallies her #CurveCommunity, reminding fans and brands alike that authentic plus-size visibility isn’t a trend—it’s long overdue.
Follow Kate on Instagram @katekope and TikTok @kate_kope for updates and behind-the-scenes stories.
WATCH KATE ON YOUTUBE
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