Organisers said it was the first time such an event had been part of a major Australian fashion week.

To cheers from the crowd, models in sizes 14 to 18 – including New York-based beauty Elizabeth Green and former Biggest Loser winner Fiona Faulkiner – took part in the high-energy parade for plus-size retailer City Chic.

• Pics: Plus-size stunners on parade
• Pics: Jen Hawkins on the catwalk

On show were plenty of races-worthy strapless cocktail dresses and an edgier rock chick look that included studded tank tops and stretch mini-skirts.

City Chic general manager Phil Ryan said: “We try to showcase that size 14-plus girls in Australia can have the latest fashion in the world, to wear anywhere.”

City Chic made a point of not dictating what it thought was suitable for its 18 to 28-year-old target market, who he said tended to go for mini-skirts.

“We put it in our stores and let the girl make that decision,” he said, adding: “It’s funny, if we do a skirt to the knee it doesn’t sell.”

He said the hardest part of the parade had been finding models, with plus-size agency BGM even holding a special open casting.

Streetwear label Ed Hardy showed off its new plus sizes for women.

The tattoo-inspired favourite worn by the likes of Madonna and Mick Gatto will put the range into City Chic stores next month.

Meanwhile, cricket WAG and model Lara Bingle helped launch swimwear giant Speedo’s first range of underwear in Sydney .