1.) They are not unhealthy,
Insulted for years and bullied by the industry for not being the correct size, plus size does not mean fat. A Plus Size model depends on good health, they are building an image to demonstrate the goodness in curves, not to promote an unhealthy lifestyle. They are aware that as a model, unhealthy food and skipping the gym does nothing for your looks or your business, so best not to risk is for a chocolate biscuit. Just like any other model they have to maintain a certain look, weight and be a constant professional, they are role models so being caught red handed in the drive-thru will not impress clients, agencies or fans.
2.) They are adored by women
2016 has truly been the year of girl power, so it is no wonder women praise the curve community. It offers familiarity, they appreciate their curves and the fact perfection is an unattainable goal that is slowly being pushed out of the fashion industry by the plus size movement. Seeing the likes of
Iskra Lawrence not retouched and bearing all in her Aerie campaign.
Ashley Graham following in the footsteps of Giselle, being the face of H&M sand not for their ‘plus-size’ range ,but for their studio collection; which was a huge step in the curve industry. Women adore plus size models, because it offers a better representation of what being a women is, it makes them feel comfortable when they try those jeans on in the changing room, it makes them feel empowered when they have the chance to have a presence on social media by being involved with the endless campaigns; ‘#celebratemysize, ‘#InShapeMyShape’ ‘#AllWomenProject’ etc.
3.) Big money is not out of the question.
Hailed the year of the curve, it is about time the models began to make the money they deserve. They continuously work as hard any model and they should be taking home money worthy of their effort. Perhaps not Supermodel pay checks however if you find yourself the face of a leading London brand, a role model for a lingerie company and have a booming social presence, the money begins to role in, just look at Ashley Grahams who’s net worth is already charted at $1 million… #kerching
4.) Where there is money, there is rivalry.
Like any job, there is competition and it is no different in the plus size industry. Chatting to curve model
Joby Bach, who has been fortunate to be the face of
Addition Elle and
Le Chateu opens up about the rivalry in curve modelling; “Sadly, I have seen lot of competition between plus models me included, yes I admit, I fell into this trap but this is exactly what society wants from us, to compare ourselves and critize each other and ourselves. However I began to realize that everybody has their own struggles, their own suffering and then Instead of judging, I started to appreciate. I began to appreciate what I saw, appreciate the achievement of others and support them. I stopped being influenced by the media and began to focus on myself. “
5.) They wear padding on set
Model
Rosalie is the pioneer of the #nosizefitsall campaign and this hashtag is definitely true when it comes to fashion either on the high street or designer, let’s face it no size fits all. Industry insiders know all the tricks when it comes to making models looking exceptional and being able to sell the clothes to the target market. One such trick is padding to create the illusion of a perfect proportion; from buts, to shoulders and padding their bras, those in the fashion industry know proportion is key when it comes to selling a product. Take note ladies!
6.) Many plus size models have huge social media platforms
Robyn Lawley, Barbie Ferreira, Nadia Aboulhosn, Isabel Hendrik, Rosie Mercado, Felicity Hayward, Elly Mayday, Joby Bach (Just to name a few). Social media is now used as a platform for many models, introducing the insta-model phase however many curve models use it in order to start campaigns, collaborate with fresh brands and to inspire many young models. At
IMM we represent renowned curve model
Fluvia, the first plus size model to appear in
Vogue magazine she uses social media in order to stay in touch with both her fan base and to be able to travel with other brands; it’s called sponsorship. A client will work with a model, dressing them in their designs and working on style insider pieces, attending events and constantly promoting the company in return in order to get a response and in turn money. Got what it takes? Then stay posted as
Fluvia will be letting us know how to be socially savy!
7.) Are not determined by labels
Described as plus size, or inbetweenie if you have no place to fit in the industry - many models are involved in leading petitions to ban labels and to feel like an actual models. One main campaign is
#bantheplus lead by Australian model Stefania Ferrario, she penned a heartfelt note to her Instagram fans on why she is demanding change; “I am a model FULL STOP. Unfortunately in the modelling industry if you're above a US size 4 you are considered plus size, and so I'm often labelled a 'plus size' model. I do NOT find this empowering. Let's have models of ALL shapes, sizes and ethnicities, and drop the misleading labels. I'm NOT proud to be called 'plus', but I AM proud to be called a 'model', that is my profession!”
8.) Don’t believe in Photoshop
The majority of plus size models are against the Photoshop process; they have worked so hard to finally have a name so why cut out the imperfections so many have grown to love about themselves? 2016 saw the
#allwomenproject campaign rejecting Photoshop to celebrate women of all different shapes and sizes, including individual flaws. Similar to
H&Ms AW16 commercial questioning what ladylike means and the
Pirelli calendar that will continue into 2017. So is it time Photoshop called it a day?
9.) They want their wings,
Following on from
Lane Bryant’s lingerie collection #Plusisequal and lingerie brands that celebrated diversity on the runway, plus size models want to crack the
Victoria Secret Runway. Imagine extravagant wings and the curves to match, rumours of Ashley Graham being part of the show are spreading like wildfire on the internet so is time for VS to collaborate with plus size models, in addition as Victoria Secret hasn’t had the best year perhaps this is the missing ingredient?
Modelling is a difficult job, not anyone can walk off the street with a bit more of a bigger booty and expect to be able to rock it – being a plus size model is in some ways a lot more difficult. You have to be cautious of your angles, know which shapes flatter your figure and still be able to look fierce down the camera and if we learnt anything from America’s Next Top Model, remember your neck and don’t forget to smize!
