Plus Size Model Mayara Russi Proving Size Doesnt Matter

Brazilian plus size model Mayara Russi is simply stunning!

At a size 22 the beautiful model is one of Brazil's most well known plus size models and face of Kaue Plus Size and signature model for Silvana Leite.

Mayara is a fantastic representation of what a plus-size model should be and proves that clothing can look fantastic on a size 20 + model.

So many U.S. and European companies settle for skinny faux-plus models who look indistinguishable from straight-size girls.

The rest of the worlds fashion industry should take note of Brazil's plus-size movement.

There's no way that any skinny size zero model could make these outfits look half as gorgeous as does this curvy goddess does.

Mayara Russi Facebook

Philomena Kwao - Britain’s first black plus size model

Philomena Kawo, 22 from Dartford Kent is being hailed as Britains first black plus size model after beating thousands of other hopefuls in a nationwide contest run by plus size clothing brand Evans in conjunction with Models 1 and Style369.com.

Philomena was one of five girls to make it through to the final of the plus sized modelling contest and as the winner of the competition, she is now signed with a division of Models 1, a company called Excel-Models1.

With her gorgeous curvy size 16 and striking looks Philomena has already had previous modeling experience as she was crowned Miss Ghana UK in 2008.

Since her win she has starred in numerous fashion features
including a beach-inspired shoot in this month’s Cosmopolitan magazine which is out this month.

Commenting on her recent win she said: “I hope to use this as a platform by which I can hopefully
empower girls and young women like myself. I also want to be a figurehead for young girls today who sometimes may become disillusioned by ‘the glamorous lifestyle’.”

Fiona Ross brand director from style369.com hopes that curvier representatives such as Philomena will help change attitude towards body size. Shelly Vella, fashion director of Cosmopolitan UK said:

“She has an incredible face and body, not to mention a professional and driven personality. She will excel, whatever she decides to do.  Personally I would love to see her front a beauty campaign.”

Plus Size Model Competition 2011

Style369.com in association with Evans have launched their 2011 plus size modelling competition to find a curvy girl size 14 or over the become the UK's next Plus size supermodel.

The lucky winner will receive;

A photo shoot as the new face of Style369.com or feature in Evans Spring 2012 campaign.

£1000 shopping spree with Style369 and Evans.

Consultation with Models1.

Tickets to a Models1 Event.

So if you are a UK resident aged over 16 and a size 14 or above and think you have what it takes to be a Plus sized model then apply now for your chance to win these fabulous prizes.

Enter Plus Size Model Competition Here >>>>>

Italian Vogue Features Plus Size Models

Following other publications such as French Elle, US Glamour or V Magazine, Italian Vogue has dedicated a month to curvaceous women.

Plus size supermodels Candice Huffine, Tara-Lynn and Robyn Lawley feature in a fetish inspired lingerie shoot snapped by photographer Steven Meisel.

The 'Belle Vere' (the cover's title, translating to 'True Beauties') features the models lounging around a baroque-inspired apartment, wearing boudoir-esque ensembles by Alberta Ferretti, Dolce & Gabbana, and Agent Provocateur - all styled by Edward Enninful.

You can see more photos from the shoot on Vogue Curvy website (www.vogue.it/en/vogue-curvy).

Or watch the behind the scenes video of the shoot below;

Tara Lynn stars in new H&M campaign

H&M's last campaign starred ultra-thin supermodel Gisele Bundchen. So it's refreshing to see the fashion chain challenging stereotypes by hiring a plus-size model for their new ads.

Their fashion-conscious collection comes in sizes 16-30 and is also aimed at younger customers

Recognising the growing demand for more fashion conscious designs when it comes to their larger sizes, the High Street chain is hoping to tap into the younger market.

BiB designer Lisa Hajian said: 'This season a more trend conscious collection has been designed to offer customers a wider range of fashion in sizes 16-30'.

'We have gone for a higher fashion content with this collection, which will appeal to younger customers too.'

Changing the shape of things: Tara joins a growing list of plus-size models who are being chosen to star in big-brand campaigns.

Tara Lynn proudly displays her curves in a bathing suit for the latest Big is Beautiful collection.

Plus-Sized Model Targeted by Sick Anti-Plus Size Groups

Stunning plus size model Louise O'Reilly is fast becoming one of Ireland's most in demand catwalk queens, and has even been scooped up by agencies in Milan and Munich, as well as being represented by leading agency Morgan in Dublin.

But the curvy cutie was targeted by 'anti-plus size' groups online, telling her to be "ashamed of herself" for "promoting obesity".

She explained: "I have a Facebook page, which is purely for my model contacts. Then I started to receive e-mails from an anti-plus size group, which I never knew existed".

"The comments weren't nice, and of course they did upset me, and I reported them to Facebook."

However, Louise is rising above the petty attacks, saying that she has received positive feedback from stylists and editors in the homegrown industry, and is looking forward to making her mark on the international scene.

"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger," she said. "It makes you feel like a bigger person in the long run, because you can't help the way some people think. I just feel sorry for them that they have nothing better to do than email me.

"It's just ridiculous and not realistic. At the time it was upsetting, but it's fizzled now. The feedback I've received in Ireland alone has all been so positive."

The blonde beauty will be spending her summer in New York, which has a more lucrative market for plus size models, and is in high demand for work throughout Europe.

The DCU student has now become a role model for women throughout the country, who are struggling with their own body image, and she said that she loves helping women of all sizes increase their confidence.

And she said that women throughout the world regularly contact her to ask for advice.

"That would be really nice, if I could possibly be a role model," she said. "It's nice to know that people can come to me, and know that I'm approachable enough to have a conversation.

"I'd like to make it a more positive shift in line with the American style of thinking, who are overly positive and think curves are brilliant.

"They have all these curvy magazines, and encourage female empowerment of any kind. We are still behind in the plus size modelling world, but hopefully these girls will associate with me until somebody comes along with something new."

New Plus Size Model Teer Wayde

Teer Wayde is a Plus Size fashion model, Pin up and Singer from Melbourne, Australia. Known best for her killer curves Teer has been featured in numerous international publications, websites and campaigns including a recent shoot for Plus size clothing range Simply Be lingerie range.

From Editorial to Pinup, Runway to Studio she has the ability to create herself into many different characters and make amazing imagery.

The size 16 beauty is an alternative model with curves, changing the face and shape of beauty.

Keep a look out for Teer Wayde, a new face of plus size modelling http://www.curvestokill.com/

Plus-size model urging the Fashion and Media Industry to Lead by Example

In addition to employment status, many sources have also linked low self-esteem amongst young people with the coverage of body image in the media. While young men are feeling more pressure to take supplements and 'bulk up', young females are feeling more pressure to count calories and aim for ultra thinness.

A study has shown that 51% of young women in the UK would have surgery to improve their looks. Also 33% of those who are a UK size 12 consider themselves overweight.

Such statistics do not prove surprising when there is said to be an estimated 1.1 million people in the UK living with an eating disorder, with 14-25 year olds being the high-risk group.

Plus-size model Mayowa Anthea Adebiyi has officially launched a campaign to promote youth empowerment on two fronts. She aims to tackle youth unemployment particularly in the Creative and Performing Arts industries, and encourage a healthy self-esteem in young people.

The 22 year old is the Founder & Managing Director of the Social Enterprise called Enpower which works to empower young people (14-30 years) by providing career development and networking opportunities. The organisation focuses on providing guidance for young people pursuing careers in Art & Design, Fashion, Health & Beauty, Journalism, Media, Advertising, Performing Arts and Photography.

Mayowa started as a plus-size model following a pageant entry in 2008. With features in fashion shows and publications including Just as Beautiful Magazine, Mayowa has a good insight as to how the industry works. As a plus-size model of colour she is passionate about challenging society's perception of beauty and promoting diversity and body confidence, particularly amongst young people. The young model was featured on the Channel 4 Documentary Beauty and the Beast: Ugly Face of Prejudice last week. She was part of a fashion show organised by presenter Adam Pearson to demonstrate the need for more diversity on the catwalk.

Through her campaign 'The Lost Youth' Mayowa is calling on the Fashion and Media industry and the Department of Education to pledge their support and raise awareness regarding important youth affairs. She believes the Fashion and Media industry have a major impact on the way youths view themselves and that education should incorporate more topics focussing on body confidence, self-esteem and disabilities into the national curriculum.

'It's only when I look back and think about the way I used to view myself that I realise how highly influenced young people can be. Whether it is from media, friends, family or general pressures a lot of the experiences obtained from childhood can affect the formation of an individual when they are older. By forming Enpower I felt I could give young people a sense of self-worth.'

Mayowa believes that as well as providing a greater scope of career opportunities for young people, the perpetuation of diversity and realistic beauty in the entertainment industry is important in developing a generation of healthy, fulfilled and positive individuals.

With the marginalisation of young people in present day society, she believes that a vouch for youth empowerment is long overdue.

In addition to being a Plus-size model Mayowa has a BSc (Hons) in Biomedical Sciences (Royal Holloway, University of London) and a MSc in virology (Imperial College London). She thus demonstrates first hand that young people can have ambition and make the most of their talents.
Visit Mayowa at her official website www.anthearose.com

Curvy Kate Modelling Competition

Ever fancied your chances at being a curvy model? Are you a D Cup or above?
Apply Now to Become the New Face & Body of a Top Lingerie Brand – Curvy Kate!

Who can enter?

• You must be a D plus with natural curves
• Live in the UK or Ireland
• Be at least 18 years of age can enter.

Curvy Kate is a brand that offers a gorgeous collection of DD – K cup lingerie designed specifically for the fuller bust.

Curvy Kate bras not only support and lift a fuller bust but also compliment those killer curves.

Curvy Kate Modeling Competition

This is how the competition works:
1. You apply on Facebook by filling in your personal details and uploading 3 photos. The last day to apply is 15th Match 2011!
2. A panel of judges will shortlist their favourite 30 girls who will appear on the Curvy Kate Facebook page. The public will then vote on the girl who they’d like to see modelling for the brand.
3. Voting top 10 – closed. The girls chosen by the public will be invited to meet the Curvy Kate team and be professionally photographed at a top London Studio.
4. Professional photoshoot with the finalists.
5. The professional shoot photos will be posted on the Curvy Kate Facebook page and the girls will be put to the Public Vote.
6. Winner announced! The votes have been counted and the official Face and Body of Curvy Kate is announced.

The prizes: as well as being the face of Curvy Kate Lingerie for two seasons, taking part in all advertising and marketing campaigns, you will also receive £500 to spend with top curve loving retailer Simply Yours.

ENTER NOW - www.starinabra.com

Evolve Magazine and Plus Size Model Agency

Evolve Media LTD is a new UK based company that is dedicated to developing products & services that influence higher levels of self esteem throughout the plus size community (size 14 +), through positive imagery and media.

Evolve Media are the only company actively serving this community in the UK through a:

  * Soon to be launched monthly online fashion & lifestyle magazine
  * Inspirational Workshops
  * Fashion Events
  * Plus Size Modelling Agency

They do not believe in advocating women to be large and unhealthy but rather full figured women to: Be Proud… Be You!

Regardless of your size it is all about believing in yourself and loving yourself.

Evolve are currently working on launching a fantastic magazine this summer, the uk’s first fashion and style magazine created for the fuller figured fabulous woman with Mica Paris as their first cover star and you can read their first test issue online at http://www.evolve-magazine.com/

Their Plus size modelling agency is now taking new submissions from experienced and inexperienced plus sized models http://www.evolve-magazine.com/modelling.html

Take a look at their fabulous website for lots of plus size inspiration.

Plus Size Model Tara Lynn

Tara Lynn the curvy breathtaking beauty who has captured the attention of the fashion world is one of the most well known plus size models.

In 2008 she started out doing online advertising for Nordstrom. Since then V Magazine used her in their shoot Curves Ahead in 2010 when they were celebrating 'real' women. She appeared alongside other plus sized models Candice Huffine, Kasia P, Michelle Olson and Marquita Pring.

The girls unashamedly flaunted full thighs, stomach rolls and love handles (things that would normally be airbrushed out on a high fashion magazine) whilst wearing everything from figure-hugging Agent Provocateur bodysuits to cut-out Gucci swimsuits.

In April 2010 issue of French Elle featured Tara Lynn on the cover and in a twenty-page-long editorial, for the magazine's first celebration of women who are 'ronde'.

Tara Lynn is the face of Brazilian lingerie company, Plià for their Shape Wear collection for plus sizes. She has also appeared in Glamour magazine.

Ashley Graham Plus Size Model

Ashley Graham is best known as a lingerie model for the plus size clothing store Lane Bryant. She has also appeared in fashion magazines such as Vogue and Latina.

Ashley has been working as a top plus-size model since she was discovered at age 12 and signed to Ford Models at 15.

Ashley notoriously posed nude with six fellow plus-size models (including Crystal Renn and Kate Dillon) in a Glamour magazine photo that sent the fashion world in a tizzy over the scandalous sight of "naked fat ladies".

In 2010 she appeared on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno to address the controversy over an edited commercial which was banned as being too hot for American TV as Ashley was apparantly 'flashing too much flesh'.

Network execs decided the commercial was too hot for TV saying busty Ashley Graham, reveals too much cleavage.

At a UK size 16 and measureing 36-34-47 Ashley Graham is proof once again that we should all celebrate our curves as big really can be beautiful.

Super size star Velvet D'Amour

Velvet D'Amour is primarily a fashion photographer but she is most well known for her appearance as a plus-size model in Jean-Paul Gaultier and John Galliano spring collections in 2006 where she walked the runway weighing approximately 21 stone in a size 28.

In response to the skinny model debate, Velvet says;

"The general reason one gets as to why there is not more representation of curvier folks within modern media is that inclusion would be equivalent to acceptance, and acceptance would then equal condoning, which would mean they support alleged ill health.

The odd dichotomy is that whilst people like myself are banned due to the purported notion we will somehow 'promote' being unhealthy, we are besieged with media saturated with imagery of Britney Spears, Nicole Richie, Paris Hilton, Kate Moss and Lindsay Lohan. How these women represent good health is somewhat beyond me."

Velvet also appeared in the title role of Avida, the 2006 French film and was a judge in the Paris edition of Mo'nique's hit reality show Fat Chance, the first beauty pageant for plus sized women.

Velvet is currently appearing in La Ferme Célébrités en Afrique - a French reality TV show similar to I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here.

Lorraines Curvy Supermodel Search on GMTV

Vote now to decide who will be crowned the winner on Lorraine's Curvy Supermodel search. The plus size model chosen will win the amazing prize of a year’s contract with 12+ UK Model Management agency.

All entrants are at least a UK size 12 and 5ft 8ins tall. Thousands applied to take part and expert panel Mark Heyes, Sarah Watkinson, and Ali Hall have picked the final three.

Take a look at the hopefuls and place your vote for your favourite Plus size model.

Vote for the winner of Lorraine's curvy supermodel search

Plus Size Model Liis Windischmann

Plus sized model Liis Windischmann has been at the forefront of the fashion world for over a decade. She is represented by Ford Models, and works in all aspects of modelling. Her career includes both print, runway and television.
The 5'10" brunette signed with Plus Figures, a now-defunct agency that dominated Toronto's very limited plus-size market in the 1990s. Around the time it shuts its doors Ford Models started its own plus division, and Windischmann has been there since.

For Ford and Windischmann the timing couldn't have been better. Only a couple years earlier Mode magazine began publishing in the U.S. Although it only lasted a few years, the magazine's impact was great and its message was clear: women with curves are beautiful.

Liis has enjoyed a long, successful career as a top model. She has starred in numerous worldwide print campaigns for retailers such as Talbot’s, Eddie Bauer, Laura Plus, Reitmans and Addition-Elle as well as being the face of Laura Plus and Reitmans for several years.

She is advocating size acceptance, and strives to bridge the gap between the "straight size" and the "curvy" fashion world with her projects Walk the Catwalk and The Fenomenal Calendar, a creative project that would celebrate curvaceous beauty.

The Fenomenal Calendar

 

Plus size super model Johanna Dray

Johanna Dray is a plus size French model and fashion designer who notably appeared in John Galliano’s Spring 2006 "Everybody is Beautiful" Spring 2006 presentation, wearing what turned out to be Galliano’s best-selling dress of the show.

Dray went on to launch her own plus-size clothing line named Tend@nces en clair par Johanna Dray.

Dray has appeared in editorials for French Vogue, French Elle and Gala magazine. She has worked with some of Europe’s leading photographers such as Nick Knight and Steve Hiatt, and with European clients such as Marina Rinaldi and Giani Forte.

At a UK size 20 Dray proves that big really can be beautiful.