Why Is A Size 6 Model Considered Plus Size Today? In a world that considers a size 4-6 plus size its no wonder that women in the 21st century have a distorted view of thier bodies. To shed more light on this issue Plus Model Magazine editor Maddy Jones was part of a segment featured on World News Tonight. During the segment the reporter talked with Supermodel Beverly Johnson who was a size 4 at the height of her career and would be considered plus size today.

My problem is not with the nudity of the photos but with the nightmarish world that has been created by the mainstream fashion community telling ladies that being a zero through extreme dieting and drugs is something to strive towards.

Reading the statistics on Plus Model Magazine blog did not shock me but it did bring to mind that we are still in a dark place when ladies feel that to look good they should look sickly.

In the January 2012 issue of PLUS Model Magazine, plus-size model Katya Zharkova is featured in an explosive editorial where thought provoking statistics and statements are revealed.

• Twenty years ago the average fashion model weighed 8% less than the average woman. Today, she weighs 23% less.
• Ten years ago plus-size models averaged between size 12 and 18. Today the need for size diversity within the plus-size modeling industry continues to be questioned. The majority of plus-size models on agency boards are between a size 6 and 14, while the customers continue to express their dissatisfaction.
• Most runway models meet the Body Mass Index physical criteria for Anorexia.
• 50% of women wear a size 14 or larger, but most standard clothing outlets cater to sizes 14 or smaller.

If statements, photos, and editorials like those posed by Plus Model Magazine do not make you pause and think about the state of beauty in this country something is the matter.  Size acceptance is one of the foundations of Full Figure Plus.  Seeing the horrible standard that is being set by the fashion industry on the size of models is downright criminal and really upsets me.

I know there are a few people that are offended by images like those above but this type of visual demonstration is needed to show the problem with size in this country.  If ladies are constantly shown images of emaciated women wearing fantastic clothes no matter how many size acceptance programs come down the ramp women will eventually feel they need to look like those smaller models.

Celebrities are not helping. Jennifer Hudson, Mariah Carey, Janet Jackson have all kicked off weightloss campaigns with major companies and I am sure there will be more and more models showcased that look like they need a good meal.  Hats off to Maddy and the entire team of Plus Model Magazine for showing that it is ok to be a size 14 and up.  What are your thoughts?

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion From A Male Perspective

Plus size modeling is on a roll and 2012 is only two days old! Both Evans and Style 369 conducted searches for plus size models to represent the respective brands at the end of last year. With the bad taste of the American Apparel models search behind us we can concentrate on the positive aspects of plus size modeling for the new year.

With more plus models making pages on Twitter and Facebook they are making it easier for modeling agencies to see the plethora of gorgeous plus size ladies out there who are looking to break into the modeling industry.

Why the rush of plus size models, contests, and everything else?  The simple answer is money.  In the clothing industry the plus size niche is one of the few that has seen any type of growth.  The 2012 projections are well over $100 billion in sales for men and women combined.

The other side of the coin but still connected to plus size modeling is with more clothes available there is a bigger demand by ladies to see women who look like them modeling.

Though the industry says that a plus size model is between a size 8-14 there are ladies like Rosie Mercado, Fluvia Lacerda, Allison McGevna, & LaTonya Mann who are showing the critics you can be a size 18 and up and still do fabulous things in the plus size modeling world.

2011 saw many models and agencies come to the limelight.  I predict that there will be a continued surge of plus size models coming out in particular I think that there will be more models who will make it big in the United States instead of just internationally.

Considering my feelings on plus size modeling these are the ladies I feel will make a big impact this year:

Fluvia made a huge splash on the international scene last year.  Lets hope the plus size modeling community in the United States sees the same thing as companies in other countries.

Ashely Graham has filled the vacant spot in the United States for the plus size modeling poster girl.  I wish that the establishment would realize there are hundreds of beautiful ladies out there who can rock it just as hard.

Tara Lynn is the plus size modeling wild card for me.  She looks stunning in all of the shoots I have seen her in but I think that she has not got the attention she so richly deserves.  2012 will be her year.

There are many other ladies who are independent plus size models who are making a splash.  Other ladies sure to make a splash are included in the post My Favorite Faces of 2011 on Curves and Chaos. The underground plus size modeling world is allowing them to get the experience needed to take things to the next level.  Plus size modeling will continue to grow just like the plus size fashion industry.  Who are your favorite plus size models and who do you think will make 2012 the year of the plus size model?

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion From A Male Perspective

Over the years I have been lucky to encounter several up and coming as well as established plus size models such as Crystal Diggs(seen in photo).  As a result I frequently receive emails from ladies who are looking to get into the modeling industry, specifically plus size modeling but are unsure were to start because they don’t live in a major city.

Though I feel personally Plus Model Magazine is the best resource on the Internet for aspiring plus size models today I am going to talk about what to do if your an aspiring model and DON’T live in a big city.

When it comes to modeling, many people have the notion that you either have to live in California or in New York or Toronto. After all, that’s where most of the big modeling agencies are. Granted, if you lived in Los Angeles, California or New York City, you’d probably have an easier time getting into the modeling industry.

But what if you can’t just pack your things and move to California or New York? What then? Up until now, there was very little the “new model” could do.

The following tips will help you get on your way into the plus modeling industry quickly and easily:

Barter for photo services to build your portfolio in the beginning

1. Take Pictures, specifically Head Shots – Keep them simple. Wear neat and clean clothing. Don’t worry about wearing the latest fashion or style. Keep your make up simple in fact, it would be best if you had several pictures of you without any make up. The same goes for hairstyles. Clear your face of any hair so that your face is fully visible. Keep your hair neat, clean and simple. If you can’t afford a professional photographer, then use a basic camera. Make sure you have good lighting.
2. You will need modeling resume – In your resume, include your modeling experience, hobbies, interests, and vital stats such as height, and weight. This is what agencies will review.
3. Research modeling agents and agencies in your area –  You can look this up in your local phone book, public library and online.  FYI: An agent is optional and if you have the look the agencies will find YOU. The good part about working for an agency is it will ensure you get constant work.
4. After sending out your portfolio – Do a follow up phone call or email every 2 weeks. Remember, agencies get hundreds of portfolios sent to them each week. What will get their attention? Make follow up phone calls – lots of them.
5. Use as many communications tools as possible – This includes calling them on the phone, emailing, sending letters through direct mail, and leveraging the web by using sites like Model Mayhem. Social media sites can also be used but make sure you have your personal and business profiles completely separate.
6. Develop your modeling skills – Look for local modeling schools or classes in or near your area. If there are none, then research your public library for books or videos. If you still have no luck, then you can go online to places such as Amazon.com and other booksellers that will have modeling videos and books.
7. Bonus Tip – Stay clear of any model agency telling you that you have to pay money to sign on with them. In general, agencies receive a commission when they find you work.

Update your modeling portfolio at least twice a year to ensure your pictures reflect YOU

Check with local department stores to see when they have in-store fashion shows as a way to get experience in the beginning.  Though my wife does not feel she has a career in modeling she did several shows for Lane Bryant and had a blast.

Just because you live in a small town or away from the big cities, does not mean that you don’t have the opportunity to get into modeling. All it takes is a little more creativity and a little more thought behind your strategies, but you can trust that many successful models have been in your shoes. Like you, these models have succeeded because they did not take “no” for an answer and had some luck.

Avoid posting hundreds of pictures online – Your modeling portfolio should only contain the best of the best shots

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion From A Male Perspective

One of the arguments that has been going on for many moons is the complaint from many plus size women is the companies that cater to them do not use plus size models to promote their products.  Lately, I have seen more companies start to use larger models though it seems to be a hit and miss type and a few models are getting the bulk of the work which needs to change there is progress being made in this area.

The ladies below are not ALL of the plus size models who are showing up in print and on the runway but they are helping the movement of stores starting to use more and more larger models to show off their clothes.  Thanks to resources like Plus Model Magazine for pushing the envelope and helping to demand that companies use larger models.

Teslyn Butler – She was the first face of Full Figured Fashion Week™.  Since she has gone on to model for Wet Seal and a few other publications.  Teslyn is has a connection to Arkansas so you know I support hometown people.

Rosie Mercado – Also the face of Full Figured Fashion Week™ Rosie is amazing as a makeup artist and has been seen in advertising for IGIGI as well as her own endeavours.

Plus size models in the mainstream start and end at a size 10

Robin Lawley – On the international modeling scene were has she not been.  She was also on the cover of Vogue Italia and Elle Magazine.  Tis a shame that most of her work comes from outside the US.

Mia Amber – I first saw Mia in the movie Road Trip then in ads for Monif C Plus Sizes and countless other companies.  From her work on the Ricki Lake show to her “Curvy Girls Rock” campaign she touched many.  Though she is no longer with us her influence on the plus modeling industry is still being felt.

The plus size models featured here range from size 16 – 26

Fluvia Lacerda – When I first saw Fluvia in ads for Monif C I was blown away.  Not only was she amazing in photos be even more fantastic in person.  She has done Brazilian Playboy as well as a ton of modeling gigs in other countries.

Allison McGevna – I knew about Allison and did not realize it.  When she started showing up on the Fashion to Figure website then in the Plus Model Magazine Swimsuit Issue I knew I was witnessing great things in the making!

Ashley Grahmn – Lane Bryant model who brought some controversy to the table when she modeled in the swimsuit commercial that Fox affiliates did not want to air during American Idol.

Plus models are starting to be taken more seriously in print as well as online

There are more plus models making an impact on the industry.  The point of me choosing these ladies is that I have either personally encountered them or I have followed them for at least two years without knowing exactly who they were.

If you don’t know these ladies they are all on Facebook, Twitter, Linkedin and other social outlets.  A Google Image search will show a few more of the campaigns they have worked on.

Whether the industry wants to admit it or not plus size models are here and will be more visible as time goes on and stores like Fashion To Figure, IGIGI, Monif C. Plus Sizes, Anna Scholz and more get it that the plus size consumer appreciates plus size models.

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion From A Male Perspective

Why Is Crystal Renn Still Talked About As A Plus Size Model?  That is a question I have been asking myself for a few months now.  Especially, with the photo shoots she has been doing as of late that have not been with the brands we normally associate with plus size fashion.

Referring to the “plus model formerly known as Crystal Renn” in the context of plus size modeling is in fact taking away from ladies like Ashely Graham, Fluvia Lacerda, the late Mia Amber, and others who ARE plus size models and working very hard if you ask me.

When I saw the new slimmer photo below that very question came to my mind.  I think the reason she is still being talked about is Crystal was thought of as one of the models who brought plus size modeling to the mainstream though Emme and Catherine Barbara Brickner where on the scene literally decades before Crystal Renn started out or wrote her book.

Who is your favorite plus size model?

Do I think what Crystal Renn endured in the early stages of her modeling career was not very positive? Yes.  After reading her book Hungry, you can read my review here, it gave me an inside look at the modeling industry and how it can literally eat a person alive.  I also felt at that time and I feel the same way today that she was a reluctant plus size model and the eating disorder she has will be something that she will have to fight for the rest of her life.  In my humble opinion she looked so much more healthy and happy when she was larger.

Crystal Renn two years ago

Crystal Renn today

Plus Model Magazine is the best resource for any plus size model who is serious

Thinking about it from another point of view though Crystal Renn is no longer considered a plus size model what she is doing is actually good for the plus size modeling industry. By calling her a “former plus size model” it will send people to seek out what is considered a model in this category.  Right now plus size models are all over the place making a big name for themselves and getting exposure.  For example, on Full Figure Plus the “Beauty of the Week” has showcased lots of plus size models but is not meant soley for ladies who what to enter the industry.

I guess I answered my own question about why people are still talking about Crystal Renn as a former plus size model.  Though they are trying to slam her and the plus community the critics are actually shining more light on the industry than ever.  For that I want to thank the critics for helping out.

As a plus size model how do you feel about the whole Crystal Renn conversation?

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion From A Male Perspective

Plus size modeling on Full Figure plus is a bonus of me talking so much about plus size fashion.  As a result there are a few emails that come across my desk in which ladies ask in various ways how to break into the industry.

While I am not an industry insider I have come across more than my fair share of plus models and I can tell you whether you are signed to an agency or independent there are plus size modeling opportunities out there if you look.

The opportunities are out their but they are NOT going to come looking for you.  The traditional modeling industry wants to only let one or two plus models be in the spotlight at any given time so if you want to help break the glass ceiling and show the world what plus size modeling has to offer there are a few secret weapons you need to get started.

The plus size modeling niche is growing by leaps and bounds

• I can’t afford to become a model – This is probably the biggest myth out today.  If you are serious about modeling then you should be able to find agencies and photographers who are willing to work with you in order to break into the world of plus size modeling.
• If I do adult aka nude photos that will help – Unless niche modeling is your thing trying to break into the world of plus size modeling via the adult industry is a mistake.  Also if an agency or photographer asks you to take nude photos so you can make it – run.

Social media has been both a blessing and curse for the plus size modeling industry

• I am to big or small to be a plus size model – Though there is a debate over what size constitutes a plus size model the rule of thumb is anything over a size 12 is what companies in the plus size modeling industry are looking for.  Proportions are more important than your size.  There is some debate that fit models tend to cut off at a size 16 but that’s a debate for another day.
• Barter your services to get photos to build your portfolio - If you have other skills related to plus size modeling trade those services in order to build your portfolio to have something to show when you go to casting calls.
• Limit the number of photos you upload to the Internet – Aspiring plus size models should not have hundreds of photos posted.  If you are serious about a career in plus size modeling then only have the best of the best photos.  Additionally, redo your portfolio if you make drastic changes such as hair or size.

Size 18 and up models have to work harder to make it into the world of plus size modeling

Full Figure Plus - Plus Size Fashion From A Male Perspective