Curve, plus-size or size-inclusive?

Whether they’re called curve models, plus-size models or size-inclusive models, this segment of the population deserves to be stylish and have access to collections just like other sizes do. As for which size is defined as plus-size, many companies do their take.

There’s been great strides in this part of the industry and out of all the fashion weeks, London has taken the top spot on the leader board where it’s been the most embracing towards size inclusivity. Okay, we know it’s not much but in this capital, 7% of models slaying the runway were plus-size or mid-size. Rather than looking at the percentage being minuscule, we’re focusing on the positives as is the body positivity revolution.

Brands taking plus-size to new heights

Yes, there’s still a long way to go on this journey of recognition and embracement but we’re travelling through already. Thanks to high street, premium and luxury fashion powerhouses such as Next, Karen Millen and Erdem, the footprints have already been embedded.

Vintage-inspired British womenswear brand Rixo drops new collections every month and has an “extended sizing” section dedicated to all sizes up to UK size 26.

Universal Standard (US) is another brand harnessing size inclusivity throughout their collections with staple fashion statements and a brilliant ethos of bringing fashion to everyone.

Fun fact: US collabed with Erdem in 2021 and a year before, published a children’s book titled What Would Fashion Look Like if it Included All of Us? to break down stereotypes and bring us all closer to clothing that suits our bodies.

Models Direct’s outlook

Over thirty years later, our philosophy has stayed the same – we embrace everyone, and we mean it – ev-er-y-one! This means whatever dress size you are, you’ll be in our MD books without any issue. We’re proud to support the body positivity movement and changes in the fashion and modelling world that are inclusive for all.

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Models Direct is all about embracing everyone. We work on not just making waves but tsunamis in our modelling world because the fact is, we want to make a positive long lasting difference.

We come in all shapes and sizes from different parts of the world, with different cultures, traditions, and languages. We don’t fit into a one-size-fits-all category, we’re unique and fascinating. Why should the modelling industry constrict beautiful characteristics and features so that models conform? This is where we want to inject that positivity and change.

Models Direct is extremely proud that we have been part of breaking the modelling barriers since we first set up our agency thirty years back. Plus size modelling is a tremendous asset to our business and we’ve been part of the revolutionary even before it was a thing.

As part of our FAQ hub we are presenting four of the most common questions we are often asked revolving this niche. We hope that you find this helpful, and if you have any further questions, our MD team are always happy to answer. Let’s go!

How do you get to be a plus size model?

If you’re interested in entering this industry, it doesn’t have to be a challenge or out of your league. You’ll need a reputable agency who can support your vision, goals and aspirations. Who can you turn to? Models Direct, that’s who! We’re here and we can help you break into the industry no matter what your age is, your size, and even your level of experience.

How much do plus size models make?

Great question! Plus size models can earn a good amount of money depending on who they are working with, the duration and the location of the project. Some assignments might mean a couple of hours worth of work for under £100 whilst others could mean a large sum of money going into the thousands! Head on over to our page which displays how much our Models Direct models have earned to see for yourself.

Is it hard to be a plus size model?

With everything in life, you have to work hard to achieve a goal. In this case, if your goal is to be a plus size model then you have to invest time in creating your portfolio and following up with assignments. If you’re with the right agency that values you and wants to put you forward whenever a client requests for your look, then this reduces the level of difficulty in becoming a successful model of this growing niche.

Can you be a model if you’re overweight?

This question was one we contemplated on whether to include in our list of FAQs but because it’s been asked so so many times, we only think it’s right to answer it.

Having a plus size division in the modelling industry means that people of all shapes and sizes are being embraced for who they are and not what they should look like. If your dress size is above 14 then you’ll fall within this niche where you’ll find work because clients are frequently calling for fuller, voluptuous models. Times have changed and clients are following the trends and where the movement of ideas and thoughts are flowing. We’re not leaving plus size modelling behind, we’re pushing it forward so if you’re interested in joining us, reach out and we’ll connect with you.

And what better way of doing so than becoming a plus size model?

Body positivity is increasing among both male and female models – here at Models Direct we are passionate and proactive in promoting it and providing plus size models to our clients.

We take pleasure in representing men and women as they really are and want all our models to revel in their differences….

It’s been a long year already and, with lockdowns and periods of quarantine or self-isolation, many of us may well have gained a few pounds here and there.

Winter is also looming – a season where we don’t always get out and about as much as usual and perhaps also start to worry about being a little curvier.

But with more and more plus size models being called upon to feature in all sorts of advertising, this could be just the moment to stop worrying about your size and to put yourself forward just as you are.

Indeed, embracing your shape, feeling comfortable with your body and loving yourself for yourself is very much of the moment and there are so many role models out there to take a lead from.

Check out the likes of Tess Holliday and Jada Sezer, who have made a name for themselves in plus size modelling, and also taken the internet by a storm as social media influencers and heavy promoters of body confidence.

Then there are the many stunning plus size female actors who currently grace our screens, such as Queen Latifah, Melissa McCarthy and Rebel Wilson to name just a few.

Sensational plus size superstars with bags of confidence can also be found behind the mike – take your lead from curvy singers like Beth Ditto and Lizzo and be proud of who you are.

At Models Direct, our own plus size models are booked for an array of assignments, from swimwear to casual wear, and many have made a fabulous career from it.

Find out more about plus size modelling through Models Direct before deciding whether to give it a go yourself.

And, whatever you end up doing, be confident in your body and enjoy being who you really are.

With the modelling industry evolving it’s refreshing to see that curvier models are now featuring on the covers of International magazines and it seems the hour glass figure really sells – curves are being celebrated by big brands around the world!

The plus size clothing market is approximately worth £4.7 million and brands are extending their sizing range daily, it makes sense that big name brands are now including plus size models, (size 12 and above is considered plus size, so that’s the majority of women!), in their advertising campaigns. It is a sure sign that the industry is taking note that diversity is needed and Models Direct are delighted to be able to represent many of these models.

#Realgirl, #Honouryourcurves, #Bodypositive #Loveyourself………

Models Direct is a commercial modelling and talent agency, therefore we have a more varied demand from our clients for the types of models and talent we represent and have done since the agency was created, this is why ‘size’ is not a consideration for us!

For a long time, women (and men!) have been influenced by the stereotypical body type we have been exposed to in the media and in the fashion industry, but a very small percentage of us fit that mould – hardly any of us! Therefore you could argue it is not relatable to the consumer, creating a relatable marketing campaign is key when selling a product.

Models Direct have always represented plus size models, though ‘plus size’ is not a term we like to use, they are beautiful and often very talented. The average female in the UK is a size 16, so a plus size model can vary from a size 12 upwards, simply depends on the the type of modelling they are being considered for.

If you are interested in modelling, have a unique look and are 12 size or above then please visit www.modelsdirect.com.

Body Positivity is a huge subject in the media at the moment and the drive for more diversity in the fashion and modelling world is becoming more and more apparent!

Models Direct is a commercial modelling and talent agency, therefore we have a more varied demand from our clients for the types of models and talent we represent and have done since the agency was created.

So many women (and men!) are influenced by the stereotypical body type we are exposed to on social media and in the fashion industry, but a very small percentage of us fit that mould – hardly any of us. Therefore you could argue it is not relateable to the consumer, but it is how designers and directors want their garments or products to be promoted, although things are changing!

On social media the #bodypositive movement is huge and is growing all the time, with models and major influencers such as @Felicityhayward, @kaisasparkle and many others championing the need for a wider diversity of model sizes in the modelling industry, it is very refreshing!

Models Direct are proud to represent plus size models, though they are not really plus size, they are normal and very beautiful and talented. The average female in the UK is a size 16, so a plus size model can vary from a size 12 to a size 24, simply depends on the the type of modelling they are being considered for.

Models Direct are delighted to be able to represent models of all sizes, such as:

It’s not just women plus size models that are attracting the limelight, plus size male models are also in demand for all sorts of modelling work from clothing ranges to TV advertising roles. Plus size male models are required for magazines, catalogues and other modelling work so if you would like to try male modelling but felt you were not the perfect ‘male model’ size give us a call.

If you would you like more information about plus size modelling for men or women simply click here to find out how you can become a plus size model with Models Direct.

People may be surprised, but the average size  for females in the UK is size 16, do we feel the ‘majority’ are being represented successfully in the fashion world??

Catwalks and fashion designers have always had an  obsession with size 0 models, however recently this  unrealistic  reflection of  woman has come under attack as a large percentage of UK woman feel  that High St brands are ignoring their shape  by using images that don’t  portray the average woman.

The ‘New Face’ team at Models Direct are speaking with woman every single day who have  concerns or questions about their shape and size and how they will fit into the modelling world. Of course at Models Direct we mainly  represent Commercial Models  and talent, so the requirements on body shape and size is not the same as Fashion Models – however we do represent some amazing plus size fashion models  who have worked with clients such as River Island, Matalan, Debenhams and Asos.

There is a big message out there at the moment asking for more diversity on the catwalks;  Models Direct were excited to see SimplyBe   celebrate the eve of London Fashion Week with  the a size inclusive fashion show, including model Tess Holliday, Hayley Hasselhoff and Blogger Callie Thorpe, ranging from size 10 to size 26.

The Assignments team at Models Direct receive more and more enquiries for plus size models  – The plus size industry is the fastest growing industry at the moment!