Plus size modelling is a contentious subject in the media, with brands being slammed for using plus size models in their marketing campaigns and consequently then promoting an unhealthy lifestyle or brands using size 6-8 models and therefore not appealing to the majority – so how can these fashion houses get it right??

Models Direct is the UK’s number one commercial modelling and talent agency. We have a more varied demand from our clients for the types of models and talent we represent and have done since 1990 when the agency was created, this is why ‘size’ is literally just a number for us!

With big name high street brands like ASOS, BooHoo, River Island and Marks & Spencer using plus size models to promote their clothes the demand for plus size models is big.  Now you can use your size to your advantage which wasn’t the case historically in the modelling industry.

Brands pay big money with us for the right plus size model to promote their garments. Some of the top curve models are able to earn up to £20,000 per day!

Models Direct has always represented plus-size models. Average female in the UK is a size 16, so a plus size model can vary from a size 12 upwards. Recently Models Direct has seen a rise in demand for models size 16 and above.

Here’s Lisa she had this to say:

“I just wanted to say such a huge thank you to Models Direct!! “

“I went on my first photo shoot 2 years ago because I was struggling with body confidence, ( I had a breast reduction planned and a huge weight loss dream) the reduction I had but the weight loss didn’t happen as I became quite poorly. I never planned to sign up to a model agency, it was just to help me feel better and it really did. So in all honesty I half heartedly filled out my account and never looked at it again and my photos I kept hidden behind my sofa never to be seen by anyone ! It’s really funny because over Xmas we were moving furniture my mum and sisters found the folder and we all sat there laughing at them at how huge I looked ! I was mortified by them and embarrassed . When you called me I literally thought it was a joke! I thought maybe it’s an open audition and it’s what the agency do before your account runs out – I hadn’t even thought for one second my account was really live. I spent the morning of the casting writing a blog about self confidence and used the experience as a challenge about facing demons head on, it took me right back to my dancing days (which is another lifetime ago!) when I was always told great dancer but you won’t fit in the costume at all my auditions soul destroying as back then I was only a size 10 but just had these huge boobs that made me look a 16+ To have you call me yesterday with the great news was mind blowing, I’m literally blown away it was so unexpected and I’m so over the moon to just have had that phone call, it was so unexpected ! Fingers crossed for Monday it will either be something to scream about or write about either way I’m happy with both options Thank you again for taking the time to call me on your day off it was really appreciated – Lisa x ”      

Model Neri gives her feedback on working with Models Direct:

” I was a Care Worker. My degrees are in  Performance and Writing, but I never thought in a billion years, that I may actually use them. When I made the decision that perhaps I could become a plus size model, most people would dismiss the very notion. But it was like I woke up one morning and decided that I could show off my size 20 skills, just as well as those size 10 ladies. After about 10 minutes on Google, I didn’t stop to consider if I should apply, I just did it. I’ve always known I looked different, but Models Direct was the first one to see it as a potential selling point. Who knew my first assignment would end up being my regular income!

This journey has been amazing so far, with my agent Molly having my back the whole time and encouraging my curvy self to push forward. I never thought that being hairier than the average woman, would have landed me such an awesome role. Whatever happens, taking a chance on myself, was the best thing I did and Models Direct taking a chance on me, has been life changing.” 

To find out more about plus size modelling click here.

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.

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!

The team here at Models Direct are really excited about London Plus Size Fashion Weekend which takes place on 15th and 16th February 2013 – running in parallel with London Fashion week.

This will be the first official plus size fashion weekend in the UK and will be held in the glamorous Shoreditch. This is great news for plus size models who want to be up to date with the latest fashion and get inspiration from some of the top plus size fashion designers and retailers all in one place!

The event is foundered by Remi Ray, owner of the blog trapped in a skinny world,  and a former student that struggled to be accepted into that fashion world because of her look not being socially accepted. She now designing her own capsule collection and contributing to various other projects that can help other plus-size women to be comfortable in their own skin.

Designers at the event include Simply Be, Syreeta Badu, Live Unlimited London, pauline et Julie, Curvissa and Carolyn de la Drapiere.

Models Direct represent real models of all shapes and sizes so it is great to see that voluptuous women now have a fashion weekend dedicated to them!