PLUS EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Madeline Jones EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Valery Amador EXECUTIVE MARKETING & CREATIVE DIRECTOR Tulin Reid DIGITAL APPLICATION MANAGER Jennene Biggins EXECUTIVE FASH ION DIRECTOR Reah Norman FASHION & STYL E ED ITOR Marie Denee SHOPPING ED ITOR Monique Frausto STAFF PHOTOGRAPHER Luke Jones EAST COAST BEAUTY EDITOR Tar a Taylor
WEST COAST BEAUTY EDITOR Artemis
HOST, PLUS MODE L RADIO Chenese Lewis CELEBRITY CONTRIBUTOR Tia Rudd MODEL DEVEL OPMENT DIRECTOR Tracie Stern COPY EDITOR Shannon Hiett FEATU RES & CONTRIBUTORS Tiffany Bank, Suzette Banzo, Teslyn Butler, Crystal I. Cunning ham Angela Doyle, Deborah Fr ied man, Shante Gordon, Shannon Hiett, Jennifer Jonassen, Lar issa Laurel, Michelle Rene, Danielle You ng, Yve Edmond MARKETING ASSISTANT Chri ssy Alvey INTERN Jamila Har bin PLUSSIZEVIP.COM ASSISTANT DIRECTOR Teslyn Butler PUBLISHER 3G Publishing, Inc.
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c INS IGHT letter fr om the editor reader's react BEAUTY artemis: spring beauty bag tara's march must haves natalie's top beauty favorites get the look FASHION executive fashion director monique's spring accessories report reah 's style f il e: what I love r ight now! haute on the web: sonsi inside boutique larrieux mar ie's fast forward to fall r achel pally and eloquii giveaway winners EDITORIAL I am plus queen grace editoria l interview w ith griselangel paula griselangel paula: flower bomb picture perfect style behind the scenes video ENTERTA INMENT rache l pally interview f it model kelland morrow tells all fash ion passport: plus size edition interview with kather ine, white cedar photography trac ie stern ... now what do I do? spotlight model danielle in the bag: elisa's favorites and the model search w inners are ... PMM AROU ND T OWN coast -to-coast! bare plus mar ika lane bryant
ONLINE plusmodelmag.com fb/@plusmodelmag twitter/@plusmodelmag MARKETING DIRECTOR tulin reid tulin@plusmodelmagazine.com CONTACT admin@plusmodelmagazine.com
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e1ne ones Editor-in-Chief I'm a city girl at heart and so in love with what's in store for Spring! Flowers! Not Little House On The Pra ir ie flowers, but vibrant and bold flower patterns to really make your look pop. In th is issue, our editorial "Flower Bomb" bridges wearable looks with an explosion of f lowers and colors that will leave you breathless. Our cover model, Griselangel, is no stranger to PLUS Model Magazine. You have seen her working w ith Macy's, Forever 21 and Ashley Stewart and this month she tru ly captures the feel of our story. Our model search with Dorothy Combs Models was extremely successful, with over 2,000 entries. Dwindling the list down to 1 6 finalists was difficult, but we are so proud of all of the women who entered. You are all winners in our book, however, unfortunately, only one grand prize w inner could be chosen and we are excited about this announcement. Another highlight is our exclusive Queen Grace editorial with Wilhelmina model, Stephanie Dorr. We love working with Marina Zeiner and her team because they are passionate about the plus size customer and want her to fee l like a "queen" every day.
New to the magazi ne is a feature called "I AM PLUS". This is a project we have been working on since last year; it's very near and dear to my heart. I've been "plus size" as long as I can remember and at different points in my life, my self esteem has been questioned. Going from a size 16/18 to a size 22/24 has been an interesting experience for me. Not only do fashion options change, but the way people react and communicate change as well. In an industry so focused on outer beauty, we forget about how much more important it is to truly accept and love yourself on the inside. "I AM PL US" is a celebr ation of plus size women and our confidence. We are taking PL US SIZE back! Special thanks to Rachel Pally, eloquii by The Limited, and Queen Gr ace. Peace and love, Madeline Jones
We love to hear from you! 'Tell us what you think of the 1nagazine! We would love to know what you 'i\'Ould like to see. Your feedback on all things plus size from fashion, to modeling, to television, or just because, share your voice! Just wanted to say thank you for being a presence in my online life! It's so refreshing to see pictures of beautifu l women who actual ly have curves and a real body! It has truly affected my self-perception, and has helped me to stop being so darn hard on myself! Thank Cover model: Anansa Sims. Tune into OWN in March to watch "Beverly's you! You rock! Keep it coming! Full House " with Anasa Sims and her -Samantha Shucavage Mother Beverly Johnson. I can't wait for the next issue to come out!!! So close yet it seems so far away. Thanks for all the hard work and making an excellent magazine. - Anja McBoomboom I was afraid when I liked this page, that the models would be "high fashion plus" A.K.A size 10 .... But lm happy these are Real plus size women ... love it! - Jennifer Lee OMG i love your mag ! You show that plus models are great models too! - Dorian Merriman-Baddy I love Plus Model Magazine - Dawn Godfrey What a fantastic magazine, I wish there had been something like it when I was younger! - Constance Vogler So I stumbled across your magazine a couple of months ago. I honestly felt better about myself. - Nettie Rivera
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To Hear From You!
Tell us what is on your mind, your feedback and input is important to the team at PLUS Model Magazine. Contact us: info@plusmodelmagazine.com
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by Tulin Reid PLUS Model Magazine's Executive Marketing & Creative Director takes an in-depth look at the online plus size marketplace Sonsi. I am a firm believer that the wave of thee-commer ce future is towards marketplaces like Sonsi and away from individual retail websites. While the plus size woman cr aves more brick and mortar options when it comes to shopping, if there is one thing we have master ed, then it is the art of shopping online. Many of us have shopped other mar ketplaces such as Amazon or Etsy, but what is differ ent at Sonsi?
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According to Jill Hutchison, Director of Sonsi.com, "We chose the name Sonsi because it truly personifies the fu ll -figured woman." The name Sonsi [son-see] is a play on the old Scottish word Sons ie and means strong and hea lthy, curvaceous, and a woman having pleasing curves. It embod ies the mission of Sonsi, which is to celebrate fashion for today's women." Sonsi comes from the same line of retailers such as Lane Bryant, Catherines, and Fashion Bug, however, Sonsi 's biggest appeal is that it offers additional brands and styles from other designers such as SWAK Designs, Sydney's Closet, Monif C. and many more. Ther e ar e many benefits to shopping at Sonsi and Jill Hutchison sums it up beautifully, "Our goal at Sonsi is to offer an experience that allows women to shop fo r their favorite brands in one convenient location while enjoying the conversation and community that comes f r om socializing." The shopping experience is simple, convenient, and the return policies are clearly defined. If you haven't visited Sonsi yet, I highly recommend shopping today!
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t ion because it is nestled between well established women 's clot hing boutiques that all pr imarily stop at a size 12. We wanted to bring a much needed offering and cater to clients over a size 12.
You have a gorgeous store, can you tell me a bit about the inspiration on the atmosphere and design? I have a very minimalist approach, letting t he clothes, jewelry and accessories all speak for themselves. The atmosphere is very inviting, and really is more like shopping w ith a girlfriend that knows all the designers in the shop inside and out. Ad ditionally, we provide per sonal style assessments, shopping appointments, private part ies and workshops.
Which plus size lines do you carry and tell us a bit about your customer. We make a point to carr y a wide variety of ready-to-wear designers. Youll see everything from Lundstrom, to Monif C., to Lafayette 1 4 8 New York. I'm also always on the hunt for new independent designer s. Recently I discover ed Danilo Gabrielli and Astrid land; both are emerg ing designer s that want to expand into the plus size market. Our primary customer is the profession al woman that wants to look fashionable during wor k and play. She is w illing to make an investment in high quality fa brics/design and appreciates a personalized shopping experience.
PLUS Model Magazine March 2012
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by Marie Oenee
I Fashion and Style Editor
pring is on our heels but New York Fashion Week just wrapped for Fall 2012. As the fashion world operates at least one season ahead, we can use this to our advantage - especially as spring is just popping up and some of us have yet to start shopping for our new looks. There are quite a few advantages to this! Fall showing in the spring gives us an idea of what to buy NOW that will translate for and into spring, shows us HOW springs trends translate and evolve, and above all, provides an escape into fashion - imagining, playing, and living in the stories that the designers lay out for us! But, before we go fu ll force into fall, we must first look to these emerg ing trends for fa ll 2012.
Prints Charming Fa ll has shown us a barrage of patterns and prints and one thing is for surethey make a statement! From f loral to graphic inspirations, to brocade and multimedia, fall is sure to wow with attitude. Floral prints are both small and understated and large and graphic. Brocade has returned to the forefront giving us opulent elegance and sophistication. J ill Stuart Fall 2012
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Leather Leather has grown up and found new inspirations. From the midi skirt to delicate infusions, leather has evolved into a chic accent or focal statement piece. Not just for the skirts, leather is done in metallic hues, adorned as shou lder accents, and colored to match ones attitude from black to burgundy and every color in between!
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Fur ..,.. Michael Kors Fall 2012
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Decadent and dramatic, fur has found its way back to the runway. Oversized, tailored, as an accent, or the statement fur for fall has definitely turned heads! Black, cream, gray, and the many hues in between, there is a sophistication and whimsical infusion of fur for fa llboth the real and the faux.
Diane Von Furstenber g Fall 2012 ..,..
Oxblood, Garnet, Crimson, and Burgundy. One thing is for sure, shades of red made its presence known as a trend to stay and to last for the seasons to come. Head to toe, accented, as a color base, these shades of red played to a confident and chic woman who doesnt mind turning heads as evidenced by the multiple interpretations of red hues in the cocktail dresses, accessor ies, and outerwear frocks that danced down the runway.
Fast Forward Fall Trends
Jlfetallics ..,.. Pr abal Gurung Fall 201 2
Fall is the season for evening gowns. drama, and celebration. To help aid in the festivities, metallic has emerged as a go to accent! Metallic gowns, cocktail dresses, pants. and suiting are just a few of the frocks that received the metallic treatment.
There were a few trends that showed its face that were worthy of a mention that are still emerging- although not as prevalent! Collars, hats, thigh high s lits, military influences and harnesses all turned heads, raised eyebrows and had the audience swooning with excitement for fall. For fall, there is defin itely something for each type of woman and these trends will translate itself nicely for the plus s ize woman who is enamored with fashion! Now to see WHO will fashion it for us? That is the question!
IN THE
BLDG Check the PLUS blog this March for Giveaways from our friends at:
- Keri Atkins E liMIT
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Sandra Childress Elizabeth Dalton
You will be contacted shortly, or you may contact by emai l at tu lin@plusmodelmagazine.com
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Visit the PLUS Model Magazine blog and Facebook page daily for details and a cha.n ce to enter to win! *winners announced in April, chosen at random.
photo: Sons i
by Madeline Figeroa Jones Photographer - Inez Lewis ilcreative.com Makeup Artist - Jeanna Sabatino Hair Stylist - Alicia Fajardo Wardrobe Styling - Reah Norman Clothing - Rachel Pally White Label Collection
www.plus-model-mag.com
Social media plays such an important role in the way we communicate these days, but how much do we truly know people? About a year ago I approached my staff about a project we would call I AM PLUS. We knew we wanted to celebrate women and stop the shaming about being called "plus-size". I had a friend of mine question how comfortable I truly was with myself at a size 22 since I was a size 18 for many years. It was then that I had to confront the reality of how important weight is to some people. I live in an industry that is so focused on physical attributes, and seldom cares about who women are deep inside. Celebrating women, at any size and who they are became just as important to me as showing great fashion and plus size models in PMM. "I AM PLUS" is a celebration of plus size women and our confidence. We are taking PLUS SIZE back!
www.plus-model-mag.com
learned to embrace it. A while later I took my "bunny" pictures with Monique Antionette and she was the first person to take my clothes off. I remember thinking in my head, "why does she want me to do this, does she not see how big I am?" I knew inside that I was beautifu l, but I think I just needed someone to see it in me. I was terrified but when I posted the pictu res and received such great feedback, including from PLUS Model Magazine, it became a turning point in my life.
Tell me a little about yourself? My name is Tess Munster. I'm a blogger, model, makeup artist, mother and consider myself an activist for plus size women. What are your thoughts about the term "pl us-size"? I think it's really silly to be offended by this term because if it's something that we are, not embracing the term will not make us any different. I'm not ashamed to be plus size and I embrace my size, and the term. Can you recal l when you became comfortable in your own skin? Moving to L A changed things for me. I was the model on the advertisements for the show HEAVY and when I did the shoot I was embarrassed about my size and had not
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How important is it to surround yourself w ith posit ive people? When I moved to LA I did not have any friends my size and my current friends picked themselves apart for being too big, when they were actually pretty small already. Once I got to know so many beautiful women in the industry and really noticed the fashion options, I knew I wanted to surround myself with this type of influence. Knowing successful and confident plus size women reaffirmed how I was feeling. What is your advice to plus size women that do not have a positive body image? I think you have to take chances, and take risk in fashion and not limit yourself because you wear a double digit. Once you try new things you will see yourself in a different light. I also think that it comes from who you surround yourself with. Find like minded people who will embrace you. tessmunster.tumblr.com Verdi Finn Dress by Rachel Pally, Shoes By BCBG Max Azria, Ean路ings by Rachel Roy, Necklace by Jessica Simpson,Bracelets by Bar III
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How do you fee l about the term PLUS SIZE? I have not seen a lot of scrutiny over the term but I think it's like the word "fat". It's not negative and should not have a negative connotation. If you are plus size, then that's what you are and it should be something you embrace. Do you recall when you becam e comfortable in your own skin? It was a process for me to become comfortable in my own skin. When I was in midd le school, I used to get random instant messages with rude remarks about my weight. I grew up with a family that truly supported me so I feel like you just come to a place where you realize that what people think about you does not matter.
How would you describe yourself? I'm a plus size fash ion blogger at curvygirlchic.com. I love fashion so I would coin myself as a shop-a-holic more than anything. Since you began blogging, have you seen a change in the plus size fashion industry? Since I have been blogging it has definetly improved. There used to be clothing for a certain demographic of women like Lane Bryant. I'm not saying anything bad about them, they just don't cater to a younger customer. In the last few years places like ASOS Curve, Evans and Dorothy Perkins have truly emerged to fill that market. There is still a lot of room for growth; there is nothing wrong with options.
What is your advice to women who ar e not feeling as good about themselves? My suggestion is to know that you control your own happiness. Someone can try and make your life miserable but only you have the power to get passed it. What you do in situations like this is what will determine your future. curvygirlchic.com
Vivid Kit Wrap Dress by Rachel Pally Shoes by Torrid Necklace by Style & Co. for Macy's Bracelet by BCBG Generation
of looking inward, I was looki ng outside of myself and was seeking happiness through others. I found my father when I was 25 and my perspective changed a bit because I had not realized how not knowing who my father was had impacted my personal relationships with men. Coming face to face with this realization finally made me look inside of myself to see who Marie really is and make changes with the relationship I was currently having that was not a healthy one. I had never stood up for me that way, it was a gutsy move on my part I never wanted to rock the boat or speak up for myself because I wanted everyone to like me.
How would you describe yourself? My name is Marie Oenee and I'm a plus size fash ion blogger and I'm also the Fashion Style Editor for PLUS Model Magazine. I've been "big boned" and healthy my entire life. When I started my blog I had just lost my job and I decided I could be a resource in the plus size community. Do you re ca ll when you became comfortable in your own skin? It's been a journey; I had to not allow the things of the past lim it me or define my future. L earning to love myself was interesting because as the oldest child of a sing le mother I was accustomed to looking out to others for validation. Instead of
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What is your advice to women who are not fee ling as good about themselves? Know that you are deserving of happiness and respect When people are negative, turn it around and be strong. Try to find the silver lining in situations and learn to love yourself amidst any negativity. According to society I should have never graduated and wou ld be a young single mother , but instead I completed my stud ies and I'm open to love. thecurvyfashionista.mariede nee.com
Crosshatch Vallory Dress by Rachel Pally Shoes by Michael Antonio Necklace by Sequin Earrings by Jessica Simpson
vision and understanding of who I was. Although, there have been times when I met a lot of opposition from people who did not like the fact that I love myself. During my late teens and college years, I tried to dim my light, so that other s would accept me, but by the time I became an adult I realized that it's better to embrace who you are. and not let other people's insecurities guide the way you fee l about yourself. I love the skin I'm in.
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Was it a process or do you remember 1-< a moment that defined the rest of your <B life? o I remember being a sophomore in high ~ school, and wanting to be a life guard ~ during the summer. I had always been a great swimmer, but was slower because of my weight. I trained for a whole year, .... and when I fina lly passed the test, I fe lt so ~ good. At that moment I realized that my cu body will support me and work w ith me, "'"0""' no matter how big the mountain I have to ~ climb. I love my body and who I am. How would you describe yourself? I am a woman. I am a black woman. I am a plus sized black woman. I am a single, plus sized, black woman, who does comedy for a living and loves to enjoy life to the fullest! (So many titles, so little time) How do you feel about the term PLUS S IZE? I actually do not mind the term at all. Many people have issues with it, but I embrace it ! Everyone has the r ight to define themselves the way they want to. So if you like Plus Size, use it! If not, don't! But just don't judge a book by it's cover!
What is your advice to women who are :: not feeling as good about themselves? ] Strip butt naked in front of a mirror, r./) and stand there and admire your body. :::::: Celebrate what you love, embrace your &:! qu irks and make amends with what you ] hate. But ultimately, you have to love the ~ body that is staring back at you. If you see f laws that you want to change, wor k .n on them. If you see beauty that you want ~ to f launt, do it now! Just get naked! See u you r truth! Uncover all the wonderful Q) ~ things about you, and then give yourself Q) ;:> a big hug! It starts with self love and ~ acceptance .. .then the rest will follow. (;5 t:: 0
Do you recall when you became comfortable in your own skin? For the most part, I've always had a clear
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How would you describe yourself? I'm a musician and I've been one since I was young. I decided in my twenties that I wanted to use music more as an activist to uplift women. How do you fee l about the term PLUS S IZE? Some people love the term fat and are offended when they hear "plus". Other people think the word "fat" is ug ly and that "plus" has a certain grace to it. I'm of the school of thought that it's not really important what name we use as long as we unite behind it. Do you re ca ll when you became comfortable in your own skin? I rarely have epiphinal moments, there is
usually a process. This was the one ar ea where I had a moment. I came across the group The Glamazons through the modeling agency I was working with at the t ime. I was running late to the aud ition, in the end I never made it into the group. Six months later Meryl calls me and said "I need you to come to Webster Hall to sing and I have everything that you need ." So I made my way down there, I had just moved to NY so I had no idea how big this place was. Meryl dressed me in fishnets, jazz heels, black boy shorts and pasties over my nipples. After the transformation she shoved me on stage to sing ! Back stage was t iny but once I was on I realized there was three very packed levels of people looking right at me. I remember having to keep calm enough to get through the song because I was shaking. It was at this moment that I felt like I just had to let go. Let go of everything: let go of how fat I think I am because I did not have the luxury of sucking in my stomach. People embrace me and took pictures of me and my photo was published in Next Magazine. It was in that moment that I became comfortable in my skin.
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What is your advice to women who are not fee ling as good about the mselves? Before that moment I had never been embraced by a group, my mother was always disappointed in me and wanted me to lose weight and get a r ich husband . LOL! This "moment" gave me a support system: and a group of women that surrounded me w ith positivity. I met Laura Johnson through Buddhism and she, along with Meryl played a big role in helping to support that change in me. I believe that it's not until you embrace that solo journey and love yourself that it w il l change your life.
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by shannon hiett 1. What's your favorite meal? Whoever is Dominican and reads this is going to get a good laugh. My favorite food is Mangu w ith fried cheese. Mangu is just smashed boiled pla ntains w ith butter. And it is the yummiest thing you II ever eat!!
2. What do you throw on when you want to feel effortlessly sexy? Black leggings, over the knee boots, and an oversized tank top . You can cal l that my uniform. 3. Choose one: one-piece or bikini? Bikini . I have no issues letting it all show. 4. Choose one: heels or flats? FLATS! If I could get away with wearing flats in a ball gown, I would . 5. What is your # 1 stress reliever? My friends. I have a group of crazy awesome fr iends that never mind stopping what theyre doing to listen to my ramblings and I'm the queen of rambles! 6. How long does your make-up routine take in the morning? About 5 minutes for a regular outing and about 10 if I'm going to a casting.
7. Whats the craziest thing thats happened to you on a booking? I don't know if it's crazy, but one of my most memorable experiences on set was shooting with a scratched cornea. For anyone who has never had a scratched cornea before, it is one of the worst experiences in the world. Your eye is so sensitive to light; youcan 'tevenkeepyoureyeopento look at your phone. That day, I had to spend 8 hours on set in front of the bright photography lights. I remember I would close my eyes in between shots, and would fight the pain every t ime the camera would click. Needless to say, it was one of the hardest things I ever had to do. 8. If you could go anywhere in the world to model, where would you go and why? I would love to go to the Dominican Republic to model. It 's where I am from, and I wou ld love to see Dominican designers embrace the plus size body. It's a message I would love to spread in my country. 9. Choose one: chocolate or fruity candy. Neither. Can I get a cookie instead?? 10. Choose one: wine or water. (Laughs) Is this a trick question?! Wine.
PLU S M odel Magazine M ar ch 201 2
a conversation with
by Tulin Reid Recently, I had the chance to meet the women behind the line, Rachel Pally. I realized very quickly that this energetic and dedicated designer created clothing for ALL women, not just straight size and not just plus. Find out why I believe that Rachel Pally will change the face of designer plus size fashion.
press, that there is something for everybody. I fee l like it is my duty as a woman to make sure that all women should fee l good, why should only five sizes of women fee l good?
What I Jove about you and your line is that you are not afraid of plus, instead you embrace it. When did you get started and how long have you been doing this? I started Rachel Pally in 2002 What was your motivation r ight after college and I behind the Rachel Pally introduced the White Label White Label Collection? In the beginning I was told that Collection (plus size) in 2007. I if I created a plus size line that was pushing for the plus size it would ruin my business and I line and the feedback I was said, "Are you kidding me?" A getting from my sales team was lot of people told me that. We that they didn't have the r ight connections and how were they knew we were not reaching going to be able to get the White everyone. To have a brand Label Collection out there. that claims, along with the
RACHEL SINCE BEEN HAILED AS LA'S "JERSEY GIRL" AND RACHEL PALLY INC. IS SOLD IN OVERSOOSTORES INTERNATIONALLY; INCLUDING BLOOMINGDALES, MACYS, NORDSTROM, REVOLVE CLOTHING AND SHOPBOP.COM. HER DESIGNS ARE A FAVORITE AMONGST HOLLYWOOD'S ELITE, INCLUDING THE LIKES OF ANGELINA JOLIE, SARAH JESSICA PARKER, JENNIFER HUDSON, OPRAH WINFREY, HEIDI KLUM, RACHEL BILSON AND JESSICA ALBA. WHETHER YOU'RE A SIZE 2 OR 22, THE RACHEL PALLY BRAND OFFERS DIVERSITY EACH SEASON WITH CLASSIC SILHOUETTES IN A WIDE RANGE OF COLORS AND PRINTS, RESULTING IN A LINE THAT TRULY STANDS THE TEST OF TIME.
We initia lly launched the White Label Collection with Nordstrom exclusively, as I really wanted to do this line. At the time there wasn't anybody doing contemporary fashion for plus size women. I am not doing plus size fashion I am doing contemporary fashion that accommodates women in a larger size range. The only thing we really change for the White Label Collection is we will take a spaghetti strap and make it bra friendly, or if there is a super deep V we will offer a panel to make it a bit more modest. Not because this is what the consumer wants but because this is what the store wants.
thought, "That dress is ME, and when I touched the fabric I fell even more in love, it was so yummy! What has t he response to the co llection been like at t his point? The initial response to the collection was that creating the White Label Collection was too risky, bad for my business, and image. From the plus size women. I get love letters all the time! I print them out and save them! The women write to me to thank me saying things like, "I am young and I am beautiful and I really just want someth ing to wear that makes me fee l that way!"
I remember the first time I saw your line in Nordstrom about five years ago. It was an off the shoulder dress and I
I was so disappointed by what I saw available with plus size retailers. It was so frumpy, so missy, there wasn't anything
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that was contemporary. Once I saw the t oo r isky. It's great t hat we now have our styles available, I knew t hat I had to creat e own out let at www.rachelpally.com where the Wh it e Label Collection. Seeing what we are selling the plus size clothes that I want t o sell, t hat are differ ent fr om the was actually r eadily available to the plus size w oma n was really a catalyst. depar tment stores. By driving traffic to My size f luctuates, I have fri ends who are our website, we can offer options that are not available anywher e else for w omen all sizes, and t here is no reason why people have t o wear M om jeans. The who want it. I believe t hat they want it! I init ial r esponse f r om the retailers were, don't understand why more designers "I'm not sure, w e will start small." Then the are not br anching out into plus size. init ial r esponse f r om women was "Oh my gosh, t hank you, I want more!" You don't see plus size women as being any different. We are your customer. In There is an old saying that, ustyle is your photography, you always use plus always in fashion, but fashion is not size models to showcase your always in style. " The Rachel Pally line collection. Why is that important to has a very distinct look. You know it you? when you see it, and you know when I t hink t hat if you are going t o ca ll a you see it from another line they clearly collection plus size that you have t o use a knocked off a Rachel Pally. Your line is model that is plus size. And if technically our 1x is a 14-16, you can't use a model very stylish and classic. that is a size 10, it doesn't add up. Our f it You take ufashion risks" when designing model is a 2x. The collection is sized f or a for plus size women, such as plus size woman. So we want to show the sleeveless, single shoulder, strapless, styles on a plus size w oman. W e don't and sexy deep necklines. Can you tell want t o fa ke it from the back with all of me more about that? these clips. Not all plus size women are built the same. Not all plus size women have large chests. The amazing part about your line is Not all plus size women want to hide t heir there is literally a look for everyone. arms or knees. I have customers that When I came out to your VIP event, wear the strapless dress and sometimes there were very skinny girls and then will put something over it. My fit model is a there were girls my size and we all had size 2 x, 26 years old and super sexy who that look that you knew was the uone", offers fantast ic feedback! the whole dressing room knew it because it would get a collective, uahhhhh". uFashion risks" that plus size women don't wear particular things, is It's not just about body type, it is age r ange too. My mot her is petite and 6 2 and complete BS. I am sitting here today wears my line. It is about personal styl e. and /look like a plus size Rachel Pally from my hair, dress, and big earrings My tag line is, "Ther e is something for and I am inspired by your look and we everyone." At my wedding last summer it are clearly different sizes. This is my was amazing. Fifty per cent of the women style, this is me! It's emotional for me ther e were wearin g Rachel Pally, because I can dress in my style at a including my mom's fri ends, my own size 20W versus when I was a size 14. fri ends, and my 90 yea r old grandmother We have only had our own websit e since was wearing Rachel Pally, as well as my last M arch; we can carry a much larger 1 1 year old c ousin and br idesmaids. selection outside of what the retailers sell. Ther e is something, rea lly truly f or everyone. We get to play around beca use it is ours and nobody is telling me no, or t hat it is
Did you find that the feedback from your customers and the data you were gatheringto be very different than what the buyers had to say? Always! Yes! That is what is so great about having my own sample sales. I'm a wholesaler and I am never with the customer. So at the sample sales that is my opportunity to really interact with the customers instead of the buyers. When I park myself in the dressing room that is when I get the best information. I am not just guessing what people want, they tell me. The feedback I get from the women themselves is very different. Your new Rachel Pally White Label Collection for Spring 2012 has a large selection. When I received the photos for the exclusive sneak peak in PLUS Model Magazine, I was thrilled at the volume of choices! We wanted to make sure that each style was shot in each color. Our contemporary line is enormous; there is no reason why we can't keep expanding the style options in the White Label Collection.
What do we have to look forward to as plus size women with your line? I just launched with QVC on the Red Carpet Show (debut on Friday, February 24th)with four maxi dresses XXS to 3x ranging in price from $7 4 to $125. I am so excited to work with this unbelievable company! I will be back in March and April. Thank you Rachel for your time, vision, and passion! Rachel Pally is ava ilable at major fash ion retailers such as Nordstrom. Bloomingdales. and Zappa's. To shop from her complete and extensive collection visit:
www.rac helpally.com and click on the White/ Label Collections for fabulous plus size styles.
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Providing expert instruction to obtain ideal fit for brands such as Forever 21, Gap, Robert Rodriguez Collection, and Bebe; Kelland has gained entry into the belly of the beast of the fashion industry; but at what cost? In the January 2012 issue of PL US Model Magazine, we asked Plus Bodies, What's wrong with them anyways? The article directly confronted and questioned negative response( s) women of size were receiving about larger frames. While bringing a positive light to the plight of fuller figured women, we endeavor to push the envelope of beauty, self-love, style, and resiliency for all. In our interview with Kelland, we will touch on a sensitive topic inspiring you to ask, when is enough, ENOUGH?! At a recent fitting, size six fit model Kelland Morrow was told she was fat as a disgusted face looked at her body. A lthough it shook her to the core; it did not break her. lnadverted ly, it would inspire her to assist in changing the image of what beautiful is. â&#x20AC;˘
Yve: Kelland, will you share you r defi nition of beauty with us? Does your definition have limitations? Kelland: I believe beauty comes f r om ones inner self, when someone fully accepts who t hey ar e, is comfortable in their own skin, is a source of uncondition al love (to them self) and doesn't allow themselves to be affected by other s com ments. Our society is structured to focus on the external, it causes us t o dissect ourselves and be our own worst critic. Once a woman can master her interna l beauty, strength and confidence r adiates from the inside to the outside, and, oh my goodness, what a beautiful sig ht. There is no li mit with this mindset. Yve: Kelland, please tell us a little bit about yourself. Wher e you ar e from/raised? Education, hobbies, and career outside of modeling (if you cou ld be anything). Kelland: I am a valley girl, born and raised in the San Fernando Va lley. I grew up a tomboy and was even mistaken for a little boy when I was nine. Girls screaming at me in the bathroom was a little horrifying at that age (laughs). I went to a small prep school with 73 st udents in my graduating
PLUS Model Magazine March 2012
sen ior class. I went to Montclair on full financial aid and I am very good at sports. I also received a full scholarship to play softball at NYIT. The weat her in NY is too cold for me, I lasted one winter. I finished up my AA degr ee at College of the Canyons and transferred to Cal State University Northridge. I received my BA degree in Sociology w it h emphasis in Criminology. When I was going to CSUN I st umbled across f it modeling, so during the day I wou ld work and take evening courses to complete my degree. I know I don't want to remain a fit model forever, so two years ago, I returned to school. I just graduated from FIDM w ith a pr ofessional designation fashion design degree; I believe t hat is a good start into my futur e, in t he industry, ot her than modeling.
Y: How did you get into fit modeling?
K: I was wor kin g as a recepti onist at the t ime; I had no idea what a f it model was. I, like most people, thoug ht that clothes just appea r ed and fit well like magic. A fri end of mine was a receptionist at a clothing company. When I conf ided in her I wasn't happy at my job she told me I shou ld come in and t ry out as a fit model. Low and be-
hold my body has the perfect proportions and measurements for a size six I size 28 denim f it.
with a disgusted look on their face, one person has even looked at me disgusted and then said why are we fitting on her?
Y: What has been one of your most joyous experiences as a fit model? What has been your most challenging moment as a fit mode l? How do you remain professional in such cases?
During the wedding gown fitting someone stood up in front of ten people and said I don't want anything fit with room on Kel land. At one company I f it for, they would make size four samples and label them as size six; they never bothered to tell me it wasn't my size and when I wou ld put them on, the sausage remarks would fo llow. I never knew about the sizing secret until three years later, it always made me feel like I was this fat revolt ing human being .
K: Recently I just had the pleasure of developing a wedding gown line. I had the privilege of working wit h Rami Kashou from Project Runway and Project Run way All Stars. He is one of the sweetest human beings I've met thus far in the industry. At one c lient I am the fat model. People say rude comments about my arms and stomach all the time and then turn around and are nice and sweet to my face. L uckily, there is a f it expert who has over 20 years of experience constructing dresses and insisted I be the fit model for the wedding gowns. The categories that are fit on me are the best sellers for the com pany. The most challenging moment as a fit model: I have been called a sausage and elephant to name a few. People look at me
The most challenging thing for me is to not interna lize all of this negativity, to know in myself that someone my size is needed so that WOMEN can fit into clothing, so that companies can make millions of dollars by fitting their garments on me, a true size six woman w ith real curves, the way rea l women are bu ilt. How do I remain professional w ith such cases? It has taken years of practice for me to keep my cool. With all the negativity I would go into accounts very defensive, ready to not allow anyone to hurt me that day, PLU S M odel Magazine M ar ch 2 0 1 2
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which was often misinterpreted as being moody. I learned to step aside and let the negative pass over me rather than meet it head on . I am loving and nurturing to myself rather than allowing myself to feed into the mean comments. I have constant inner dialogue with myself and stay con nected. For every rude remark inside think to myself "It's ok, its their own insecurity or it's ok, your handsome, wonder fu l boyfriend thinks your body is amazing"
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Yve: Having been a f it model for nearly a decade, how has your experience been watching the industry change/transform? Kelland: I've honestly been very disappointed with the lack of change. I don't see it. I do see runway models getting skinnier and skinnier. When your article came out ~ith the image of a plus size woman hugging a runway model, it saddened me so much. I wish I could say there has been a big shift, but to me there hasn't. I hope people can come together as one voice and make a change.
Y: We received an email about your desire to help in chang ing the image of what beautiful is? What spurred this, especially for women in the industr y?
K: Well, the average size of women in the USA is a 14, if I'm not mistaken and I am a size six. If I am being made to feel like an elephant. it sickens me to think what wom en must be going through who are larger sizes. I have seen tons of ad campaigns pre-photoshop where three inches of a models stomach is removed or two inches on each side of her thigh. I have seen runway size models that are flat chested given large br easts in photoshop. It's a lie, it's all a lie. And young women are being fed this left and r ight. women see images every day that are false and how can we not feel bad about our own self? 1 PLUS M odel M agazine M arch 2 012
feel these lies perpetuate this vicious cycle of self-loathing, it has to stop!
Y: In fashion, women of your size (size six) have been marketed for PL US consumers. What are your thoughts on the message this sends to women your size and for women who are actually plus size (1 2 +)? How can we change the tide?
K: I feel like the only way we w ill see a shift and change is if women take a stand and say, enough with the photoshop. I feel like celebrities should insist on not being photoshopped a size or two down, or have their legs extended three inches. It has to stop with the mass marketing. Let's get real. The images we see every day need to stop being altered, I feel like that would be a step in the right direction. I fe el that people would realize they aren't that different at all and they are most certa inly not alone.
Y: What do you feel about the images marketed for websites and catalogs? Meaning: Some plus brands f itting on a size 18 model but using a size 6/8 model for the website. Some missy brands f itting garments on a size s ix model but using a size 0/2 model for the website.
K: Time and time again customer feedback is, but it didn't look like this on the model. Again it goes back to real representation. Yve: Please give us one statement to describe you? Kelland : Real Curves Ahead.
by Shannon Hiett From photo journaling car accidents and performing nightclub critiques to securing campaigns with Wrangler Jeans and pioneering a bullying awareness campaign entitled, "I',VE BEEN BULLIED;' photographer Cat herine Oshanek is ever evolving and inviting everyone on her journey. Join PLUS Model Magazine as we enter eat's world and she speaks honestly and candidly about being bullied as a teenager and pushing through it, only to end up on top of her game. I am certainly inspired by eat's courageous battle for bully awareness, enough so, that I would like to join her battle and become a part of her campaign. I'm hoping she,// allow me to hang on for the ride.
Shannon: Catherine, thank you so much for taking the time to speak w ith PL US Model Magazine. We are so excited to feature you in our March 2012 Issue. Accor ding to your website, you 've been a photographer for nine years now. How did you get into photography and where did you come up with the name, White Cedar? Cat: I originally got into photography when I decided to get into journa lism. I was always into art. but also loved to write. So I went to college, majored in print med ia and minored in photo journalism. I have a learning disability that makes it hard for me to read and spell, so I was instantly drawn to photography. In the beginning of my career, I was a re porter and photojournalist for a major newspaper, shooting everyth ing from dying people in car accidents to reviewing
concerts. I decided to create White Cedar early on during this t ime as a creative outlet on the side. The name White Cedar actually came from when I was a teenager in high school. I grew up wanting to be like Martha Stewart. so I dreamed of owning my own bed and breakfast. All of my fr iends and fam ily knew about the dream and I even began collecting items fo r it, such as tea sets and pa intings. One day, when I was about 16 or 17 years old, my best friend and I were doing a project in math class and had to come up with a name for the assignment. So we opened up the dictionar y, closed our eyes and pointed. And there were the words White Cedar, which is a coniferous tree indigenous to Eastern Canada and the Un ited States. At that point I knew I wanted the name of my B&B to be t he White Ceda r Inn.
PLUS Model Magazine March 2012
uJli ~ Of course as I got older, the dream changed and became White Cedar Photography. Over the years, I contemplated changing it to just my own name, but White Cedar has become a brand and I am proud of where it is going. I have been shooting for almost four years as White Cedar fu ll t ime now, fo cusing mostly on fash ion, commercial and ce lebrity photograp hy. Shannon: I notice that in your biography on your website, you mention that you were once a nightclub critic. That must have made for some interesting nights. What's the cra ziest thing youve seen at a nightc lub? Cat (Laughs) Yes, working as a nightclub critic was definitely an interesting time. I had my own two -page spread column in a major newspaper for two years and had a few hundred thousand people read the column each week. I think what I enjoyed the most was that I was able to get into wh ichever club I wanted: all of the owners were beyond sweet to me and made sure my nights were very firstclass. As far as the craziest thing I have seen in a nightclub goes, it would probably have to be when I had drugs slipped in my drink. I have always been extremely professional in my careers, and reviewing clubs was no different. I never drank more than a couple of drinks (if that) and one night I had someone drug a drink I had. I ended up waking up on the bathroom f loor in a different club from where I began. It was a very scary situation and I was sick for about a week afterwards. Thankfully, nothing physically happened to me, but it definitely opened my eyes to the dangers of the nightclub world .
Catherine Oshanek
S: I see among your impressive c lient listing, you have wor ked with Emma Meyer, Tiffany Bank from Big Sexy and Kasia Pilewicz from America's Next Top Model. Being a curvy girl yourself, do you prefer shooting plus size women and do you have to keep different angles and light ing in mind when shooting plus versus straight? C: I love shooting great models . I don't care what size they are, if they are a size two or a 22, as long as they can bring it during the shoot. As a photographer you get inspired by your model, if they are dull and lifeless you get bored ve ry quickly. Emma , Tiffany and Kasia are all amazing models and definitely kept me on my toes while shooting them. I don't r eally shoot plus sized women much differently from how I shoot th inner girls. I think we shou ld showcase their curves and even their rolls if they have them: its just a matter of convincing the model to accept that about themselves. S: Where are you based out of and do you provide testing services for models? C: I am based in Ca lgary, Alberta Canada, but I do travel as much as I can to different cities ac r oss my cou ntry and to the United States. I do definitely provide test services and love working on model development. S: You edit and photoshop you r own photos. Do you do this because you prefer to have control over the finished product? Or does the client dictate how much photoshop shou ld be used? C: I love editing my own photos . I just believe that they aren't done until I have put some fi nal White Ceda r touches on them. When I first started off in photography, obviously I wasn't able to ed it because I was a journalist, and truth be told, I was actu-
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ally extremely against editing. But then I worked in the movie industry and for about three years I helped develop the process of converting a movie from 2D to 3D. This experience opened my eyes to the art of photoshop. I loved that I cou ld manipulate things; mostly because I was too broke to purchase the camera equipment to give the effect in the f irst place. Now my clients come to me because of my ability to make a photo look a certain way. When it comes to ed iting a client's body though, I typically keep the editing to a minimum and it isn't until that client asks me to smooth out their skin more, or ta ke off inches, or give them bigger boobs, that I will actually do it. And many times I try to convince them that they look just perfect the way they are before distorting their bodies .
ti-bullying campaign as it is more a bu lly awareness campaign and support group. I want to really focus on the posit ive and help inspire and hea l those w ho ar e cur rently being or have been bullied.
S: I love the uniformity in the anti-bullying shots, all done with the same lighting and white tee-shirts . How did you come up with the idea of the black eye?
C: Honestly, I don't even know where the idea really came from . I just decided to setup my tripod and take my own self portrait to test it out. I started playing in photoshop and next thing I knew the photo look was branded.
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S: Tell me about your anti-bullying cam paign: I'VE BEEN BULLIED that has caught tremendous fire on Facebook. How did it get started?
C: I began I'VE BEEN BULLIED back in December of last year. Last summer after visiting Tiffany Bank for the lau nch of her show Big Sexy, I was inspired by all of the amazing plus s ized women around me that week and decided to try and speak at schools when I got back to Canada. But the process of getting onto a preexisting campaign seemed to be taking forever, so one night I decided to push myself to start a viral photo campaign on my own. I grew-up being made fun of for being fat and stupid and I was able to overcome it. I wanted to focus on others who were also creating a positive life for themselves after a ch ild hood of bu llying. So far, I have showcased award win ning actresses, comedians, billionaires, teachers. parents, children, authors, etc. And in the past month, I have begun speaking at schools and youth groups. I don't really wa nt to call it an anPLUS Model Magazine March 2012
I have also worked in PR and marketing over the years and am lucky to know about shock value. I wanted the photos to really speak to those who viewed them. And including the bully word was not only a way to create a stir, but also allow those who pose to stand up against a word that has affected them throughout their lives.
S: How do you fee l about how plus size women are portrayed in today's media? Does it bother you as a curvy girl to see women who are size six/eight modeling for plus size brands that ma rket to sizes 14 and above?
C: To be totally honest, I don't really pay much attention to it. Although I am a full time fashion photographer I have never re ally spent too much energy v iewing ads for myself. When I pick up a magazine, I look at the ads for their lighting, ang les, artist cre ations, make-up etc . Living in Canada is a lot different from the states as well in that sense. We aren't as
uJU ~ Catherin e Oshanek med ia driven as our Southern relatives and our billboards for plus sized cloth ing stores showcase a woman who is about a size 1 6 . Although I am definitely a plus sized girl myself, I never put much effort into t rying to be li ke those in the magazines or on TV. Don't get me wrong though, I definitely be lieve that in the cases where they are using models that can 't even wear the clothes for the ads, they should stop with the false advertising . As far as plus sized women on TV are concerned, I honestly cried when Big Sexy launched on TLC. It was amazing to see bigger girls portrayed in a positive way and not on a show about weight loss. I
would definitely like to see more of those programs in the near future. Shannon: What are your hopes as far as results go for the I'VE BEEN BUL LIED campaign? Have viewers r eached out to you who have been affected by what they see and read in the campaign? Cat Oh yes, I have had people from literally around the world write me. Everywhere from Germany and Australia to Japan and Ind ia. The campaign was even talked about in a newspaper in F rance recently. I honestly can't believe how qu ickly it has spread in such a short period of t ime. I am speaking with media about it almost daily at t his point and am taking as many bu lly photos as I can possibly do in my spare t ime. My hopes are to rea lly inspire children and adu lts to stand up for themselves and push themselves to do great things. To announce that they are NOT defined by a M odel: Kas ia
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Catherine Oshanek
negative word and that they are capable of becoming their own role models. I have begun speaking at women's groups and schools and am so overwhelmed with how many people I am able to touch with my own story and with these photographs.
S: What can we expect to see from you next, Cat? Where can we look for your work in the future?
C: Honestly I dont plan too much of my fu ture. I found out qu ickly in this industry to never expect things and to just go with the f low. For the next three or four months, I am just focus ing on trave ling with the I'VE BEEN BULLIED campaign to speak at schools around Canada and shoot bully photos for all who want to pose. At this point I am run ning the campaign from my own pocket and t ime, so if I am able to get fund ing, I hope to bring the message down to the States and perhaps Europe. This coming Ju ly I hope to work on some big ad campaigns for my city's upcoming Stampede. (Calgary was named in the top f ive places to visit in the world this year by CNNJ I always say my passion is success, so hopefully I w ill just continue being successful in the future and inspire others to be the best they can be.
PLUS Model Magazine March 2012
Find out more about this amazing photographer and bully awareness campaigner at the following:
www.ivebeenbull ied.ca http://whitecedar.carbonmade.com/
PL US Model Magazine March 2012
by Tracie Stern Model Development Director You've done your homework. You've followed my guidelines on submitting to agencies and you have finally received a response: "We love your look and would like to represent you." These are the words every aspiring model is waiting to hear. Now that opportunity is knocking, what is your next step? Once a n agency reaches out a nd says t hey like you, unless you are al r eady sta nd ing in fro nt of them, they wil l request a meeti ng face -to-face . This is so that t hey can verify that you do indeed loo k like your photos and to address any issues like acne, scars, body shape, etc . that didn't come t hroug h in the pictures. They wil l also most likely take d ig ital p hotos of you in your skivvies so be p r epared . If this meeting is in a city other than your own, you will need to be prepared to t r avel to t hem at your own expe nse . After your face -to-face, if the agency stil l likes what t hey see, they wi ll make the suggestion that you test with one of their recommended photographers. Agai n, this w ill be at your expense. Some of the larger agencies may decide to 'adva nce' you the money (they will pay the photographer di r ectly, you w ill never touch the funds) knowing that they can sell you rig ht away a nd make back their investment. Don't be mistaken when you hear the wor d 'advance'. You wi ll be responsible for paying back that
money either out of your own pocket or it wil l be ded ucted from your fi r st job(s ) . Since the plus ma r ket is not as big, this practice is used very ra r ely . The agencies like to have new faces s hoot with thei r local photog raphers fo r sever al r easons . T he main being the photog r aphe r has al r eady produced great images and t hey a r e su itable for that age ncy's particular market. These tests can run upwards of $500-$600. T hey may want you to do t he shoot while you a r e in town; again, f inancially, be prepared. T he r e is no worse feelin g than having your d reams in f r ont of you but not being able to grab t hem because you don't have enoug h mo ney. W ith any luck, your photos are perfect and the agency offers you a contract. It isn't a str etch in this busi ness to have the agency love you, yet mo nths later , you still haven't r eceived that afo r ementioned contract. When it comes to soliciti ng agencies, never put you r eggs in one basket. Each agency is different. Each agency
PLUS Model Magazine March 2012
is different. Each agency offers a different brand of model. Some are primarily catalog or commercial agencies, others prefer more editori al girls. What you w il l want to do is make sure you spread yourself around, even if you do get a bite from one. You will have better luck if you submit your photos to several agencies at once and even continue to do so t hrough the testing and contract process w ith an agency that likes you. One scenario that can happen is you put all your efforts into one agency and then when a few months go by waiti ng for them to make a decision you may have missed an opportunity with another agency. Always, always, expect the worst. In a few months, this industry can change and the look you have may have worked when they first saw you but now they want to go in a different direction. Here is another thing you need to know. The agency works for you. Think of t hem like an investment banker. It's your money but you want to know which options are out there to make it grow and keep it safe. The investment banker makes recommendations and you either agree or disagree. Now, if the agency works for you why do they make you feel that you work for them? It's sort of like t he relationship between parent/child. The agent is there to advise you, sell you, guide you and make recommendations but at the end of the day, it's your decision as to whether or not you are going to listen to them. A huge misconception is that models do what they are told, and this, my dear readers, is not true. Models have t he power to say "Yes" or "No" to any job, at any time for any reason. Just remember that in saying "no" too often may lead the agent to put you on the back burner, if you aren't making them money they will put their energy into someone that is. In the modeling
industry, you are considered an "Independent Contractor" and for tax pu rposes described as 'self employed'; t herefore cementi ng the fact that you do not work f or the agency. When the contract is before you and you are ready to sign it, here are a few th ings you want to pay extra attention to; 1. Duration of contract : The average contract is for two years. This is most common especially amongst new faces because the agency takes the first year to develop you and your book and then the 2nd year to push you on the market. Be very wary of contracts over two years. In the past a few NY agencies have signed their models to five year contracts. This may sound exciting and awesome when you are a new face and this is your chance at your dream, however, if after that first year you aren't working, and you test and test. and then in your second year you are still not working, you will have no c hoice but to stay in t hat same position for the next three years until your contract runs out. If you are 20 when you sign , you will be 25 when you are released and the industry will be a much different place. 2. Commiss ion: Average commission is 20%. T hi s means that for every dollar you earn through the agency, you will pay them $0.20. Anything over 20% you wil l need to ask the agency why they are charging you a higher fee.
PLUS Model Magazine March 2012
3. Specia l Arrangement: If you have any issue with any aspect of the modeling industry ie; beliefs, no nud ity, etc. You can have these written into your contract. Most often this step isn't necessary as long as the model and agent discuss these issues prior to signing the contract. Your first agency is also called your 'Mother agency'. When I signed w ith Elite Model Management and moved to Chicago, the agency became my 2nd home. At least a few times a week I was in the building; sending mail, meeting with clients or just to use the bathroom in between castings. I wou ld have my mail delivered to the agency too because someone was always there to receive it. The job of the mother agency is to help you develop your product and to get you out into the market. It may not come right away, you may do several more tests before anything big happens but the agency doesn't usually make mistakes when they bring on a new face. Once you are working on a regular basis you can approach your agency about expanding into other markets. Let's say you are living and working as a model in Seattle but you want to try your hand in NYC. You wou ld ask your agency to find you representation in NYC. If they get you signed with an agent there and you start to work in NYC, your NYC agency wi ll pay your Seattle agency
something ca lled a Mother agency fee, very simi lar to a finder 's fee, usual ly between five and ten percent of your earnings . This is not the responsibi lity of the model to pay. You do not need to have your mother agent solicit another agency; but it is professional courtesy to do so. If you've asked them and they haven't done anything about it. then you make the decision to take it into your own hands. One last piece of informatio n with regards to signing with an agency, you can only have one agency in each market. The exceptions are if you are with a modeling agency and you also act. Your modeling agency does not represent the acting side of your career, wh ich means you can get an agency in your local market that does. You will always want to check with your agent, out of professional courtesy, to make sure there won't be any conflicts. The fashion industry is full of c hallenges and signing w ith an agency is just one of many. Knowing what an agency is there for and your position in the agency will help you make the most out of the relationship. My next article will focus more on building the relationship w ith your agent, what your responsibiliti es are and what to do w hen it's just not working out anymore.
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By Tiffany Bank What made you decide to become a plus size model? When I was younger I was a straight size model. I never could maintain the ideal weight. I had a 25 inch waist and my agent kept telling me I had to have 24 inch waist to get work which lead to me to have a bad body image of myself. I had an amazing figure and always thought I was too fat thanks to being told my waist was too big. Luckily as I got older and had my son, met my partner [who really appreciates a curvy figure) I developed so much body confidence/love that I decided to try modeling again - this time as a plus si ze girl. I felt I needed to show everyone that you can still be beautiful no matter what si ze you are!
PLUS Model Magazine- March 2012
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Who are your favorite curvy role models? Of course I love Robyn Lawley from Australia. She has really helped put Aussie girls get on the map, and she is so amazingly beautiful and such a positive advocate for being happy at your natural size! I love plus size blogger Georgina Horne from FullerFigureFullerBust. If you could pick the perfect plus modeling campaign for yourself, who would you want to work for? I would love to work with Australian designer Alex Perry. He makes the most beautiful gowns. I wou ld love for him to design a strictly plus s ize range. Mr. Perry if you're reading this I am ava ilable to be your Curvy Muse! March Spotlight Model/PLUS Model Magazine
Finish this sentence: The plus industry is: going 'plus size'. I'm pleasantly surprised to see new achievements being made in the fashion world by plus size women . We are making so much headway in the industry that I believe very soon we w ill see a full spectrum of sizes in magazines, and it will be an everyday occurrence. There w il l be no big deal about a plus girl being featured, it will be because an amazing ly beautiful women is featured. Designers w il l soon realize that all sizes have money to spend and we deserve to be in fashion at a size 16 or 24. Who would have thought that we would see plus size women on the cover of Vogue and Elle? What are your dreams, desires and goals as a plus model? I would love to know I have been an inspiration to even just one woman and to show that our bodies are beautiful. I really hope that we will be accepted in the fashion industry as 'normal' very soon and I want to help make this happen. Also I'm 34 (shock, horror) so not only do I want to see curvy acceptance everywhere but also age acceptance. My age is just a number.
March Spotlight Model/PLUS Model Magazine
What can we look forward to you doing in the next year? I have just signed with an overseas agent (in South Africa) so hopefu lly I will get to work internationally. The Aussie market is stil l very small and competitive. I also want to branch out into TV a bit more. Name your favorite store to shop for curvy clothes in your hometown. Unfortunately I don't have a favorite store to shop at here in Australia. The plus size market isn't very big here. While we have some great emerging designers, the fashion still isn't affordable. I try to take a holiday to the US every 2 years (normally Hawaii) and do loads and loads of shopping over there and make the pieces I buy last. I also do a lot of online shopping with ASOS Curve. Who were the Photographers, and Makeup Artists for the photos? The 3 photos where I am in a black dress and a sequin dress were shot by: Angela Mitcheii-Cushway from Willow Belle Portraits. HMUA - Jessica Tiller. Stylist - Manuel Spiropoulos. The swimsu it shot is by Claudio Raschel la and HMUA - Linda West.
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lst Prize winner will worl~ with top plus size boutique Dorothy Combs Models and PLUS Model Magazine, a photo shoot with Lucaspictures and receive one-on-one time with veteran plus size model Ivory May.
Chandler DeShazo
Jessica Milagros
2nd Prize winner will be featured in PLUS Model Magazine in her own lgigi by Yulia Raquel editorial and receive a $150 gift card from lgigi by Yulia Raquel. 3rd Prize winner will receive a $100 gift card from lgigi by Yulia Raquel
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www.plus-mode 1-ma g.com
meet the
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Mrs. Figueroa-Janes is a NY native and former plus size model. After appearing in several magazine's, working for numerous designers and participating in several television segments including Aqui Y Ahara for Univision and Court TV's Star Jones' Ta lk Show she began reaching out to the plus size community by serving as a moderator for VenusDivas.com and Empowerment Editor for AmazeMag.com . Madeline has experience on and off the runway and served as Casting Director for Hips, Heals and Curves, a traveling fashion show featur ing plus size clothing and designs. Always an activist and looking to bring plus size women into a fashion forward mentality she combined forces with fr iend and online magazine publisher, Valery Amador, to create PLUS Model Magazine. As Editor for PLUS Model Magazine, Madeli ne has been producing issues which push the envelope with both exclusive interviews with some of today's top models and edgy fashion editorials aimed at featuring today's plus size modeling industry in it's truest light. Madeline is also a mother to daughter Mad ison Elad ia Jones and w ife to photographer, Luke Jones, who works primarily with plus size models via www. lucaspictures.net. Located in beautifu l Miam i, Florida, Dorothy Combs Models is a modeling agency exclusively representing plus size models. Our F lorida-based agency was founded in 2005 by Dorothy Combs whom has been a model booking agent for more than 18 years. Dorothy's experience has given her extensive knowledge and expertise in the plus size modeling industry. Our plus size modeling agency deals w ith a w ide range of internationa l clientele. The models we represent are booked on jobs all over the world including exciting locations such as Austria, Brazil, Chile, Canada, Dubai, England, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Mexico, Netherlands, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, and Turkey as well as locations all over the United States.
www.plus-model-mag .com
meet the
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Model and Model Development Director for PLUS Model Magazine First and foremost I am a w ife and a mom. I am a proud military spouse, married to a United States Navy Senior Chief who is currently deployed. Second ly, I am an Internationa l Plus Model.
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My career started in Toronto, Canada in 1993 and in 1995, I was signed by Elite Model Management in Chicago now called Factor Women. I moved to the US in 1996 and have never looked back.
My blessed career has taken me to many countries includ ing Australia, Germany, Greece, Spain, France, Poland and Italy to work w ith cl ients such as: Cosmopolitan Magazine Austra lia, Quelle Germany, Quelle France, Peter Meyer Germany, Marina Rinaldi and Claudia Magazine Poland, just to mention a few. I have worked throughout Canada and the US for clients such JC Penny, Vanity Fair Lingerie, Hanes, Fruit of the Loom, Sears, Fashion Bug Plus, Macy's, Cato Stores, Meijer, Target, and Dilliards. During my career I have been represented by several of the leading agencies in the world. Over the past 8 years, I have branched out into the Spokes Model and Television markets as well as hosting live events. Ivory May Kalber has been a plus-size model for over 10 years. Her extensive US client list is comprised of well over 50 retail outlets including LaneBryant, Kohl's, Kmart, Sears, JCPenney, and Target. She has also done prominent brand campaigns for Playtex, Just My S ize, Curvation and Fruit of the Loom. Internationally she has worked in London for Marks and Spencer, in Germany for Ulla Popken, and also in Canada and Mexico. Ka lber was featured as a cover model for Plus Model Magazine and BBW and has notably appeared in the pages of Oprah's 0 Magazine, Glamour, Good Housekeeping and A ll You Magazine. Ka lber guested on the Oxygen Network's Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency reality show, Good Day LA and KTL.A:s Morning Show, and was in a nationa l Milk commercial where her curves were highlighted on a glass of milk. She lives in New York City.
Thank you to all of the amazing models, photographers, MUA's, Designers, Fashion Companies and Stylists that helped to bring you this issue of P L US Model Magazine!
And what did you think? We want to hear from you! Click here to drop us a line and let us know what you thought, what you loved, liked and could do w ithout as well as what you would like to see in future issues. Until the next issue ... keep it curvy! Madeline Jones, Editor-in-Chief & The PLUS Model Magazine Team PL USmodelmag.com FOLL OW
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