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Model Camilla Hansen is an Advocate For Finding Your Own Personal Style, Embracing Your Creativity & Helping Animals.

Posted in Articles, Books, & Magazines, Beauty, Hair, & Make-up, Body Image, Confidence, Designers, Family & Friends, Fashion, Inspiration, Italy, Media, Models, New York, News, Photographers, Plus-Size Modeling, Self-Esteem, Shopping, Trade Tips, Travel, Unique Beauty, Wilhelmina, Work with tags Beauty, Body Image, Camilla Hansen, Confidence, Copenhagen, Designers, Dr. Denim jeans, Fashion, Friends, Hair, Health, Inspiration, Make-Up, Media, Model Management UK, Models, New York, Photographers, Posh Pets Rescue, Self-Esteem, Shopping, Unique Beauty, Wilhelmina, Work on December 5, 2010 by Liz

Camilla Hansen is a plus model who is originally from a small village in Southern Denmark. She started modeling at fourteen years old as a straight model. After four years, she changed to plus modeling. She has lived in Istanbul and Milan, and currently lives in New York City. She is represented by Model Management UK in London and Wilhelmina in New York, Miami, and Los Angeles. Some of her clients include Marina Rinaldi, Elena Mirò, Jessica London, Macy’s, Fiorella Rubino, Avenue, Ulla Popken, Burda, Persona, and Bloomingdales. Her hobbies include fostering and volunteering for an animal rescue center in New York, photographing, and getting lost in new cities.

How did you start your career as a model?

I started my career as a model when I was fourteen years old. A few friends had suggested that I should contact an agency, and after a while, I decided to try it out. I sent some pictures to an agency in Copenhagen (the capital in Denmark) but because I feared rejection, I did it without telling anyone at all–not even my family.

The same day the agency received my pictures (which by the way were just random personal shots); they called me up and told me about a modeling competition that they had going on at that moment and that they wanted me to be a part of. I, of course, was so excited and immediately accepted. After that, everything happened very fast. I told my family about the happy news and a few days later, we went to Copenhagen to attend the casting for the finals. I became one of ten finalists out of thousands of applicants and a few days after the casting, the finale was held. I won.

What do you enjoy most about modeling?

What I enjoy most about modeling is not just one thing. It is the combination of several things. Getting to travel and experiencing new cultures. Getting to unleash my creative side and being inspired by all the creative people around me. Hopefully, inspiring young girls to accept their body as it is. These are just a few of the things that I enjoy about modeling.

Have you ever suffered from self-esteem or body image issues? If so, what advice would you give to young girls and women who are currently struggling?

I have indeed suffered from low self-esteem and body image issues. When I started modeling, I was constantly told by agents and a majority of clients that I was too fat and that I had to lose weight. Even though my parents have always had my back and have supported me throughout my career, you will reach a point where it is just too difficult to ignore the comments being made about your body and unfortunately, I started believing what they said was true.

All of a sudden when I looked in the mirror, I no longer saw that slim girl that I previously had seen. Instead, I started seeing all the problems that everyone, except my family, kept bringing to my attention.

When I started modeling, I decided that I would only do it for as long as I found it enjoyable. After four years, I had had enough. Enough of the comments. Enough of the insane diets. Enough of not feeling confident. So, when Wilhelmina wanted to sign me to their plus-size board, I jumped right on. It was my way out. I started eating regularly and healthy, and I stopped weighing myself every day. All of this slowly made me feel happier, both about my body and my life. Rome wasn’t built in a day though, and being confident about your body doesn’t happen overnight. It’s a process, but once you reach that state of mind it is indescribable.

Therefore, my advice to any girl/woman is to be YOU. Find your natural size where your body plateaus whether that is a size 0, 12, 22, apple shape, pear shape, hourglass, or whatever and rock that. The most beautiful, attractive, and intriguing women that I have met in my life so far, may not necessarily have met the fashion industry’s criteria on what beauty is but they were comfortable in their own skin and for that I admire them.

Do you feel plus modeling is helping redefine beauty?

I definitely feel plus modeling is helping redefine beauty, but as is acting, etc. Nowadays, it has become more common to see women of all shapes and sizes on the cover of and in various magazines, as well as in TV series. The fashion industry has (hopefully!) realized that consumers need and want to see someone they can relate to.

What does being healthy mean to you?

Healthy, to me, is eating healthy and regularly. Healthy, to me, is a state of mind. Healthy, to me, is taking care of your body.

What do you wish you would have known at age thirteen?

Here is the thing. I try as much as possible to live a life with no regrets. I am happy with who I have become so why regret any of the things, both the good and the bad, that have been part of that process? When I was thirteen, I was still a child and I learn by doing, so I don’t wish I knew anymore than I did because then I very likely wouldn’t have gone down the path I have.

What feature do you love to accentuate?

It depends what mood I am in. Sometimes, it is my legs and other times it is my waist or my bust. It depends.

Photography is…

A way of expressing my creativity. I am not a great writer, painter, or dancer, but I still have such an incredible amount of ideas and visions in my head that I need to get them out somehow. That’s what photography does for me.

We know you love heels! Do you have a favorite pair?

Ha ha, I do indeed! My dad’s nickname for me is Imelda Marcos. I feel that heels can make or break an outfit, especially as I hardly ever wear jewelry. This is also, why I don’t have a favorite pair of shoes. I love all of them, as they are all good for different occasions and outfits.

I recently read an article about three shoe lovers, and one of them gave a quote that I absolutely adore and can relate to. She said, “What I like about shoes is that anybody can wear them. There is no size-zero debate about shoes.”

What is your go-to outfit?

I actually don’t have a specific go-to outfit. In the Fall/Winter, I wear a lot of black and there is a certain model of black Dr. Denim jeans I wear quite often. I actually have own three pair of the same model because I wear them so often and love them a ton. During Spring/Summer, I try to switch it up a bit by wearing cute and colorful dresses that accentuate my curves.

Who is your style icon?

I don’t have any style icons. I believe in wearing what is comfortable yet flattering to my body shape. Once again, it is all about being YOU instead of trying to imitate other people.

Rosie

Have you always been a dog lover? Do you have any dogs now?

I have always been an animal lover, not just a dog lover. I had rabbits when I was still living at home and I rode horses for a very long time, which by the way, to this day is the best sport I have ever partaken in.

Though I always took care of a lot of dogs, I never had my own dog and I don’t plan on getting one in the near future as it is a huge responsibility, and I am not at the stage in my life where I am able to make a ten to twenty year commitment. When the time is right, I will (without a doubt) get my own dog, but that is just not now.

Instead, I decided a while back to start fostering for a dog rescue (Posh Pets Rescue) here in New York. That has been a great decision. Basically, what we do is to take the dogs off the euthanizing list, out of the shelters and place them in private homes until they are adopted. In periods when I am not working, I will usually have one or two dogs at my apartment.

It keeps amazing me how people can give up these dogs, as most of them are perfectly healthy and well-behaved dogs that have just been dumped on the street, as if they were a useless bag of garbage.

When I got my first foster dog, Rosie, a beautiful, well-behaved, housebroken, and kindhearted Bichon Fris, I was heartbroken. How could anyone just leave this little gem to fend for herself on the street? I was close to losing faith in humanity, but then something amazing happened. Rosie was put up on our website (www.poshpetsrescue.org), on petfinder.com, and on several other sites and the applications just started rolling in.

As they say, one man’s trash is another man’s treasure and after going through a lot of applications and interviews little Rosie was adopted by an incredibly sweet woman who already had another Bichon. All of these applications made me realize that even though there will always be the occasional cold-hearted person there are at least twenty good ones!

Who is your role model or hero? Why?

My parents and grandparents. For the love and unlimited support they have always given me, my younger brother, and each other. I strive to be like them.

Your family is a big part of your life. What is one of your favorite childhood memories?

One incident that sticks out, and that I think of often and was a long time ago, is when my brother and I played dress up. Even though he was a boy playing with cars, super heroes, etc., he let me put him in a dress, put makeup on him, and place a big bow in his hair. Only someone who truly loves you will let you do something like that to them.

Out of all of the places your modeling career has taken you, where has been the most memorable and why?

Every single place I’ve traveled to has made an impact on me as a person. In Texas, I had a Mexican driver who was also a trained chef. He taught me some incredible Mexican recipes. When I lived in Istanbul, a friend and I were almost shot by the mafia. When I went to Colombia for a job, we stayed and shot at a highly guarded mansion and the mother of the house showed me a few traditional Colombian dishes; one of which you have to use at least five different kinds of potatoes. I could go on like this, but my point is, as I said in the beginning, that every place has made an impact on me and who I am as a person today. I believe that it makes us better people to experience and accept the differences in the different cultures all over the world.

Where do you shop for clothes?

Anywhere I find anything flattering really; sometimes that is at very cheap stores and other times at more pricey stores.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

When my grandmother, with whom I was very close, was alive, she used to always tell me: “Smile at the world and the world will smile back at you”.

Though she went through some very hard times in her life, she was one of the most genuinely positive people who I have ever met. Because that was one of the things about her I admired the most, I try to live by it even though I do fail sometimes.

What do you love about yourself and why?

I don’t just love one part; I love me as a whole. I have finally completely accepted my body as it is and I am happy with whom I am as a person.

What are your favorite beauty products or must-haves?

My very favorite beauty product is a makeup remover from Bioderma. Every time I work, I wear a lot of makeup and it can be very hard on the skin if the makeup remover you use is not good.

Do you have a beauty tip to share with us?

Being in a business where appearance matters a lot, I attempt to take very good care of my skin. I cleanse my skin every night (no exception) with a milky cream cleanser, then with an alcohol-free skin tonic, and I finish off my routine by applying eye cream and a good lotion. In the morning, I re-apply the lotion which contains SPF 30. That is my best beauty tip–take good care of your skin, even if it may seem like a hassle because it will benefit you in the long run.

Lipstick or Lipgloss?

I naturally have very red lips and therefore don’t wear anything on my lips in my everyday life. Bit, I love to pump it up every now and then with a deep red lipstick (Chanel Rouge Allure – 09 – Lover) if I go out for dinner, an event, or something like that.

On a day off, what would your perfect day be like?

A perfect day off for me would be spent with my family. Especially after I have moved to New York and they are all in Denmark, it has made me realize just how much we should all treasure the time we have together because you never know when that time might be up.

What is a fun fact about you?

A fun fact about me is that I never liked wearing dresses when I was younger. I always preferred being outside climbing trees and getting dirty.

What are you excited about right now?

Right at this moment, I am excited about several things. OneStopPlus.com gave New York fashion week its very first plus-size fashion show, and I got to be a part of it, which is something I am very proud of. Elena Miro once again put on an amazingly beautiful and well-done show during Milan fashion week. Last but not least, I am over the moon that I once again got to work with the talented people at Vogue, which resulted in a short-film that should be coming out very soon.

*Thank you, Camilla!

**You can watch Camilla’s video and find out more about her at http://www.vogue.it/en/vogue-curvy/how-to/2010/03/camilla-hansen.

5 Comments »

Otra Vez’s Jewelry & Accessory Designer ~ Jessica Salazar Talks About Beauty & Giving Everyone & Everything a Second Chance.

Posted in Art, Beauty, Hair, & Make-up, Confidence, Designers, Fashion, Inspiration, Plus-Size Modeling, Shopping, Unique Beauty, Work with tags A Little Bird Told Me, Body Image, Confidence, Designers, earrings, Easton Richmond, greeting cards, India Arie, Inspiration, Jessica Salazar, jewelry, Otra Vez, recycled, Sade, Seattle, Self-Esteem, Shopping, Unique Beauty, vintage, Washington, Women for Women International on November 29, 2010 by Liz

Jessica Salazar photographed by Easton Richmond

Otra Vez owner and lead designer, Jessica Salazar, is a Washington native who was born and raised on a small farm in Skagit Valley with her three brothers and amazing parents. Otra Vez is located in Seattle, Washington and they will ship anywhere in the world!

Otra Vez encompasses much of what Jessica is passionate about giving back to local and global communities, conscious and sustainable living, and beautiful creations. She feels so blessed to be able to express herself creatively as an artist, and to make a difference, and a living–all at the same time.

All of the products featured at Otra Vez contain salvaged, recycled, or vintage materials, and are made using socially conscious and sustainable practices. Ten percent of their net proceeds directly support Women for Women International.

Where did your business name, Otra Vez, come from?

I wanted a name that reflected the passion and purpose of my company, “giving everyone and everything a second chance”. Otra Vez is Spanish for “again, or another time.” Since I work with recycled/salvaged/vintage material, it was a great match.

How did you get your start? Did you have fears starting your own business? What advice do you have for people who want start a new business?

I got my start by making jewelry for myself, because I LOVE earrings, and got tired of having the same jewelry that others were wearing. People started commenting on my jewelry and asking me where I got them, so I started making it to sell. I would sell the earrings right out of my ear, or offer to make a similar pair. I built up quite a collection; all made from salvaged/recycled material and began knocking on doors. Literally. I researched different boutiques and found some places that I thought my jewelry would be a good match for, and approached them one by one. I think it may have been initially scary, that fear of rejection was something in the back of my mind. But, I focused on the fact that for every no, there would be a yes, and it was all about finding the right customer/retailer match. Self-doubt still sneaks in to my mind, not so much about my product or designs, but about my ability to keep up with the industry, demand, and business relationships.

I also have a line of greeting cards, www.facebook.com/birdcards and www.lilbirdcards.com, that is growing rapidly and really competes for my time and energy. I depend on my faith in God and belief in His promises and plans for my life to keep me strong, focused, and moving forward. My advice is to believe in yourself and your vision/product and never give up. Surround yourself with people who believe in you and lift you up!

What gives you the most pleasure in your career as a jewelry designer?

There is something so gratifying about seeing other women wear and enjoy my jewelry creations! I love the hands on process and combining different textures and colors to create unique pieces.

Anna photographed by Jessica Salazar

Ten percent of your proceeds are donated to Women for Women International. Why did you choose that organization?

WFW is a powerful organization helping women survivors of war go from victim, to survivor, to active citizen. Through financial aid, job training, rights awareness, and leadership education, these women are given the tools and resources to move from crisis to self-sufficiency, in turn promoting viable civil societies. As the saying goes, “Educate a woman, educate a nation”. I want other women to have the amazing opportunities I have been blessed with.

What keeps you inspired and motivated?

Calling my own shots, setting my own schedule, and continually expressing myself creatively. I also love helping other women from around the world live the same dream for themselves and their families.

Laura photographed by Joseph Schell

Have you ever struggled with self-esteem or body image issues? If so, how did you reach a point of accepting and loving your body as it is?

Yes, of course I have! My key to acceptance was learning to celebrate who I am by understanding that God created me with unique gifts and talents to share with others. It’s not about what size I wear that determines my value.

What advice would you give to young women who are struggling with self-esteem, confidence, or body image?

Beauty is fleeting. You will be truly beautiful to everyone around you when you learn that real beauty is exuded from the heart. When your looks give away, what will be left to shine?

What do you love about yourself? Why?

I have a generous heart. My language of love is giving to others.

Megan photographed by Easton Richmond

How do you define beauty?

Confidence.

What is your beauty must have?

Lip gloss, for sure. I hardly ever wear much else.

What are you working on now? Do you have any new projects?

I’m always trying new jewelry design techniques. Recently, I’ve played around with applying verdigris patina to vintage brass pieces, and integrating porcupine quills into my jewelry. At the moment, I am also super busy with another facet of Otra Vez, a line of recycled greeting cards called A Little Bird Told Me… www.lilbirdcards.com.

Ranny Photographed by Katrina Dartnell

Who would be your dream person to see wearing your Otra Vez?

India Arie or Sade.

What are you excited about right now?

The possibilities for the future of Otra Vez…They are endless. I couldn’t do it alone though! I have to give a shout out to my three amazing interns who make Otra Vez what it is. Julia Westphal, my fashion go-to; Mandesia Sibiya, a woman with great flair and style; and Easton Richmond, photographer extraordinaire. I’m so blessed to have them as part of my team.

Where can we shop for Otra Vez?

You can find Otra Vez products at over thirty-five stores and boutiques in Seattle and surrounding areas, plus stores in Alaska and Kansas. I have lots of customers who shop right off my facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/jessica.schellsalazar or at our website at www.otravez-ecotique.com.

*Thank you, Jessica!

**Happy holidays, everyone!

3 Comments »

International Model Robyn Lawley Says, “There is So Much More to Life Than Fitting Into Size 6 Jeans, and I’m Glad I Realized This Sooner Than Later.”

Posted in Articles, Books, & Magazines, Australia, Beauty, Hair, & Make-up, Body Image, Celebrity, Confidence, Entertainment, Family & Friends, Fashion, Fitness & Health, Funny Experiences, Hobbies, Inspiration, Media, Models, Movies, Music, New York, Photographers, Plus-Size Modeling, Radio, Recipes & Food, Self-Esteem, Shopping, Sports, Trade Tips, Travel, Unique Beauty, Wilhelmina, Work with tags Abby Valdes, Articles, Australia, Beauty, Bella Model Management, Body Image, Celebrity, Confidence, Cosmopolitan, Crystal Renn, curves, Designers, Exercise, Family, Fashion, Fashion Week, Fitness, Friends, Funny Experiences, Hair, Health, Inspiration, london, Magazines, Make-Up, Media, Model Management UK, model robyn lawley, Models, New York, OneStopPlus.com Fashion Show, Photographers, plus model, Plus-Size Modeling, Robyn Lawley, Self-Esteem, Shopping, Topshop, Trade Tips, Travel, Unique Beauty, Wilhelmina, Work on November 18, 2010 by Liz

Cosmopolitan Magazine

Robyn Lawley is a plus model from Sydney, Australia. She is signed with Bella Model Management in Australia, Model Management in the UK, Okay models in Germany, and Wilhelmina in NYC, USA. Some of her clients are David Jones, Nordstrom, Cosmopolitan magazine, Madison Magazine, Kohl’s, New Look, Spirito, Ezibuy, and more. Robyn enjoys films, music, making music, watercolor painting, cooking, eating, rock climbing, and traveling.

Robyn wrote, “I’m a model beyond a size 10 and I love my job. I get to travel the world, and at the same time promote healthy shapes and let audiences know that it’s okay to be who you are. Embrace your body for what it is, exercise, eat as healthy as you can, and have fun. There is so much more to life than fitting into size 6 jeans, and I’m glad I realized this sooner than later.”

Photographed by Kane Skeener for Cosmopolitan Magazine

How did you begin your modeling career?

She started modeling at the age of sixteen, when I won a modeling magazine competition, but I didn’t model for long, as I struggled to keep my weight down. Two years later after seeing success in Abby Valdes and Crystal Renn, I signed with Chelsea from Bella Model Management.

What advice would you give to young women who are struggling with self-esteem, confidence, or body image issues?

I think all women and men, for that matter, go through this most days. Try to focus on something else; sometimes we get so self involved that we miss out on everything passing us by. Take up a sport you enjoy or a hobby you would like to start. Confidence can come from achieving even the smallest of things.

Try not to compare your body to that of celebrities or top models because what you see is not always true (especially with Photoshop ruling the planet). Work with the body type that you have and just enjoy that you can see, that you can hear, and that you can walk. Both my mother and my older sister have worked, and still are working, with disabled people and it really can make you think that spending so much time pinpointing your flaws is hiding what you are really about.

Photographed by Simon Upton for Madison Magazine

What kinds of pressures do you see the girls in your life facing? What can we, as mentors, do to address these issues?

I think the most troubling thing is the amount of concern that we have over beauty. We no longer even care if someone has a good soul; we care more if they have lost the most weight or are taking up a certain exercise. I hate when I start researching what a celebrity does; it gets so time consuming. Later, I think my god I could have been practicing guitar or rock climbing. I just wish the beauty/entertainment industry didn’t have such a hold over our self-esteem. I do remember, though, when I was fourteen, I had no idea what cellulite was until I saw a magazine in a grocery store harpooning females with it on their cover. I remember going home straight away to inspect my thighs. From then on, I always wore board shots; even in competitive swimming. Did I have cellulite? No, I didn’t, but that magazine made me feel ashamed of my body. I will always blame them for making women, especially teenage girls, feel ashamed of their bodies. We should be empowering women and pushing them further in their lives, not making them inspect their thighs.

Having just recently moved to NYC, what has your experience been like so far?

It’s tricky to say; I both love and hate NYC. It’s just so different from Australia. It can be a shock to the system. I feel like I’m riding a rollercoaster—from crazy parties to crazy people chasing you to awesome shopping. It’s definitely one of a kind.

Where do you like to shop for clothes?

LONDON!!! It’s the best place to shop in the world. I love Camden markets and Topshop UK. I am finding Williamsburg, Brooklyn (where I live) has awesome vintage.

Photographed by Georges Antoni

Do you have a favorite workout routine?

I love playing sports. One thing I miss is team sports. I can’t do any because my routine is so out of whack with modeling. I love rock climbing though because it doesn’t feel like exercise; it just feels like a fun challenge and boy it’s challenging. I try to hit the gym about four times a week. I really miss my personal trainers in Sydney, Australia. In NYC, they are so expensive that it’s not worth it. If you find you are a person who lacks the motivation or knowledge, investing in a trainer, even just for a month, is well worth it. Even just to learn the safe way of working out at a gym and what types of exercises are good for your body type.

What are your favorite beauty products or must-haves?

I love Benefits new High Beam face illuminating cream that you put on your cheekbones for the healthy glow, Lancôme’s New Définicils Precious Cells Mascara, and of course, good old trusted Paw Paw ointment for my lips.

Do you have a beauty secret or tip you would like to share with us?

Make sure you wash your face twice a day; tone and then moisturize. Sounds dreary, but once it becomes habit it’s second nature.

Photographed by Kane Skenner for Cosmopolitan Magazine

What are you listening to right now?

EVERYTHING–I LOVE MUSIC! The top five albums I listen to all the time are the Romeo and Juliet soundtrack, The Boat That Rocked soundtrack, Juno soundtrack, the best of Janis Joplin, and La Roux’s first album. But, I like anything from Bloody Beetroots, to Jimi Hendrix, to Rolling Stones. Going to festivals is one of my favorite things to do.

Favorite movie?

Gah, that’s like favorite song–too hard to pick. I’m a movieaholic. My favourite thing is watching a good movie. They can make me feel comforted– especially movies from my childhood. When I’m homesick, I watch all my old favorites. As a young girl, my dad and mum would drive me and my sisters about an hour to watch movies at the Royal Australian Air Force Base because my dad was in the air force, and tickets were $2 each and we would all get a killer python each. Simple pleasures in life tend to be the best.

On a day off, what would your perfect day be like?

Waking up to my cute boyfriend back home, then getting sushi with my best girlfriends, later catch a movie with them and my man, and then going dancing at a club with awesome music with my awesome sisters.

What do you love most about modeling?

I love the confidence it gave me. I do admit I was struggling to accept my weight. I just couldn’t get over the fact that I was once an Australian size 6-8 (USA size 4-6). When I joined Bella, my confidence was pretty low, and I doubted that Chelsea, my agent, would sign me. I was lucky she gave me a contract on the spot and about a year later, my confidence was the strongest it had ever been, I felt unstoppable and still do.

What do you do to prepare for a photo shoot and what are your must haves in your modeling bag?

I wash my hair the night before and put a heat protector on my ends. The morning of, I wash and cleanse my face. I then use a good quality moisturizer and Paw Paw on my lips. I always take my own mascara because I have very sensitive eyes, and I don’t want to obtain any eye conditions.

Do you have any funny modeling stories you would like to share?

I think most people find modelling very glamorous, but trust me it can be anything but that. I hate when I have to walk around or get something with my hair is in curlers and I look like an old grannie.

I had a funny week though recently, when I was in Fiji for a Cosmopolitan shoot. I decided to go horse riding on my day off. The horse they had was tiny, but I didn’t get to see it until I had paid. I felt sorrier for the horse because it would have to lug me around, but I didn’t want to seem like a chicken so I went riding anyways. Once I had finished my thighs were so sore– more than usual. When I reached the hotel, my inner thighs were blue and bruised so bad that when I showed the stylist, she gasped… LOL–not good for a swimwear shoot.

Photographed by Georges Antoni

We would LOVE to hear about your experience walking in the OneStopPlus.com Fashion Show!

Yeah that was so great, I knew it would be a bid deal, especially when I arrived to see where it was. I was so lucky, I only got the job last minute as I did not go to the casting, they spotted me at a go see and decided to use me. It was very empowering experience and I hope they do more.

What is a fun fact about you?

I like to do voices. I can do Gollum from lord of the rings, exorcist chick (pretty scarily well, so much so that I shocked a boy that I was dating once; he got so scared that he threatened to punch me if I ever did it again, and naturally I do it to him every time I see him. ha-ha), Stitch from Lilo and Stitch, and E.T.

What do you love about yourself and why?

I suppose I love that I rarely say no to anything; consider me the yes woman. I have always been like that ever since I was a little girl. I would give anything a chance. I’m not sure why, but I just never wanted to miss out on something I might have found fun, whether it be sky diving, jet skiing, rock climbing, canyoning, or travelling; anything really deserves a chance.

What is one last thing you would like to say?

Don’t be afraid to make a fool of yourself and have fun. My mother always said laughter is the best medicine and by god, she’s right!

*Robyn talks about acceptance. This is a great video!

**You can learn more about Robyn at her blog: http://reviewmerobyn.blogspot.com/

***Thank you, Robyn!

9 Comments »

Nicole LeBris Talks About Embracing Your Body, Beauty, Fashion, Confidence, and Her Transition from Makeup Artist to Modeling

Posted in Articles, Books, & Magazines, Beauty, Hair, & Make-up, Body Image, Celebrity, Confidence, Designers, Fashion, Inspiration, Media, Models, Movies, New York, Plus-Size Modeling, Self-Esteem, Shopping, Trade Tips, Unique Beauty with tags Beauty, Body Image, Confidence, Designers, Fashion, Health, Inspiration, Magazines, Make-Up, Makeup artist, Media, Models, New York, Plus-Size Modeling, Self-Esteem, Shopping, Trade Tips, Travel, Unique Beauty, Work on October 24, 2010 by Liz

Nicole LeBris is a plus model based in New York and Miami. Before Nicole started modeling full-time, she was a hair and makeup artist. As a hair and makeup artist, she worked on Bill Clinton, John Legend, Carol Alt, Billy Baldwin, Isaac Mizrahi, Jimmy Kimmel, and many others. As a model, Nicole is represented by Dorothy Combs Models in Miami (her mother company), Model Service Agency in New York, Hughes Models in London, and Brigette Models in Germany. She grew up spending her summers in France and spent her junior year of high school there as well.

Hi, world! I’m Nicole LeBris. So a little about me…Miami and Jersey City is where I call home, although I grew up in Westchester, in the New York City area. Modeling has been my full-time job for the past six years. It’s been a slow and steady progression, switching rolls from behind the scenes as a makeup artist, to being in the spotlight as a model and I couldn’t be happier. I feel truly blessed and fortunate to be able to choose this path and very proud of how far I’ve come. Modeling has allowed me to see some very interesting cities across the country and abroad, and to work with some really talented people. I’ve made great friends in this business and truly enjoy almost every day I spend on set. I’ve modeled for clients such as Kohl’s, Lane Bryant, Vanity Fair, Fruit of the Loom, Belk, Shopko, Catherines, Fashion Bug, Just My Size, and Target.

How did you get started as a full figure model?

I actually first started as a makeup artist working on films, TV spots, and commercial print. I made a lot of industry connections, and got the push from many people to give it a try. I’m glad that I did.

Have you ever struggled with low self-esteem?

Of course! It’s been a long road for me. I’m very confident these days, but that wasn’t always the case. Grade school was tough. I was bigger than everyone was and I hated it. I definitely struggled with body image, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve realized my body is a blessing. I take care of my body, and love it, and it does me good in return.

What advice would you give to girls and women who are struggling with body image and self-esteem issues?

I would say embrace your body. You only have one body in this life so take care of it and be proud of it. If you are confident in your body and yourself, it will show to other people and will only work in your favor.

What do you love about yourself?

Physically, I love my body and my unique features such as my dark eyes and light hair, my small waist, and curvy hips. Personality wise, I love my sense of wonder, my curiosity, and my sense of humor.

Who inspired you to become a professional make-up artist?

I’m not sure whether someone inspired me specifically, but my mom is the one who put the idea in my head. She told me that she thought it would be something interesting to do when she was younger, but she couldn’t afford school and didn’t know where to go. I always loved colors and painting, and I always played around with makeup at home. I worked two jobs in high school, and that’s where most of my money went– to makeup.

What are some of your basic skin care tips that you think are really important?

Moisturize and sleep. Many people are scared of oil, but I love using it on my skin, especially at night.

Lip gloss or Lipstick? Do you have a favorite brand?

I’m more into chapstick or rosebud salve on an everyday basis, unless I’m really going out on the town. Then, I’ll do lipstick just dabbed on my lips and topped with gloss! I love to play up a pout!

What is a really quick way to change a day look to a special occasion or night-time face?

Black eyeliner smudged around the lash line, an extra coat of mascara, and add a coat of gloss to your lips.

Where do you love to shop for clothes?

I love Zara for jackets, BCBG for dresses, Cacique for bras, and almost always stop at H&M and Forever 21 when I’m on a shopping spree. I also love Anthropologie. Guess heels and boots fit me like a glove.

Who are some of your favorite designers?

Michael Kors and Zac Posen. I love Armani dresses!

What are some of your favorite beauty products or must-haves?

Two things I can’t live without are my rosebud salve and eyelash curler. I’m all about keeping my skin and lips moisturized. My eyelash curler opens my eyes and can make me look awake if I don’t have time for a cup of coffee.

How do you define beauty?

Beauty can be so many different things to different people. For me, beauty is something that inspires me. If “it” makes me feel something and excites me, I think that is a sign of beauty.

What features do you love to accentuate and why?

I love to accentuate my eyes in the way they contrast with my hair and skin, so I usually darken them even more and use liner to make them really pop. Body wise, I love to accentuate my waist. I have a real hourglass shape that I love, so I dress with a lot of belts and dresses that hug my curves.

What does being healthy mean to you?

For me, being healthy means feeling good both mentally and physically. Balance is important. I believe in the idea of everything in moderation. Too much or too little of one thing is not good, especially with diet and exercise.

What are you excited about right now?

I’m excited about all the buzz around plus-size models. People are talking about Crystal Renn’s book (Hungry: A Young Model’s Story of Appetite, Ambition and the Ultimate Embrace of Curves), the controversy surrounding her size, and the banning of the Lane Bryant video with Ashley Graham. I think any publicity is good publicity for us right now. When I say I’m a plus-size model, I still get one of two reactions. They look me up and down and say, “You’re not fat” or “What do you do for your day job?”. A lot of people don’t know what a plus-size model is. So, I think all the buzz in the media, negative or positive, is really a great thing for our industry.

*Thank you, Nicole!

To learn more about Nicole, visit her websites at www.nicolelebris.com and www.nicoleheidi.com.

8 Comments »

Plus Model and Embody Denim Designer Natalie Wakeling Shares Her Story and Offers a 15% Discount to You For One Week! Her Jeans Are Awesome and For Women of ALL Sizes!

Posted in Australia, Beauty, Hair, & Make-up, Body Image, Celebrity, Confidence, Designers, Entertainment, Fashion, Ford +, Media, Models, News, Photographers, Plus-Size Modeling, Self-Esteem, Shopping, Trade Tips, Unique Beauty, Your Story with tags Australia, Beauty, Body Image, Confidence, Cosmopolitan, Designers, Embody Denim, Fashion, Inspiration, Magazines, Photographers, Self-Esteem, Shopping, Trade Tips, Unique Beauty, Work on October 17, 2010 by Liz

Photographed by Anna Bertalli

Natalie Wakeling is a plus-size model and clothing designer from New South Whales, Australia. Natalie is the youngest of four daughters. She grew up surrounded by a strong influence of fashion and a desire to be a model. In 1999, Natalie was one of Australia’s first plus-size models to appear in consecutive editorials for Cosmopolitan magazine. She helped to break the stereotype that only straight models should appear in mainstream magazines. In 2006, Natalie Wakeling created EMBODY DENIM, which is a denim line for every women of every size who has ever struggled to find a perfect pair of jeans.

First plus model used for Australia’s Cosmopolitan magazine.

How did you begin your career as a model?

I was quite athletic, had a solid build as a teenager, and had secret aspirations of being a model. I just happened to be too big for straight size modelling so I pretty much gave up the thought of ever being a model. When I left school, I trained as a photographer and make-up artist. One day, I was working on a shoot as the make- up artist, when the photographer said that I should try plus-size modeling and that the best agency was BGM Models. I met with Darrianne Donnelly, the agency director, and she signed me immediately. I have been with her since I was eighteen years of age.

Was it hard for you to make the transition from straight to plus modeling?

Letting go of all the fears that you harbour about putting on weight was hard, but I soon relaxed and enjoyed being the size that I was, which allowed me to be a model. It was a little scary to decide that I was no longer going to skip meals and exercise like a maniac to remain thinner than I was supposed to be. As soon as I started to land some major photographic campaigns, I found that my inner confidence grew and I started to understand more about myself.

Photographed by Anna Bertalli

Do you feel that plus-sized models are becoming more widely accepted by today’s media?

The change has been quite phenomenal over the past two years. My agency, BGM Models, has been slowly chipping away at the mainstream fashion Industry for over a decade now, and I’m glad to say that things have moved forward quite dramatically here in Australia in the past twelve months. We now see plus-size models included in main fashion festivals, along with magazines using bigger models in every issue.

I was honoured when asked to be the face of ‘Every Body Counts’ Fashion Festival in Perth, Western Australia. To have reached a point in my career where I stay in five star hotels, be met at the airport with a limousine, and to treated like a queen is awesome. Whilst in Perth, I had the privilege of meeting other well-known fashion designers and attending VIP events. I even managed to deliver a speech to a full house, which included Jerry Hall. The ‘Every Body’ parade featured fifteen women of all shapes and sizes. It was a huge success and was special for the fact that it was included on the main programme.

Here is another article about The Perth Fashion Festival:

http://au.news.yahoo.com/thewest/lifestyle/a/-/lifestyle/7919319/fashion-launch-for-every-body/

What inspired you the most when creating Embody Denim?

Beside the natural desire to exceed in something you love, I desperately wanted to wear an amazing pair of jeans designed for my shape. The concept of my brand was very different. My jeans are made for different body shapes without focusing on the size.

Photographed by Marvin Joseph. The group shot includes BGM models Kate Hislop, Natalie in front,Laura Wells, and Kiralee Martin.

What was the first pair of jeans you created?

For my first collection, I designed four styles – Babe, Body Love, CHIC, and Ice Queen. Since then I have expanded my range to include twelve fabulous styles. I have also designed a jacket and skirt to add to the collection. I’m currently working on my fashion range, which I hope to launch in 2011.

Do you have a favorite cut from Embody?

I love the ‘Bella’ style, as it is just so glamorous and holds everything in the right place.

I love that you created jeans for every body type…brilliant! Was that difficult to achieve?

The sampling process is tiresome, but once I had the measurements figured out for certain body types, it all just fell into place.

How many pairs of jeans do you own?

Every style I have ever made in every colour–maybe around 20 + pairs.

Photographed by Marvin Joseph. Natalie modeling her Embody Denim. Natalie is the designer and she is constantly updating the styles (for all sizes) to correspond with the current fashion trends.

What Embody cut has been the most popular?

Everybody loves the ‘Bebe’ and ‘Tempt’ narrow styles. These two styles are totally different, being the Bebe more suited to apple body shapes and the tempt narrow being perfect for pear shaped ladies that struggle with gapping waistbands.

Are there any trends coming out next season that we should be keeping an eye out for?

I will be releasing a brand new crop style jean with lots of detailed panels. It is the perfect jean that manages to make everyone look a size smaller. We are still love the holes and rips and even the acid wash, denim is so varied now that you can pretty much wear whatever you want. I definitely recommend dressing for your shape rather than trying to wear the hottest look of the moment. Confidence is the sexiest thing you can wear.

We all love denim, but what makes denim so important to you?

I guess denim is like a third child to me. To be able to create something and make it work has been a challenge and it has been wonderful to be able to make so many women feel good about themselves whilst wearing Denim that I have designed.

What do you love to pair your embody denim with?

I love a bit of a rock chic feel. Something sexy under a blazer always looks hot.

Natalie had just been signed with Ford and was able to wear a high end designer Sass and Bide for this photo shoot.

What has been your favorite memory since creating Embody?

I have so many. I guess the day I was able to do my own photographic campaign was really exciting. It was so much fun to direct from behind the camera and to be the boss for the day.

Who would you love to see wear a pair of your jeans?

I have a very long list, but if it was a celebrity, I would love to see a pair on Beyonce.

Where can Plus-Size Models Unite readers find Embody Denim?

It is very easy you can buy direct from http://www.embodydenim.com.au/. I also offer free international shipping. I would also like to offer your readers a special 15% off for one week.

**To redeem, please email sales@embodydenim.com.au with plusmodelsunite in the subject line. Please mention the size and style that you wish, and Natalie will email you a discount link.

This photograph is from Natalie’s very first shoot with Cosmopolitan ten years ago. It was eight pages long and made Natalie’s career what it is today.

Have you ever struggled with body image or self esteem issues?

I think every time my body has gone through a radical change, such as the teenage years and after having babies, I start to think about how I can improve my body.

What advice would you give to young girls and women who are struggling?

I think you need to ask yourself– is it really your body your unhappy with or is it another problem?

Talk to your best friend or parents about your issues. Sometimes it’s as simple as going for a walk to make you feel more at ease with yourself and your body. Check out all the gorgeous curvy women that are really doing well for themselves by just being the way that they were meant to be.

What do you love about yourself?

I’m a pretty approachable person and always laugh very easily (sometimes too loud).

The Men’s Style magazine shoot was a first for a plus size model.

What are you excited about right now?

The possibilities of the future. Not knowing what’s around the corner from one week to the next.

*Thank you, Natalie!

5 Comments »

Amber Cather Gets Real About Acting, Body Image, Self-Esteem, Life, and the Guidelines for Plus & Straight Models.

Posted in Articles, Books, & Magazines, Beauty, Hair, & Make-up, Body Image, Celebrity, Confidence, Designers, Family & Friends, Fashion, Fitness & Health, Inspiration, Media, Models, Movies, My Story, New York, Photographers, Plus-Size Modeling, Self-Esteem, Shopping, Trade Tips, Travel, Unique Beauty with tags Beauty, Hair, Make-Up, Celebrity, Fashion, Fitness, Health, Funny Experiences, Photographers, Trade Tips, Shopping, Magazines, Family, Friends, Plus-Size Modeling, Events, Articles, Body Image, Confidence, Self-Esteem, Unique Beauty, News, Inspiration, Designers, Exercise, Media, New York, Glamour Magazine, Dove, model, Victoria's Secret, Georgia, Amber Cather, straight model, plus model, Fishers of Men, Mederma, Ed, Conan O'Brien, Law & Order SVU, Duane Incarnate, Cressida Wilson, Cybill Shepherd, Katherine Heigl, Alicia Witt, thyroidectomy on October 13, 2010 by Liz

Photographed by Amber’s mom, Bonnie Cather

Amber Cather has been a professional model and actress since she was nine years old. Amber has been featured on many TV shows such as, “The Vampire Diaries”, “The Guiding Light”, “Ed”, “Conan O’Brien”, and she guest starred on “Law & Order: SVU”. Amber played the lead role in the movie, “Missy’s Revenge”, and supporting roles in “Fishers of Men” and “Duane Incarnate”. She has also been in Victoria’s Secret and Mederma Commercials. She currently lives in Blue Ridge, GA with her husband; three-year-old daughter, Natalie; and their cat, Shelby.

Photographed by Bradford Willcox

How did you get started in the modeling industry?

I started modeling when I was nine. I was always a huge ham, and I loved being in front of the camera and on stage. So, I told my mom I wanted to model. She took me to an agency in Atlanta called Kiddin’ Around. I got signed and started working.

Was going from a straight model to a plus model a hard transition for you?

I’m not going to lie; it was incredibly hard. In the beginning, a lot of photographers and other models made me feel lesser, like I wasn’t a real model any more. Then, I started traveling a lot and working more and it didn’t bother me as much. I was still doing what I loved and getting to see the world, so I was happy.

Please tell us more about your transition from a straight model to a plus model.

I switched to plus after I had gone home to Georgia to visit my mom for a while. When I went back to New York, I was heavier than when I had left. I was exhausted from trying to get the weight off and then some. It seemed like they were always asking me if I could lose more and more weight. I noticed that the plus-size girls had also gotten smaller. When I first started modeling, “straight” size models were around a size 6 and some of the “plus” size girls were around a size 18/20. I saw the plus girls and they looked like curvy, beautiful women. So, I thought to myself, it would be much easier just to eat a whole lot more and gain weight and probably more fun, so that’s what I did. I was able to get up to a small size 12, but that was actually with a lot of effort.

Photographed by Cressida Wilson

What does the term “plus” mean to you?

To me, it just means fuller figured models.

What are your feelings on the term “plus” model?

The term “plus” doesn’t bother me. I think it’s better than a lot of other words the industry could probably come up with!

Do you think models should be divided into straight and plus size categories?

I do think that straight size and plus size should be divided. There are two different audiences that are being marketed to, so I think it makes sense for them to be divided. I think beauty campaigns, however, should be open to straight-size and plus-size girls.

Is there a fine line between plus model and straight model body measurement requirements? When is a model ”too small” to be a plus model or ”too big” to be a straight model?

I think the guidelines for what is considered straight size and what is considered plus size are specific and non-specific at the same time. If you are larger than a size 4, you are a little too big to be straight size, and if you are smaller than a 10, you are a little too small to be plus size. However, if you are caught in this no man’s land, there are clients that don’t mind if you pad up to make yourself larger. So, potentially, you could be a size 6 or 8 and be a plus-size model. It’s not that common, but it happens. I’ve actually just now lost just a bit too much weight, and I am being put back into the straight category since I am now a size 4 again. It was a healthy and easy transition for me this time. I think because I didn’t lose weight for anybody else and I didn’t feel any pressure to do it. I just wanted to get healthy and in shape to be a role model for my daughter. My weight naturally dropped down to a 4.

Photographed by Blake Davenport

Not only are you an amazing model, you are also an actress. We would love to hear about your acting career. What do you enjoy about acting?

I started acting just a little bit after I started modeling. There was a nationwide search for a girl to play the part of Cybill Shepherd’s daughter on the sitcom, Cybill. I sent in a video audition through my agent. It finally came down to Katherine Heigl, Alicia Witt, and me. I flew out to LA to read for the executive producer, and while I was there, I got a manager for acting. While I lived in NY and was straight size, I did quite a bit of acting as well. I had a small day part on “Law & Order: SVU” and did a film called “Duane Incarnate”. I took a break from acting while I was fuller figured. I am now and have just recently started auditioning again. My next project is a role in a film called “Fishers of Men”. We film October 5. I’ve always really enjoyed acting…maybe even more than modeling. I like to talk a lot and love performing.

Have you ever struggled with body image or self-esteem issues? If so, what advice would you give to girls/women currently struggling?

Yes, I have. I had a thyroid tumor when I was seventeen, and had to have a total thyroidectomy. Before my surgery, I was naturally a very thin girl. A month after my surgery, I had gained 40 pounds. It was incredibly hard to deal with, especially at such a young age. I wasn’t comfortable in my skin at my new size, so I barely ate for a long time to get back down to a size 2-4 and continue working as a straight size model. The advice I would give girls that are struggling with body image and self-esteem issues is to try to embrace who you are. Everyone looks and feels their best when they are at their natural size and are healthy. I didn’t feel good when I was forcing myself to be too thin for me and I didn’t feel good on the opposite side of the spectrum when I was forcing myself to eat and be heavier to be able to get close to a full size plus model. I still struggle sometimes and the thing that grounds me the most is my daughter. I don’t want her to grow up hearing her mommy putting herself down because I don’t want Natalie to think that is ever acceptable.

Photographed by Amber’s friend and fellow plus model, Cressida Wilson

What is your definition of beauty?

My definition of beauty? That’s a hard question. Obviously, inner beauty shines the brightest. There are girls that are absolutely stunning on the outside, but if they have a bad attitude or mean disposition, it diminishes their beauty.

Do you think plus models are helping redefine beauty?

I think some plus models are helping redefine beauty. Again, I really think being healthy is the most important thing and that’s what I think is going to help redefine beauty the most. I have had the pleasure of working with some amazing plus models that truly embodies what I think a woman should be, and I have had the misfortune of working with girls that are the complete opposite. As a whole, I think it’s good for women to have a wider variety of sizes of women to look at, as examples of what we consider beautiful.

Photographed by Blake Davenport

What does being healthy mean to you?

Being healthy to me means taking care of yourself in every way. Body, mind, and soul. I think it’s important to eat healthy, but not go crazy. I still eat what I want, and I think that’s important. Allowing ourselves some indulgences sometimes is healthy, too! Staying active is healthy. I recently started dancing again because it’s one of my first true loves, makes me happy, and is helping to keep me fit. Keeping your attitude and mind healthy is just as vital. Being kind, open, patient, and learning new things…that’s all-important to me, and I try my best to live that way. I fail sometimes, but I try! I’ve come to the realization, that for me, my healthiest size is a little on the small side for plus and a little on the large size for straight. So far, I’ve found that I’ve actually been working more, and I think it has to do with the fact that I feel better than I have in years and it shows in my work.

Where would you like to see the fashion and beauty industry in five years?

I would like to see the industry accept body types that are in between what is now straight size and plus size. I would also like to see some of the “straight-size” girls gain just a little weight, and some of the “plus-size” girls lose a little weight. Just my opinion…please don’t hate on me for it! I feel like in some editorials they exaggerate the thinness of girls for shock value and do the opposite with plus girls. It’s not beautiful to me.

Photographed by Tanja Tremel and Jasmin Arbes

What has been one of your most memorable modeling experiences?

One of my most memorable modeling experiences was probably my first runway show in NY when I was seventeen. It was so exciting!

What would be the perfect day with your family?

A perfect day with my family is when we take Natalie somewhere that she really enjoys and then have dinner in the evening, watch a movie together, and all go to bed. Pretty simple, but it’s my favorite.

What is one thing your daughter has taught you?

She has changed my life in a way that I think only mothers truly understand. She’s changed everything. The way I look at the world, in general, is entirely different now. Having her made me take a long, hard look at myself and realize there was a lot I wanted to change. She’s also taught me a lot of patience!

What has been your proudest moment?

My proudest moment is anytime anyone meets Natalie.

How would you describe your style?

I am not a typical model at all! You won’t see me in some really cool outfit and amazing shoes with accessories that only a stylist would be able to come up with! My style is very simple. I like clothes that fit well, and that I think are pretty.

What are some of your favorite beauty must-haves or products?

I must have an eyelash curler, mascara, tweezers for my eyebrows, blush, a barely tinted lip gloss, and Dove Sensitive Skin soap.

Photographed by Blake Davenport

What do you love about yourself and why?

I love the fact that I’m very real and open. Some people don’t like it I suppose, but I prefer that over a lot of the people who need to grow up. I try not to put on airs or a facade of what my life is or has been. What you see with me is pretty much what you get…mostly.

Who do you consider a role model or hero?

My mom and my sister. My mom because she has been through a lot and is an incredibly strong woman, even if she doesn’t realize it. My sister because she is simply amazing. She is always in a good mood, she is smart, she’s an incredible mother and friend, and she’s funny. She’s just inspiring.

Do you have a hidden talent or something we would be surprised to learn about you?

I love math and word games. I love all games, actually. My husband and I have even gone to some cornhole tournaments. Haha! It’s a crazy fun game! My best games are probably spades, ping-pong, and Nintendo 64′s 007. I almost forgot–I’m freakishly good at grab machine games. I have cleaned several out before and had them turned off on me. So, every time I see one, I have to play. I’m obsessed. Ha ha!

Bridal Guide Magazine

If you had one wish, what would it be?

I would wish to be content. It always feels like I’m working towards something else and/or for better all the time. I would love to know how it feels to just be and be okay with that.

What are you excited about right now?

I’m excited about my life! I’m excited about how my career is going. I’m excited to see my daughter grow up. I’m always excited!

*Thank you, Amber!

** You can learn more about Amber at http://ambercatherinc.com/.

1 Comment »

Abby Valdes Talks About Fashion, Motherhood, Beauty, New York Fashion Week, Modeling Tips, Not Feeling Perfect Enough, and The Best Advice She’s Ever Been Given!

Posted in Australia, Beauty, Hair, & Make-up, Body Image, Confidence, Designers, Fashion, Ford +, Inspiration, Models, New York, Photographers, Plus-Size Modeling, Self-Esteem, Shopping, Trade Tips, TV, Unique Beauty with tags Abby Valdes, Australia, Beauty, Bella Model Management, Body Image, Books, Chelsea Bonner, Confidence, Cosmopolitan, Designers, Fashion, fashion show, Ford +, Friends, Health, Make-Up, Marina Rinaldi, Models, New York, New York Fashion Week, OneStopPlus.com, Photographers, Plus models, Self-Esteem, Shopping, Tommy Hilfiger, Trade Tips, Travel, Unique Beauty on October 5, 2010 by Liz

Abby on a shoot in Istanbul,Turkey for Faik Sönmez.

Abby Valdes is a plus model from Australia, who currently lives in New York City. She is signed with FORD NY and Bella Model Management. Abby has six sisters and one brother. She has lived many places throughout Australia. As a child, she spent her time with her “mum,” siblings, and cousins in mud baths, water holes, water fountains, and under a Chai Tent.

Ford + NY lured Abby to sign with them two years ago, which she says, “was an easy decision to make as I’m still a bit of a gypsy. I’d rather sit on the floor than sit on my couch!” She travels to Europe and Australia often for work. She most frequently travels to South Africa, Spain, Germany, and Australia.

She loves reading books on subjects such as esoteric philosophy, world religions, art, metaphysics, and critical mass; and she reads a million fashion magazines, which are piled up all over her apartment.

Abby is a single woman, which she says, “is not good because I want to have eight kids! So, I need to get a move on! Well, maybe six kids… or I could settle for four, but that’s the lowest!”

How did you get started in the plus modeling industry?

I guess how I got started is an age-old models tale. My best friend always said that I should model, but I was busy working in finance in Australia. One day, on a TV show called “Today Tonight”, she saw a competition for Bella Model Management. They were searching for ‘plus size’ models. She sent in a picture of me for the competition and was contacted by Bella Model Management soon after. She was told that I had made it to the televised finals in Sydney. This is when she told me the news! But I was convinced that my finance career was the way to go so I contacted Chelsea Bonner of Bella Model Management and told her that although I was very flattered that I had made it to the finals, I actually had a different career and couldn’t come to Sydney! Chelsea was so lovely that she offered me a contract on the spot! So, I decided to do some modeling on the side and see if I could make some extra cash. And that I did! So much so that after about six months or so, I had to make some decisions about which career I wanted to pursue because I couldn’t continue to do both as they were both very time consuming. I decided to move to Sydney to see where modeling could take me. It wasn’t long before I was traveling around the world for work and then finally moved to New York City! I’ll always be grateful to Chelsea for having the foresight and faith in me!

Who are some of the clients you have worked with?

In Oz (Australia) I did all the brands that we know and love like Berlie/Platex, Bonds, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Cleo, Womans Weekly, Maggie T, Sara, Freewoman, Mysize, David Jones, Myers, and I could I could go on…

In New York, I have amazing clients such as Macy’s, Saks Fifth Avenue, Lord and Taylor, Bloomingdales, Marina Rinaldi, Tommy Hilfiger, etc. I have worked extensively throughout Europe, in particular London and Germany. I have just recently finished shooting in Berlin for Otto and in Istanbul, Turkey for a client called Faik Sonmez.

Australian Women’s Weekly Magazine. Photographer David Gubert. Stylist Julie Russell.

What advice do you have for aspiring plus models?

I would tell any aspiring plus-size model that they have made a good choice! The plus-size industry is the best of both worlds! You are encouraged to be healthy, which means that you are allowed to eat, ladies! You must eat a balanced diet and not be too skinny! Thank the lord!

You should approach several agencies in your state. See what advice they have for you and try to follow their constructive ‘advice’. Do remember that ‘plus size’ models, in general, are required to fit the same modeling criteria as straight-size models but without the ‘skinny part’. You should be tall and attractive (not necessarily Claudia Schiffer beauty) and attractive girl next door works too!

Everyone starts out somewhere, so learn your craft. Study magazines and how models move. What expressions they show on their face and practice, practice, practice! Before you know it, you will be a pro!

How do you prepare for a shoot?

I make sure I get plenty of rest so that I look fresh and relaxed. I make sure my hair and nails are perfectly maintained, and that my skin is moisturized and hydrated with loads of water and vitamin C powder. Then I show up to the shoot with heaps of my usual morning energy that usually make everyone wonder what special little pills I’m on! Which are vitamins, honey!

Abby on a shoot in Istanbul,Turkey for Faik Sönmez.

Have you ever struggled with self-esteem or body image issues? If so, what advice do you have to girls and women currently struggling?

Gosh, all the time and every day! For me, I have always struggled with the idea that I was not perfect enough. And, although I love my curves, they meant I was always going to be considered a ‘big’ girl. When in reality, I grew up surrounded by women who had hips and shape that had taught me otherwise!

So every day, or on the days I am not feeling my true worth, I counsel myself. I tell myself what every mother should tell their child. That I am valuable and, that like all people in this world, I am acceptable and valid. I am beautiful because I am woman. No matter what society tries to trick you into believing, my body is healthy, sexy, and womanly! And I will not change it for anyone else’s preferences.

What has been the best advice you have been given?

Well, I advise myself to always follow my own heart no matter what. You are bound to make mistakes, but when you follow your own heart, you learn what you need to know!

Australian Women’s Weekly Magazine. Photographer David Gubert. Stylist Julie Russell.

How would you describe New York City.

Is nothing like Oz! New York City is a melting pot of some of the most creative and inspiring people I have met. NYC is a buzz with chaotic energy, which is what I love. There are a million amazing people and things to do, and the people are all from somewhere else, but living in New York!

How do you define beauty?

I define beauty as a feeling! Do you feel beautiful? You should! We ALL have beautiful qualities both spiritually and physically. If someone else fails to recognize this, then they are shortsighted and victims of a fast becoming archaic society of one standard of beauty!

What are some of your favorite beauty products or must-haves?

Hmmm…Well typically, I try not to be a big product kind of girl. However, I do have a cupboard filled with all sorts of products that I never use! But my must haves are: Strawberry Chap stick that I massage onto my lips for a plumping effect, Dove Essential Nutrients Protective Tinted Moisturizer for the face in a honey tint for both protection from the sun and a refreshing natural moisturizer, Maybelline New York Define-a-Brow eyebrow pencil to fill in my gaps, and also Maybelline Volume Express to pump up my eye lashes. I love my mascara! Other than that, I use Frederic Fekkai Ageless Creme Luxe Hair Treatment to help my hair recover from all of the hot tools used to torture it daily.

Marina Rinaldi Campaign

Where do you love to shop for clothes?

I love ‘Opp Shopping’ and I can’t seem to pass one by without popping in quickly! ‘Opp shopping’ is what Australians call a ‘Thrift Shop’. It stands for ‘Opportunity;’ someone else’s trash is another person’s opportunity… Something like that. I just went to the Garage with a friend and found two of the most amazing 1930′s dresses! I can’t wait to find somewhere to wear them! At the moment, I am obsessed with lace. I buy vintage and new lace tops and wear my strapless black bra underneath! Love it! That’s what you’ll see me wearing every other day right now, with my dark grey fedora from Sydney.

But, I also love me some online shopping at the moment as it is easy to do from anywhere in the world. I shop online at www.style.com, www.planetblue.com, www.freepeople.com, and www.singer.com. I also love a new and awesome Australian store that opened recently in Darlinghurst called ‘Desordre’ –they have the hottest new trends! I also love House of Harlow for vintage inspired accessories and clothes.

Who are your favorite clothing designers?

Ooohhh, if I had an unlimited budget I would cover myself in Balmain and Balenciaga boots! I also Herve Leger dresses when you want to show off your ample curves! In Oz, I love Sass & Bide. Romance Was Born is making some cool stuff. I like Paul & Joe. I also like Karen Walker for her mix of streamline and eclectic fashion.

What is your go-to outfit?

My go-to outfit is a pair of skinny grey jeans, t-shirt, and a Bolero.

Australian Women’s Weekly Magazine. Photographer David Gubert. Stylist Julie Russell.

What do you like to do in your down time?

In my down time, I am either reading about Quantum Physics (yes, really!), The Power of the Subconscious Mind, or something obscure. I also LOVE markets, especially flea markets, and I like hanging with my mates.

What do you love most about motherhood?

I love everything about motherhood! Even when it’s tough and heart breaking. I couldn’t imagine anything known to man who is more rewarding and magical that growing a human being inside of you! We are amazing beings! Plus, the kisses and cuddles are the best – when you can get them!

Abby on a shoot in Istanbul,Turkey for Faik Sönmez.

The OneStopPlus.Com Fashion Show was the first plus-size show held during New York Fashion Week. Please tell us about it.

OneStopPlus.com Fashion Show was awesome! There were eighteen of us plus-size girls and it was held in the Lincoln Centre, smack bang in the middle of Fashion Week. We didn’t realize what a big deal it would be but, it turns out that it was news worldwide! About bloody time!

I’m happy to say, I made it into the New York Post (see below)! The energy was so amazing, and you could just feel how excited everyone was to see the show! It was a fun show and well received. Let’s hope this is just one of many more to come! In truth, I would love to see all the fashion shows have a couple of plus-size models in each and every show and not even making a big deal out of it because its ‘normal’ and not a big production based on a ‘new trend’ or about being ‘diverse,’ but rather because they are showing that they represent all women! That would be awesome!

Picture from New York Post. Abby (in middle) during New York Fashion Week at the OneStopPlus.com’s Fashion Show.

Of all of the places your modeling has taken you, which is your favorite destination thus far?

It has to be all the islands of the coast of Italy and France! That’s the life! I dream of island living! Sun, good food, water, friends, and family are my idea of heaven.

What are you excited about right now?

I’m excited about life! You never know what is waiting for you around the corner. I love to be surprised! But, specifically I am looking forward to starting my own business and hopefully finding love!

*Thank you, Abby!

5 Comments »

Kate Dillon has Brains, Beauty, and is an Advocate For Environmental & Humanitarian Causes Such As The Komera Project

Posted in Articles, Books, & Magazines, Beauty, Hair, & Make-up, Body Image, Celebrity, Confidence, Designers, Fashion, Fitness & Health, Inspiration, Media, Models, New York, Plus-Size Modeling, Self-Esteem, Shopping, Travel, Unique Beauty, Work, Your Story with tags Africa, Beauty, Body Image, Books, Christine Alt, Crystal Renn, Designers, eating disorder awareness, Emme, Empowering Women, Environmentally Sustainable Fabrics, Exercise, Family, Fashion, Fitness, Ford +, Ford Models, Gucci, Harvard, Health, Inspiration, Italian Vogue, John Patrick Organic, Kaight, Kate Dillon, Komera Project, Marina Rinaldi, Maya Angelou, Media, Organic, Plus-Size Modeling, Redcats, Rwanda, Self-Esteem, Shopping, Suki, Talbots, The Avenue, Trade Tips, Unique Beauty, yoga on September 5, 2010 by Liz

Kate Dillon is known in the fashion industry as a groundbreaker and a passionate advocate for environmental and humanitarian causes. For 19 years, she has leveraged her career in fashion to campaign for positive body image in the media, eating disorders awareness, and global poverty reduction. Her work has been widely featured in the media, including on Anderson Cooper 360, Good Morning America, and the PBS NOVA series as well as in Vogue, Glamour, and People. In order to be a more effective advocate, Kate completed a Master’s in Public Administration in International Development at the Harvard Kennedy School in 2009 where she won two academic awards. Now back in the fashion industry full-time, Kate continues to model while serving as vice-president of the Komera Project, a fund that provides scholarships for secondary education to girls in Rwanda.

Who are you signed on with and who are some of your clients?

I signed with Ford about two months ago after fourteen years with Wilhelmina, and my major clients are: Marina Rinaldi, The Avenue, JC Penneys, Kohl’s, Talbots, Bloomingdales.com, and Macys.com

Please tell us how you got started in the modeling business and about your transition from “straight” modeling to “plus-size” modeling. Was that a difficult transition for you to make?

I started modeling when I was seventeen years old. I was at my usual hangout, a coffee shop in San Diego where I grew up, when I met a photographer who got me into modeling. I was not especially into fashion, and I certainly did NOT think of myself as model material, but it seemed like a great opportunity. I started working out of LA until I finished high school, and I loved having this double life – nerdy high school chick most of the time, burgeoning fashion model in LA once a week or so… The trouble was I could not stay super skinny. I moved to NYC and Paris when I graduated high school and I loved the travel and the people I met in the fashion business, but the pressure to be thin was killing me – MOREOVER I hated that I was perpetuating this illusion, this super-thin ideal. Here I was starving myself to be thin and then foisting this image on women – this was NOT the impact I wanted to have on the world. So, I quit modeling and was pretty much clueless about what to do for about two years. I gained about 40 pounds (about a size 10) as soon as I quit and started doing some soul-searching. Then a friend mentioned plus-size modeling. I had worked alongside Christine Alt and Emme as a skinny model, and I remembered thinking they were so cool and brave – I actually thought, “I would never have the guts to be that big”… Well, I found the guts and the transition to plus was super easy because I was so sure of myself. I knew that being beautiful, fashionable, and successful had NOTHING to do with size, and I loved kind of challenging the fashion world to recognize that. I have always been a bit of a rebel. =) The only real challenge was in the beginning – and this happens to a lot of plus models, I think – at first I started to feel guilty if I worked out or ate a salad so I gained A LOT of weight in my first year as a plus-size model. Some people really remember me at that size – like a 14 – but it wasn’t sustainable for me… Eventually I realized exercise and healthy eating is just fine and returned to my “natural” size…

Was there a specific event or sequence of events that led to your decision to stop modeling for the “straight” modeling industry?

I did a lot of shows and editorial, but I was always told to lose like 5-20 pounds (at 120 I have no clue how to do that!). Before one show season, I got a bad intestinal virus that lasted about ten days – use your imagination. =) Well, needless to say, I lost a lot of weight, and when I turned up at the shows Paris all these editors were like “you look amaaaaaaaaazing” and I remember thinking, “Wow, THAT’S what it takes to be beautiful around here? Yuck.” That was pretty much the beginning of the end…

Would you define what the term “plus” means in the modeling industry? (We get this question all the time from our readers who are not in the industry. It would be wonderful for someone like you [so well-known, established, intelligent, and admired] to answer that question.)

Well, thank you for the compliments!!!! I get this a lot, too. In the industry “plus size” means size 14W and up. A “plus size” model models those clothes for the catalogs and advertisements of those who produce those sizes. Occasionally – like my work for Talbots and Gucci – a brand that does not cater to “plus sizes” will hire a plus size model. Plus-size models come in many shapes and sizes – it’s pretty cool, actually. Some clients like bigger girls and some like smaller girls. Some mix it up. There is a lot of diversity…

You have been open regarding your struggles with body image issues. How did your struggles affect your self-esteem? How did you reach the point of accepting and loving your body as it is?

I accepted my body, as is, when I was twenty-one years old. I was walking down the beach feeling so self-conscious about my “big” arms and my thigh cellulite. Suddenly, I realized that it was very likely that every woman on the beach was ruining this gorgeous day at the beach – just as I was – obsessing over her imperfections. I decided to get over it – that it was more important to be happy, grateful for life’s mystery, and as smart as possible. It really was like a switch flipped in my brain. And I never looked back. Since then, I have had a pretty healthy self-esteem body-wise. However, that’s largely because my sense of self-worth is actually NOT tied to my appearance. I love to be pretty and sexy, but I am more concerned about making a contribution to the world and being a kind person – these are the things I struggle to achieve these days – I am working on it! But, my self-esteem lags when I’ve been judgmental or bitchy or when I am not doing enough… When I was in graduate school I was so overwhelmed by all the talented people around me – my self-esteem really took a beating! But I think it’s normal – and healthy – to have periods of high and low self-esteem.

What advice would you give to young girls or women who are struggling with self-esteem, confidence, or body image?

Well, in our society it is certainly understandable for a woman to have body-image/confidence issues. My advice is to cut yourself some slack, acknowledge you have issues, and then decide to focus on something more meaningful. Decide to get an A on your next test, volunteer at an animal shelter or a retirement home, something… Think about what you love and care about and devote yourself to that – the act of following your dreams and/or being altruistic will boost your confidence. And always always always treat yourself the way you would treat your best friend.

Have you read any good books that help promote positive self-esteem and healthy body image that you would recommend for girls, pre-teens, teens, or women?

The poem “Phenomenal Woman” by Maya Angelou has been in the back of my mind since I was twenty-one years old (fifteen years).

How would you describe your current approach to potential clients and your modeling career?

Grateful, professional, and I try to give them something exciting – I try never to go on autopilot. I learned that from Crystal Renn, actually. She gives it up like its Italian Vogue every time.

Do you feel that furthering your education and earning a degree in International Development at Harvard helped build your confidence or changed your perception of yourself or life?

Emotionally, Harvard was really difficult for me. As I mentioned above I was very intimidated by my classmates (even though they are the sweetest, most compassionate, most supportive group of people on the planet, and truly amazing human beings), and the coursework was extremely challenging. I lost about ten pounds during graduate school because I was so stressed! But it was probably the first time in my life I had to struggle and it was sooooooo good for me ultimately. I was deeply humbled. Studying International Development, I expected my perception of the world to change, but it really didn’t. However, my perception of myself changed dramatically. I am still trying to figure out what to do with my degree. I have been thinking a lot about the impact of the fashion industry on the development issues I care about most: the environment and empowerment strategies for women and girls. This April, I designed and moderated a panel on fashion and sustainable economic development at the Harvard International Development Conference. It’s a work in progress. =)

We know that you are an environmental activist. With that in mind, we would like to know where you like to shop for clothes and who your favorite designers are?

Excellent question! I am pretty militant about the clothes I buy these days – I go for environmentally sustainable fabrics like bamboo and hemp and stick to organic cotton. In New York, I shop at Kaight and Barneys where I can find Loomstate, John Patrick Organic (my absolute fave), Josh Podoll, Samantha Pleet, and Camilla Norrback. The mainstream exception I make is the Gap, Inc. They are great company that is truly committed to improving the lives of the workers who produce their clothes, and I expect they will announce an organic line any day now… Redcats, who own the Avenue, are also a great company – they sponsor eco-fashion week in Paris and have a strong environmental policy…

What are your favorite beauty must haves?

I use Suki everything for skin care. Suki pure facial moisturizer and the foaming exfoliating cleanser rock my world. For make-up, I love Korres concealer and lipsticks. Both brands are environmentally conscious. Suki is all organic and fair trade.

Do you have a favorite workout routine?

Hahaha. Well since I got pregnant, I don’t do much anymore! I used to run 3-6 miles three times a week and did vinyasa yoga about twice a week. These days I do a 30-minute elliptical workout or a swim a few days a week and go to prenatal yoga once a week. In my non-pregnant state, I love to do races – triathlons and runs so I am usually training for something. But I avoid gyms. I like to exercise outside – even in the cold! I ran a 15K last December in 25-degree weather – my crowning athletic achievement.

What does being healthy mean to you?

Being able to be physically active, being reasonably flexible, and laughing every day.

Out of all the places your modeling has taken you – where is the most memorable?

Morocco

Who do you consider a hero or role model?

Role models: My mom and dad. Hero: Girls all over the world who struggle – against unimaginable odds – to be educated and empowered.

Please tell us about the Komera project.

The Komera Project provides scholarships to girls in Rwanda who have the ability and desire to attend secondary school, but who lack the financial resources to do so. I co-founded this initiative with my friend, Margaret Butler – a former professional runner, who lived in Rwinkwavu, Rwanda for a year. I became interested in educating girls in Africa in 2007 when I visited a school in Zimbabwe – it was freezing and I was wearing about a thousand bucks worth of Patagonia’s finest fleece, and most of the students didn’t even have shoes. They wore torn cotton sweaters and shorts and skirts with no tights. The teacher had to lead them in a song and dance in between lessons to keep themselves warm. Then I found out that many of them walked one to three miles just to get to school every day, and that because there was no secondary school in the village most would not attend high school. It was so awe-inspiring to see how hard these kids worked in formidable circumstances. They knew education was the only chance in the world they had. Komera has a website with more in-depth descriptions of our mission and programs as well as some data about educating girls. www.komeraproject.org

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Running for public office. Teaching high school. Modeling. Who knows!

What are you excited about right now?

My baby boy due December 14. =)

*Thank you and congratulations, Kate!

**To learn more about the Komera Project or help Kate’s cause please visit www.komeraproject.org.

***’W Curve,’ the division for full-figured models at Wilhelmina, have formed Curves for Change (C4C)- a platform to collectively pursue charitable activities. They will be a hosting a fundraising event which will be a 5k run/walk this fall in NYC (date to be announced). Proceeds will go to the Komera Project and Healthy Girls Hardy Women. Here is the Curves for Change link if you want to find out more about the upcoming fundraiser. http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/curvesforchange?ref=ts

5 Comments »

Model Lauren Maksimovic Talks About Feeling Self-Conscious, Societal Misconception of Plus-Size Women, Beauty, Fashion, Books, and More!

Posted in Articles, Books, & Magazines, Australia, Beauty, Hair, & Make-up, Body Image, Confidence, Designers, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Fitness & Health, Inspiration, Media, Models, Photographers, Plus-Size Modeling, Self-Esteem, Shopping, Trade Tips, Unique Beauty with tags Annabel Wendt, Australia, Beauty, Bella Model Management, Body Image, Books, Chelsea Bonner, Collette Dinnigan, Confidence, Designers, Events, Family, Fashion, Fitness, Health, Inspiration, interview, Lauren Maksimovic, Madison Magazine, Magazines, Make-Up, Media, Models, Oscar de la Renta, Penelope Benson, Peter Morrissey, plus size model, Self-Esteem, Stalla McCartney, Sydney, Trade Tips, Unique Beauty, Virtu, Work, Your Story on July 17, 2010 by Liz

Lauren Maksimovic on set at Virtu Shoot

Lauren Maksimovic is an Australian plus model who is signed with BELLA model management and is in talks with agents in both London and Germany. She is the face of the new label Virtu, which is a wonderful clothing line for ‘life after work’ for women sizes 12-24. (www.virtushop.com.au)

Last year she was heavily involved with the Big W launch of Peter Morrissey’s line of clothing for every day women. She was lucky enough to appear in his lingerie TV commercial http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-lSZfAg6ZVU.

Here’s Lauren…

Photos for ‘Insalada’

Please tell us where you are from, and how you got started in the modeling business.

I am originally from Adelaide in South Australia, and I moved to Sydney to pursue further study in the field of Education. I never had any intention of modeling, but after being scouted out by Chelsea Bonner (my agent) in a Sydney bar, my life has never been the same – and I have never looked back!

What misconceptions do you think society has of plus-size women?

I would say the biggest (and most frustrating!) misconception of plus-size women is that they are overweight or lazy. As defined by women, “normal” in our society is a size 6 – 8, which is represented by “normal” models. Therefore, plus-size women in our society are a size 12 – 16, which is also represented by plus-size models in this size bracket. We are all individuals; each one of us coming in different shapes and sizes. Seeing images of thin starving women in magazines and in the media gives women a false hope that they can look like that and that has set the standard in our society of what is considered beautiful or worse, “perfect.” Plus-size models are a representation of real women wearing clothes that real women can buy (not just for down the runway) and they set an example of being healthy.

The most beautiful plus-size models in the world are toned, gorgeous women, with curvy bodies!

Madison images, Madison Magazine. Photographer Jordon Graham

Have you ever struggled with self-esteem or body image issues in the past? If so, how did you reach the point of accepting and loving your body as it is?

Of course! In high school, I went through a phase of being very self-conscious. I was much taller than all my friends who were tiny, petite, beautiful girls. I always joked that I could start an agency of my own with just my school friends on the books! From this, I formed a bit of a complex about what beauty was, and I never actually saw myself as fitting this ideal of “beauty.” I took a leap of faith moving to Sydney. The first few months were incredibly tough and I felt very alone. I missed my friends and family every day. Although I thought of myself as being strong-willed before the move, I realized that this experience made me into a stronger person, and I realized that I could achieve anything I wanted to if I set my mind to it. I gained a whole different sense of self and since then, I don’t give up on anything I set my mind to. By the time I met Chelsea and signed to BELLA model management, I was in a whole new state of mind and since then have grown in leaps and bounds. I have gained a new level of confidence and embrace that people see me as being a role model for healthy women.

What advice would you give to young women who are struggling with self-esteem, confidence, or body image?

You are BEAUTIFUL! Each and every woman is beautiful in her own way. We should be placing less value on what we look like and more on how we feel, on our attitude about life, and what is really important to us. Life is too short to be wasted on worrying about things we cannot change – you can only be the best you can be and love yourself for who you are! I am always looking to better myself; physically by working out and eating healthy, but also in other ways to be a better person. I am blessed to have the most inspiring family. Both my parents are strong, smart, and wise people who have steered me to believe in what is really important in life and doing things that shape you into being a better person. No matter where my career takes me, I will always be grounded and grateful because of where I have come from and the way I have been brought up. I was once told by my agent words that I will never forget, “As a model looks will only take you so far; it is your personality and attitude that will get you further.” This has proven to be true over and over again, and I believe this to be true in everyday life as well.

L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival Unzipped Parade, wearing Rio!

What does being healthy mean to you?

Being healthy should not be about striving to be thin or to lose weight. It should be to strive to feel good about yourself and have energy to be able to do whatever you want to do. I treat exercise as part of life. I love exercising in the mornings as it makes me feel good for the rest of the day. When I feel good physically, I generally also feel good emotionally and mentally, which are both just as important in having good health. We all know what is good for us and what we should do/eat in moderation. We need to make good lifestyle choices to give our bodies maximum health.

Out of all the places your modeling has taken you – where is the most memorable?

I went to New York last year to visit some agencies and while I was there, I fell in love with the city. There is something magical about New York City that I will never forget. My long-term goal is to get back overseas to experience shoots with people from all over the world, but right now, I am so passionate about building plus-size influence in the Australian industry. I am really happy living and working in Sydney, and I am enjoying the challenges of building a profile for plus-size models and real women.

Madison images, Madison Magazine. Photographer Jordon Graham

Where do you like to shop for clothes and who are your favorite designers?

I am blessed that one of my best mates, Annabel Wendt, happens to be a creative genius and has come on board this year to be my stylist for different events! She is a master at putting together mixtures of vintage and modern pieces to create a unique, beautiful outfit. She has her own style blog at http://lovemoreblog.blogspot.com/

Fashion has a certain power; the way garments can make you feel can change everything about a woman’s confidence and sense of self. I find Oscar de la Renta and Stella McCartney’s garments to be inspirational in this regard, and my favourite Aussie designers are Peter Morrissey and Collette Dinnagan.

Please tell us about your Ambassador role with Peter Morrissey.

Peter is a wonderful man and an incredible designer with a vision to produce clothing that is wearable not just on the runway, but on a real woman in everyday life. Working with him so closely throughout 2009 was a dream, as he has always been one of my favorite designers, and to see his passion for reaching out to real women of Australia, through fashion, was inspirational.

Photos for ‘Insalada’ - photographer unknown

Do you have a favorite workout routine?

I try to mix up my workouts with weight training and cardio. I love cycling and swimming and my boyfriend just bought a surfboard so I want to start surfing on the weekends! I used to be into Water Polo in a big way. In fact, I represented South Australia in the Women’s Open National League, and although I am not as heavily involved with Water Polo now, I still love being in the pool!

What are some of your favorite beauty products or must-haves?

I have really sensitive skin so I am always on the look out for products that don’t dry out the skin and are really nourishing. Dermalogica’s cleanser is fantastic. Cetaphil moisturizer is great for Winter, especially when our skin is more prone to drying out. I try not to wear makeup if I’m not working, but I can’t live with out Clinque blush, and I love Chanel’s new lipstick range (a little bit of color on the lips makes you instantly look fresh)!

Do you have a favorite book that you would like to recommend?

I just finished The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo, which had me hooked until the very last page! But my favourite book would have to be Shantaram, as I love books that are so powerful they can move you to be happy, sad, and inspired.

How would you feel being the first plus model to grace the cover of an Australian magazine?

Since I have been modeling, my determination to change the ideals of beauty and knock down barriers that have been instilled for far too many years in the fashion industry, has continued to grow. To be on the cover of an Australian magazine would be a dream come true. It would be an incredible honor, but more importantly, it would create a buzz in the industry. I believe it would create a turning point for the Australian fashion industry to include real women on more than just a single token page in a magazine.

What are you excited about right now?

Being the change I want to see in the world!

Article from the Melbourne Age newspaper showing Lauren Maksimovic and Penelope Benson, with a straight size model in the middle, after the massive success of L’Oreal Melbourne Fashion Festival - Unzipped!

*Thank you, Lauren!

5 Comments »

Tali Giat Talks About Hollywood, Media, Fashion, Body Image, Self-Esteem, and Empowering Girls and Women to Embrace Diversity.

Posted in Beauty, Hair, & Make-up, Body Image, Celebrity, Confidence, Designers, Entertainment, Events, Fashion, Fitness & Health, Food, Inspiration, News, Photographers, Plus-Size Modeling, Self-Esteem, Shopping, Unique Beauty, Your Story with tags America Ferrera, Ashquelon, Bath & Body Works, Beauty, Body Image, Celebrity, Cindy Crawford, Confidence, Designers, Emmanuelle Chriqui, Events, Fashion, FOX, Full Figured Fashion week, Health, Inez Lewis, Inspiration, Israel, Make-Up, Meaningful Beauty, Models, More To Lov, New York, News, Penelope Cruz, Photographers, Plus Model Magazine, Plus-Size Modeling, Self-Esteem, Shopping, Tali Giat, Trade Tips, Unique Beauty on July 2, 2010 by Liz

Photographed by Khala Merg

Tali Giat is best known to audiences as the winner of the wildly popular FOX television show “More To Love.” Prior to her success on the small screen, Tali worked as wardrobe stylist and an up-and-coming plus-size model in New York City.

Tali was born in Ashquelon, Israel and is the oldest of six children. Her mission, as a spokesperson for healthy body image for women and girls, is to support initiatives that inspire a wider definition of beauty. Tali is working to empower women and contribute to the healthy body image revolution; which is to promote normal size woman in the media, marketing, entertainment, and fashion industries.

Photographed by Chris Steinbach

Tell us about your experience being cast on the FOX network show “More to Love” and being “the last woman standing.”

I was very excited when I received the call back that I was cast on the show. Being “the last woman standing” wasn’t an outcome anyone, especially myself, had anticipated. It was a very unique journey for me where I kept open-minded, yet genuine, and fell deeply in love. I also had the opportunity of meeting a great group of women and making great friendships. Becoming a certain role model and contributing to the representation of curvy, normal size women in Hollywood and TV, were also wonderful honors, which came along with the experience.

How do you think plus modeling and shows such as “More to Love” are helping our society to redefine beauty?

I think any opportunity where we (full-figured women) could express our voices and empower other girls, teens, and adult women to embrace our diversity and support our individuality, is bringing us one step closer to a better society and future. Whether it would be through the fashion industry, Hollywood, TV, radio, small organizations, or educational programs in schools, etc., we should all aspire to inspire. Shows like “More to Love” or the modeling industry are only helping to approach a larger amount of people; however, we must not forget that every single person can make an effective change, regardless of their social status or occupation.

Photography by Inez Lewis

Prior to your success on the small screen, you were a wardrobe stylist and up-and-coming Plus-Size Model. How did being on the show affect your career?

Being on the show has contributed to the exposure of my personality and fashion style. It helps that people have learned to know who I am as a person, and it is humbling to know that the way I dress is appealing to so many women. I believe that the clothes we choose to wear are somewhat a reflection of who we are in our personalities, so there is no ‘one way’ to dress. I am being questioned a lot for fashion advice since the show, and first I try to tell women that despite the trends, which are being fed to us by the fashion industry, there are no codes written in a book of laws, which you must follow. You need to know your own body and what makes your best parts look even better. It’s like music, you need to let it ‘speak’ to you, touch you in a way that makes you feel good, and with fashion, just like with music, it’s better if you stay open-minded to other types of ‘rhythms’, who knows – you might end up liking the song.

Are you currently modeling and styling wardrobes?

I am not styling as much as I use to before, simply because I am trying to dedicate my time to working more on being a contributing part of this amazing body and real beauty revolution, which I am so passionate about. I am currently not signed with any modeling agency, though I am looking to be picked up by one. Despite the growing plus-size industry and its growing representation in the media within the last year or so, it is still not easy to get into it professionally. This is an important subject I must admit upsets me; the industry’s requirements for accepting plus models and signing them as an official talent are still very strict. You must be no less than 5’8” in height. In reality, the average American woman (whom the rapidly growing plus-size industry is attempting to approach to) is 5’4” and a size 12-16. I strongly feel (and with much respect to my fellow friend models) that no one in the plus industry and its current working plus size models, has yet to properly represent that. I haven’t seen a single professional plus model who made a name for herself standing at less than 5’9”. However, we do have a few gorgeous celebrities who are, such as America Ferrera (5’1”) and Penelope Cruz (5’5”). This is a subject that should be brought up and discussed about in the industry. If we wish to represent reality, it is about time to open the plus industry to Petite Plus, we had it twenty years ago, and it could and should be brought back.

Photography by Inez Lewis

Have you ever struggled with self-esteem or body image issues in the past? If so, how did you reach the point of accepting and loving your body as it is?

I have struggled with self-esteem and body image issues most of my life. I think a lot of people, if not most of us do. Some more than others. I was picked on a lot throughout school years, and those feelings stayed with me for a long time after. It was eventually my move to the United States, at the age of 23, where I felt being curvy was a little bit more acceptable than where I grew up. I’ve met people, smaller and bigger than me; the smaller people were still not happy with who they are, and the bigger were so inspiring with their love for life and their love for who they are – the way they are. I’ve come to learn that no one is perfect and there is no one way to be or look. Then I slowly talked myself into embracing who I am instead of fighting it. It is too tiring. Sure, there are still things I would like to change about my body, but now it is for different reasons; not because I am pressured to look a certain way, but because I want to become healthier and in shape, so I can live a longer life in a stronger body.

As an Ambassador for Positive Body Image & Self Esteem, what advice would you give to girls and women, who are struggling with body image and self-esteem issues?

Look in the mirror; what you see is not what is, but what you tell yourself it is. The chase after perfection is a long road that hasn’t led anyone who walked it before you to its final destination yet. Why? Because such a place doesn’t exist, it is an illusion. An illusion, which we allow to be determined as a reality for us by exterior factors such as Hollywood, the media, the modeling world, and the brains behind technology. Your life is your own creation; it’s what you say it is. Shake it all off and take the control back into your own hands. I wish not to repeat the cliché about ‘you can’t expect others to accept and love you, if you don’t accept and love yourself first’, because you all already knows this. I am just going to say; try to be the change you want to see.

Photography by Inez Lewis

Where do you find stylish plus-size clothing?

Whoa… hard to pick just few; my favorite places to shop for casual/casual-dressy clothes are Forever 21, H&M, and Old Navy. For evening or dressier items, I like shopping at Nordstrom and Lord & Taylor because they offer variety of designers in affordable prices and they carry a large range of all sizes. Among my favorites are also J.Crew, Ann Taylor, and White House Black Market.

Who are some of your favorite designers?

I like to go more by looking at every design individually; the fabric and the cut a designer chose to feature in his/hers collection. So, every season my preference could change. But if I would be asked to name one absolutely INCREDIBLE designer I’m continuously impressed with every season, and I could say her runway shows in Milan leave me inspired, excited, and in a complete awe every year; I would hands down name the ridiculously talented, Italian Plus-Size Designer Elena Miro! She understands a woman’s body, and knows how to cut for curves in a brilliant way, using soft, feminine, elegant, and flattering fabrics. My long life dream is to be dressed in her designs, and more so to meet her in person.

Tali with Emmanuelle Chriqui attending the Fashion Delivers Charity event on June 15, 2010.

What are some of your beauty must haves?

1. Warm Vanilla Sugar body lotion & hand cream from Bath & Body Works is my must! I have a mini bottle I carry in each purse. (www.bathandbodyworks.com)

2. Cindy Crawford’s “Meaningful Beauty” day and night facial kit; I started using it about eight months ago and it is the best product I’ve invested in! I am addicted and probably will not use any other facial product line but hers. Highly recommended; plus - it is very affordable. (http://www.meaningfulbeauty.com)

3. Cherry Chapstick. Always!

Who do you consider a hero or role model?

Besides all the brave soldiers out there, I would say all those who raise themselves above all the hard times in life, own what they need to own, grow strong, and move on. These people keep me inspired.

Tali attending Full Figured Fashion Week June 16-19, 2010 in NYC – Photographed by Richard Lew

What are you excited about right now?

This interview!

Attending the Full Figured Fashion Week last week, of which I was asked to speak at the “Aspiring Models” panel at Hotel Pennsylvania, June 18. I shared my experience and point of views regarding Reality TV and the Hollywood world.

Attending the Fashion Delivers™ Charitable Foundation, Inc. (www.fashiondelivers.org) “Pay it Fashion Forward” event in support of Haiti. Bryan Greenberg from HBO’s “How to Make it in America” and Emmanuelle Chriqui from “Entourage” hosted the event June 15 at the Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge in NYC.

My Spring Fashion Spread in the May issue of Plus Model Magazine (http://www.plusmodelmag.com/General/plus-model-magazine-article-detail.asp?article-id=310462599&page=0), and the new opportunities and people, which I am hoping will come my way with my new move to the West Coast this Summer.

*Thank you, Tali!

**Do you feel like women under 5’9″ are adequately represented in the media world? Do you feel comfortable and confident with your body type? What are some of your favorite beauty must haves? Who do you consider a hero or positive role model?

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For all Media/Public/Booking Inquiries Please Contact:
Penelope Jean – Celebrity Publicist
www.PenelopeJean.com

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Plus-Size Models Unite

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