Even if you don’t follow the modelling industry, chances are that you can put a face to names like Elle, Naomi, Gisele, Miranda, and if you caught the latest Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show maybe even, Doutzen, Alessandra or Jess.
But there are many more models* who are changing the face (and body) of modelling, so we’ve compiled a list of who’s who. Strap yourselves in, this is going to be fun.
1. Robyn Lawley – this Aussie model only has to don some sizzly lingerie for it to make headlines around the world. But better still we love what she said about thigh gaps in a recent Op Ed. If you missed it, read it here.
2. Lauren Burnett – she made modelling history as the 2nd Australian plus-size model ever to be featured in Vogue Australia. We know, baby steps! But excitingly, Lauren had only been signed with BGM models for two weeks before she was booked for Vogue’s May 2013 ‘New Season Silhouettes’ story.
3. Kate Dillion – has been working as a plus-size model for over a decade. She’s worked on major brands like L’Oreal, Gucci, and Jean Paul Gaultier.
Top Comments
None of these models would have the opportunities they enjoy today without the hard slog of the pioneering stunners who came before them - bar Kate Dillon, who was one of those originals and [fact check!]a plus size model for far longer than the stated 10 years. Look up Mode Magazine (not the Ugly Betty version!) and you will see page after page of the women who laid in all of the ground work. The business had been going for a long time before Crystal Renn showed up!
Burnett's 'making history as a second plus model in Vogue' is stretching the definition of 'making history' a bit, innit? On the topic of Vogue Australia and use of plus size models: Crystal Renn was in an editorial in Australian Vogue before Robyn Lawley, and Australian plus size models had actually appeared before Lawley or Burnett in full page fashion adverts, which don't count as editorial features, but as Vogue consistently resists plus size clothing advertisers in a tough economy for print, it should all make us wonder how far we've come.
I am continually disappointed that it is only acceptable to be a plus size model if you are tall.