Plus size models have been around as far back as I can remember, but they rarely get the recognition they deserve. Recently, more and more plus size models have emerged on the fashion scene. They're redefining society’s idea of beauty by boldly and beautifully taking over editorials and runways that were traditionally reserved for super thin models. This is not to say one size is better than another. Women come in all shapes and sizes, so why not hire models who reflect the diverse body types of women everywhere instead of just one standard size? Check out these fabulous plus size models who are making waves in the modeling scene.
1 Marquita Pring
One of the top plus size models to keep an eye out for is Ford model Marquita Pring. She has appeared in Levi’s ads, Vogue Italia’s “Curvy Issue” and has walked the runway for Jean Paul Gaultier. The UK’s Daily Mail noted that Pring admits to padding her hips to appear curvier in photo shoots. Pring believes the term “plus size model” should be phased out as she does the same types of jobs as “regular” models and that the modeling industry needs to embrace diversity. Hear, hear!
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2 Robyn Lawley
Australian model Robyn Lawley is another one of the most recognized plus sized models in the industry. She has been featured in numerous magazine covers as the first plus sized model and was also the first plus sized model in Ralph Lauren’s 2012 campaign. Lawley also has her own swimwear line with Bond-Eye Swimwear and is coming out with a cookbook which features family recipes along with dining tips on eating different cuisines.
3 Maggie Yumi Brown
Asian-American plus size model Maggie Yumi Brown won Tyra Banks’ “Thick and Sexy Top Model Contest” in 2006 and signed with Wilhelmina Models and Q6 Models. Brown previously appeared on Queer Eye for the Straight Guy with Carson Kressley as one of the models and has also been featured in various print ads for Macy’s, Torrid, and Igigi to name a few.
4 Fluvia Lacerda
Fluvia Lacerda is often referred to as the “plus sized Gisele Bundchen” because she’s set to totally take over the modeling scene just as Bundchen has. The Brazilian native has been featured in Vogue Italia, Plus Model Magazine and BUST. Lacerda says “It is good to be representing a different kind of beauty.”
5 Tara Lynn
You probably recognize this gorgeous face and figure from one of her many magazine covers or maybe from her H&M swimwear ads. Tara Lynn was also the face behind H&M’s Big is Beautiful campaign. Tara Lynn says she has no problems with the term “plus size” and would like to see better fashion in her size and above.
6 Whitney Thompson
Whitney Thompson is the first and only plus size winner of America’s Next Top Model (Cycle 10 in 2008). Thompson went on to appear in numerous ads for Covergirl, Forever 21, Torrid, Converse One Star, and Saks Fifth Avenue, just to name a few. She’s also an ambassador for the National Eating Disorders Association and was voted as one of the “Most Influential Women of 2008” by MSN.
7 Ashley Graham
American plus size model Ashley Graham has appeared in countless magazines and she’s also the body behind Lane Bryant’s lingerie campaigns. In fact, one of her lingerie ads was too hot for TV and was banned from appearing on FOX and ABC at certain time slots for being too sexy. Graham was named Full Figured Fashion Week's Model of the Year in 2012.
While these models might be considered plus size in the fashion industry, many people feel that this label is inaccurate and these girls are “real size.” Either way, I think these models are smoking hot and I can’t wait to see more of their work in the future! Who is your favorite model?
