Well, this is certainly a step in the right direction.
IMG Models has signed on five new models to its label. Not stunning news for a modeling agency, except -- all five of the girls are plus-size.
The modeling industry has seen a surge of body diversity in recent years, with top plus-size models landing magazine covers and even an entire fashion week devoted to curvier figures. Other smaller agencies have attempted to blur the size lines before, but this development of yielding plus and straight sized models together is a huge move for IMG, whose famous roster includes the likes of Gisele Bundchen and Kate Moss.
In an interview with Cosmopolitan, Senior Vice President and Managing Director Ivan Bart explains their plan to become "an ageless, raceless, weightless agency," adding what these five new additions mean for IMG:
"With this new way of thinking, I can tell women who work so hard to get into the sample size, 'Eat! Be yourself, just be the best you can be -- exactly how you are!' For us, as long as the talent is at a healthy weight that he or she and his or her doctor believe is right for them, and they're exercising, since that's a healthy way of life, then the industry should reflect that."
Sounds good to us. Meet the fresh, new faces of plus-size:
Ashley Graham
After her curves caused a Lane Bryant ad to be pulled from the Super Bowl, Ashley Graham went on to be named "Plus-Size Model of the Year" by Full Figured Fashion Week in 2012 as well as one of Complex Magazine's "10 Hottest Plus-Size Fashion Models" that same year.
Danielle Redman
Danielle has been modeling since the age of 14. She recently started working with The Komera Project, a charity organization that focuses on empowering Rwandan girls to have access to education. In addition to her hectic new schedule, she has also managed to make time to train for the NYC Half Marathon.
Inga Eirksdottir
Inga is not only a model but a curator, with three award winning photography shows under her belt. She was discovered while working in a pizzeria, has covered Vogue Russia, and has a serious passion for yoga.
Julie Henderson
Julie is a co-founder of the non-profit Curves For Change, which organizes philanthropic events for fashion models to take part in. She also, apparently, has a taste for dramatic television.
Marquita Pring
Marquita is regarded as a top plus size model. Some of her appearances include V Magazine, Vogue Italia as well as two ad campaigns for Levi's and the Jean-Paul Gaultier runway in 2011. More importantly, she hopes to open a wine and chocolate bar someday.
We love plus-size models:
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