As plus size continues to carve its way into high fashion, new plus size models have been strutting fiercely and unapologetically all over the place. And we couldn’t be happier about it. These lovely ladies have been hidden gems in the world of haute couture and now they are showing up, as they should. Here are the top 10 plus size models in the industry right now.
1. Victoria Manas
Russian beauty Viktoria Manas is the first on our list. Showing interest in modeling from an early age, she won a plus size modeling contest in Russia in 2002 and her career has skyrocketed ever since. She recently became a model for Lane Bryant’s “I’m No Angel” campaign, which features beautiful curvy women in lingerie, in response to Victoria’s Secret Angel lingerie ads. Although she is a very private person about her personal life, we are glad that photos of her are gracing Instagram for the world to see.
Measurements Bust-Waist-Hips: 44-34-46 inches- va va voom!
2. barbie ferreira
Barbie Ferreira is an absolute gem to the modeling industry and indeed the world. She has an unusual and youthful look, with brown eyes and jet-black hair, which tends to be rare in the industry’s sea of blue-eyed beauties. Originally of Brazilian descent, she is from Brooklyn and continues to live in New York City. Since she signed with IMG models, her modeling career has been very successful and she has spanned acting and directing. She is also known for being fierce and independent, fearlessly standing up to cyberbullying, body shaming, and over-Photoshopping. She truly is an amazing young woman.
Bust-Waist-Hip measurements: 40-34-48 Those hips!
3. Gaby Gregg
Gabi had humble beginnings, talking about plus size fashion on her LiveJournal blog and sharing a few photos. She later won a social media job at MTV and really expressed how plus size women should have more attractive fashion options. She later co-designed her own swimsuit line called Swimsuitsforall and modeled on the cover of Ebony, among other high-profile gigs. She is not only a model, but a brilliant designer and an amazing influence in the fashion world, creating beautiful clothes for plus size women. She is a treasure among industry professionals.
Measurements not available, but bra size confirmed at 38HH. If she designs swimsuits that support large busts, those of us who share the same trait couldn’t be happier.
4. Clementine Desseaux
Clementine Desseaux was the first plus-size woman to appear on French television. That’s quite an achievement, since Paris is the fashion capital of the world, and most women strive to be slim. Her signature freckles and impressive curves have landed her many high-profile jobs and the notoriety of her television appearance is legendary. She is also known for her carefree attitude, which she uses to silence her haters with grace and poise. The world needs more brave women like Clementine.
Measurements Bust-Waist-Hips: 40-32-44 inches. However, the freckles really make her special.
5. jennie runk
All-American Girl Scout Jennie Runk is like the golden girl next door in the modeling world. Originally from Georgia, her life is peppered with kindness, from leading Girl Scout troops to adopting stray animals. She was discovered at a PetSmart while volunteering with the cat adoption program and became a plus size model. First signed to Wilhelmina and then to Ford Models, her career has only blossomed as she has taken on more notable campaigns and work. Her last job was for H&M’s plus size campaign and she continues to amaze.
Measurements Bust-Waist-Hips: 40-33-45 inches. Interestingly, she had to gain weight to become a plus size model as she was originally too skinny, but not skinny enough to be a full size model.
final thoughts
Many of these incredible women fight to see people of all shapes, colors, and creeds represented in the media. They are unbelievably beautiful and some 30 years ago we would never have seen them on our screens. We are seeing the roots of a major movement in our time and things can only get better from here.