Magazine & Model Agency Launches Instagram Plus Size Model Search

There is an exciting trend happening in the fashion industry, we like to call it the rise of the Plus Size model as “normal”. Plus size bloggers, curvier actresses, and movements that are reshaping the beauty industry are doing something really wonderful for all the real women and real girls out there in the world looking to these sectors as a guide in their lives.

A modeling agency in the UK, Models 1, and a renowned plus size publication Slink Magazine have teamed up to find the next face of curvy models in the UK. They launched a “curvy” model search in a very unique, world-first way that is sure to get the attention of the greater interwebs.

Both the online mag and the agency are asking prospective plus size models to take a “selfie” of themselves and upload it to Instagram using the following hashtag #MakeMeaModels1Curvy. They have had over 300 entries already in just one week.

Both companies have good reason to turn to social media to launch an exciting initiative like this. Social media networks have so much power within society and the ability to reach a huge worldwide community. Brands and companies regularly use it as a tool to engage with their audience and widen their customer base.

They chose to shun traditional forms of casting because they realize the industry is changing, and for plus size models it can be very nerve racking.

“The prospect of walking into a model agency can be daunting and we wanted to open our doors to a wider audience by utilizing the power of social media and taking away some of those initial nerves. As Instagram is an image sharing network, it made perfect sense to us at Models 1 to use it as a platform for a model search.”

Initially Models 1 agency used Instagram to do a model search back in February, and with that success (2,400 entries and 2000 new followers) they decided to do a plus size model search and hope to achieve the same results. So far it looks that way!

“Choosing only to represent a small and select group of uniquely beautiful girls, the division aims to feature the diverse range of shapes into which women fall. Recognizing retailers wish to provide more realistic advertising of their products; Models 1 Plus endeavors to ensure that brands are able to be more inclusive of their customers, without compromising on the high end and stylish look that can only be achieved by using a top model.”

If you are a plus size model and want to enter, here are the details of what to do with your selfie: