The modelling agency was looking for women between 17 and 28 who wore a dress size of 18 or more, asking women to post a picture of themselves on Instagram with #MakeMeACurveModel as the entry handle. Lauren was among thousands of entries that not only opened up the modelling market to a wider audience, but also created a hub of truly inspiring self-promotion and expression, celebrating the entrants’ incredible curves.
It’s encouraging that Models 1 launched a competition like this to break down some of the stereotypes in the fashion industry today: “The prospect of walking into a model agency can be daunting and Models 1 wanted to open their doors to a wider audience by utilising the power of social media and assuaging those initial nerves. We believe that beauty comes in different sizes.”
The prize itself is a highly-coveted contract with Models 1’s plus-size division Curve, as well as a chance to model for ASOS’s Curve collection with £500 of vouchers to spend on the site.
Speaking to Vogue UK today, Lauren said, “I am still in shock, I entered the competition on the final day and I have never done anything like this or entered a competition like this before. I feel so proud and grateful to be representing plus-size models and women alike. Growing up it wasn’t cool to be curvy, and the brands around at that time weren’t cool either, but now thankfully times are changing.” Indeed.
