SHE’S voluptuous, sexy and an international sensation. But Aussie model Robyn Lawley is now one of the world’s top 10 models.
Modelling is hard work. Having worked as a fashion editor for a decade or two, I saw first-hand just how demanding it can be.
So when an Aussie model makes it on the world stage, it’s a big deal because they become part of a very small but select market. But when a plus-size model cuts through on the international stage, it’s an even bigger deal because they’ve had to fight even harder to get there.
Big really is beautiful. The demand for plus-size models isn’t big in Australia – well not yet anyway. Sure there’s a market here but, comparatively speaking, it is small because of our small population. So if you’re good at what you do or you’re a “big fish in a small pond”, you head overseas because that’s were the big bucks and opportunities are.
REDEFINING RULES OF MODELLING
All the attention placed on being thin is exhausting, not to mention dangerous. But if a recent article on HuffPost— Best Plus Size Models: Who is dominating the industry? — is anything to go by, it appears that plus-size models are shaking up the fashion industry and redefining the rules of modelling. And it’s about time. The piece listed our very own Robyn Lawley as one of the world’s top 10 plus-size models.
New York-based Lawley, who is represented by Bella Model Management’s Chelsea Bonner, is officially regarded as plus-size. Yet some in the business call regard that as real size. However, if clothing sales are anything to go by, Robyn, who is a healthy size 14-16, is statistically normal size.
The amazonian beauty who grew up in Sydney’s western suburbs is chalking up some of the most coveted and prestigious jobs in fashion. She has appeared on the cover of Vogue Italia, as well as countless editorials for Vogue Australia, Sports Illustrated, Glamour, French Elle, Mode and Marie Claire. She is also the first plus-size model to appear in a Ralph Lauren campaign.
Lawley, who is now regarded as a supermodel, “made peace with her body and hit the big time” and making the world’s top 10 list is testament to that.
You go girl. It’s time to embrace and celebrate the real woman!
Are you frustrated by the limited choice of clothes available for real-size women? Do you struggle with your body and how to embrace your curves? Is there a role model or women you aspire to? Would love to hear from you. Ever stylishly yours …
