Plus-size model lands major fashion campaign (and she's an Aussie).

There’s an unspoken rule in the world of fashion that curvy girls shouldn’t wear horizontal stripes.

Australian model Georgina Burke has smashed that myth in her new gig as the face of US retailer Torrid.

Take a quick look at the image opposite and I think you’ll agree, she is owning that swimsuit.

The 23-year-old Brisbane native is the brand’s first-ever face, signing a one-year contract that will see her feature on the cover of their swimsuit catalogue, website and in stores.

We’re pumped about this because it’s the first time in years that a plus-size* model has signed a long-term contract with a brand. And being an Aussie helps too, obviously.

Burke’s agent Chelsea Bonner of Bella Model Managements says: “It’s a hugely positive step and one that shows confidence in their brand and a deep understanding of who their customer is and what women want, which is realistic-sized models.”

Torrid, whose clothing caters for women between US sizes 12 and 28, describe Burke as “Sexy. Sultry. Irresistible.” But it’s her fresh and real attitude about body image that we love.

In an interview with Women’s Wear Daily about the partnership, she said:

“Sixty-eight percent of women in America are over size 12. Why can’t we be put in the magazine as well? Who’s to say we aren’t good enough to be in there? What’s wrong with putting me as the face of a company or using us [plus-size women] in a magazine or putting us out there in a fashionable way?”

As for those ridiculous curvy girl ‘fashion rules,’ Georgina told us: “I always dress to work with my curves and not hide them. I break all the so called ‘rules’ for dressing a curvy figure; skinny jeans, stripes, patterns. I am always totally myself and wear what I feel great in.”

“If you want to wear that tight fitting dress, just go for it. If you want to wear horizontal stripes, go for it. Just wear what you love.”

If you haven’t been following the modelling industry as closely as we have, there has been some real progress already this year. Cosmo put Robyn Lawley on the cover, (in a crop top!), and top international modelling agency IMG added five new plus-size models to their books.

While models like Robyn Lawley and Coco Rocha get a lot of press, we thought it timely to showcase some of the other Australian models changing the modelling game. 

1. Mercy Watson.

2. Fiona Falkiner.

3. Abby Valdes.

4. Ljubenka Milanovic.

5. Olivia Langdon.

6. Bree Warren.

*We know, we know, none of these models are even close to being “plus size.” Because if a model in size 12 clothing is “plus size” then what does that make the average woman? Supersize? No, it doesn’t. Lets remember that “plus size” is an industry term, to be used when comparing two models; not ourselves and a model.

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