Plus size models: 11 models changing the face (and body) of fashion.

Even if you don’t follow the modelling industry, chances are that you can put a face to names like Elle, Naomi, Gisele, Miranda, and if you caught the latest Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show maybe even, Doutzen, Alessandra or Jess.

But there are many more models* who are changing the face (and body) of modelling, so we’ve compiled a list of who’s who. Strap yourselves in, this is going to be fun.

1. Robyn Lawley – this Aussie model only has to don some sizzly lingerie for it to make headlines around the world. But better still we love what she said about thigh gaps in a recent Op Ed. If you missed it, read it here.

2. Lauren Burnett – she made modelling history as the 2nd Australian plus-size model ever to be featured in Vogue Australia. We know, baby steps! But excitingly, Lauren had only been signed with BGM models for two weeks before she was booked for Vogue’s May 2013 ‘New Season Silhouettes’ story.

3. Kate Dillion – has been working as a plus-size model for over a decade. She’s worked on major brands like L’Oreal, Gucci, and Jean Paul Gaultier.

4. Laura Wells – is an (Aussie) international model and avid positive and healthy body image promoter. Laura’s body was also used to carve out the new mannequins for the lingerie sections at department stores Myer and David Jones in Australia. Oh, and she’s also an environmental scientist.

5. Tara Lynn – famously appeared on the cover of Vogue Italia June 2011. Since then she’s starred in numerous controversial editorials, covered ELLE France, which deemed her “The Body,” fronted H&M’s “Big Is Beautiful” campaign, and worked with celebrated photographers such as Patrick Demarchelier and Steven Meisel.

6. Candice Huffane – when she first launched her modelling career at age of 14, agents told her she had lose 7kgs before they would sign her. She’s now appeared in V Magazine, Vogue Germany and W Magazine and shot campaigns for Bloomingdale’s, Levi’s and H&M.

7. Jennie Runk -best known for appearing in H&M’s summer 2013 beachwear campaign, she also shot for Marina Rinaldi and appeared in Glamour Magazine.

8. Coco Rocha – was recently in Australia for the Melbourne Cup but it’s her anti-retouching policy that we love. Rocha also has a no nudity policy and was furious when Grazia magazine had photoshopped her image last year. She also works with the Model Alliance to help create change for underage models in the industry.

9. Whitney Thompson – she won the tenth cycle of America’s Next Top Model, is an ambassador for the National Eating Disorders Association, and shot a CoverGirl commercial with Rihanna.

10. Marquita Pring – also starred with Tara Lynn in Vogue Italia’s “Curvy Issue”. She’s also appeared in V Magazine, and worked for Jean Paul Gaultier and Levi’s.

11. Ashley Graham – appeared in the October 2009 Glamour editorial ‘These Bodies are Beautiful at Every Size’ along with plus-size models Kate Dillon Levin, Amy Lemons, Lizzie Miller, Crystal Renn and Jennie Runk. In 2010 she appeared in a controversial banned ad for lingerie brand Lane Byrant. In 2013, Graham designed a lingerie line for Addition Elle, a Canadian plus-size clothing retailer and appeared on MTV’s, Made as a coach for an aspiring plus-size model.

*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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11 'plus-size' models changing the modelling game.

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