Fashion is celebrating real, diverse bodies with plus-size models reshaping beauty standards. This is not just a trend—it's a revolution in modeling. Brands recognize the importance of diversity, meeting the demand for plus-size models who represent a significant market segment.
Plus-size models are crucial in today's fashion and media, providing representation that resonates widely. They influence runways, fashion campaigns, advertisements, and social media, transforming the industry to ensure everyone sees themselves in the clothes they wear and the media they consume.
Here's how to hire the perfect plus-size model for your brand to ensure your message resonates:
- Understand the market's needs
- Identify the right talent
Embrace the beauty of diversity and make a positive impact in this evolving industry.
Exploring the Plus-Size Modeling Industry
The plus-size modeling industry is thriving due to a shift toward inclusivity. Trends highlight the demand for diverse body types in media. Brands like Savage X Fenty and ASOS lead by featuring a range of sizes, setting new inclusivity standards.
Industry leaders Ashley Graham and Paloma Elsesser have become household names, breaking stereotypes and paving the way for future models. Their success underscores the power of representation, proving fashion should be accessible to all body types.
This evolution reshapes the narrative. Representation matters, and more plus-size models in high-profile roles enrich the fashion landscape, creating a space where everyone feels valued and celebrated.
By embracing this shift, brands meet consumer demand and contribute to a more inclusive media environment, recognizing that fashion is for everyone, regardless of size.
Trends in Plus-Size Fashion
Plus-size fashion is reshaping the industry with bold prints, vibrant colors, and styles that celebrate curves. Inclusive sizing is gaining momentum, with brands like Universal Standard offering sizes 00 to 40, ensuring stylish clothing for everyone.
Demand for plus-size models is rising as consumers seek representation of their shapes and sizes. Brands are diversifying their casting, placing plus-size models front and center in major campaigns, proving beauty isn't one-size-fits-all.
Embracing these trends signals a cultural change, not just a market shift. By showcasing diverse body types, brands affirm that fashion is for everyone, boosting loyalty and promoting healthier beauty standards. As more brands adopt these practices, the industry becomes richer and more representative.
Leading Agencies and Platforms
Connect with these top agencies and platforms to find plus-size modeling talent:
IMG Models: Known for icons like Ashley Graham, IMG offers a diverse and professional roster with global reach.
Wilhelmina Models: Their Curve division provides models breaking barriers and setting new beauty standards.
Ford Models: This division embodies confidence and diversity, ideal for authentic brand representation.
Tess Management: A UK agency committed to inclusivity, featuring models who redefine beauty standards.
Casting Networks: An online platform offering a wide selection of plus-size models to suit your needs.
When contacting these agencies, clearly convey your brand’s vision and values, emphasizing your dedication to diversity and inclusivity. Specify your model requirements for a successful partnership.
How to Hire a Plus-Size Model: A Step-by-Step Guide
Identify Your Needs: Define the look, style, and personality that match your brand. Decide if you need models for runway shows, photo shoots, or events.
Research Agencies and Platforms: Use agencies like IMG Models, Wilhelmina, Ford Models, and Tess Management. Explore platforms like Casting Networks for diverse talent.
Review Portfolios: Check portfolios to ensure experience and style align with your brand. Look for versatility and strong presence in past campaigns.
Check Availability and Budget: Contact agencies to confirm model availability. Discuss your budget to align with agency fees and model rates.
Conduct Interviews or Castings: Hold interviews or castings to assess personality, professionalism, and brand fit.
Negotiate Terms: Discuss contract terms, including usage rights, exclusivity, and agreement duration. Ensure clarity on expectations.
Finalize the Contract: Agree on terms and finalize the contract, covering all legalities and ensuring satisfaction.
Defining Your Needs
Define your needs before launching your campaign. Clearly outline the size range, aesthetic, and experience level desired in a plus-size model to attract talent that aligns with your brand.
- Size Range: Choose sizes that reflect your customer base, such as models wearing sizes 14 and up, to ensure authentic representation.
- Aesthetic: Determine the vibe—chic, bold, or casual. Your model should naturally fit your brand's vision.
- Experience Level: Decide if you need seasoned models or fresh faces for your project.
Use ClickUp's Forms to collect these details from your team or stakeholders. This organized approach ensures everyone aligns, providing a clear blueprint for reaching out to agencies, saving time, and streamlining the selection process.
Finding the Right Talent
Find the perfect plus-size model to bring your brand's vision to life with these tips:
Online Platforms: Explore websites like Casting Networks and Model Mayhem to filter models by size, experience, and location.
Social Media: Use Instagram and TikTok to search hashtags like #PlusSizeModel or #CurveModel. Follow agencies and influencers for trends and talent.
Casting Calls: Host virtual or in-person casting calls. Promote them on social media and industry forums to attract diverse applicants, giving you real-time insight into a model's presence and personality.
Use ClickUp's Tasks: Organize your search with tasks for each model, tracking portfolios, availability, and rates in subtasks. This simplifies comparison and decision-making.
These methods will help you find the perfect plus-size model for your brand's inclusive vision. Happy hunting!
Interviewing and Selecting the Right Model
Ready to find the perfect plus-size model? Here's how to select the right one for your brand:
Prepare Questions: Ask about their experience, inspiration, and alignment with your brand's values to ensure authentic representation.
Assess Personality and Professionalism: Evaluate their confidence, charisma, and ease of collaboration during interviews or castings.
Evaluate Portfolios: Review their portfolio for diversity in runway, editorial, and commercial work, showcasing versatility and style adaptability.
Seek Authenticity and Passion: Look for models who embody confidence and enthusiasm, aligning with your brand's message and audience.
Use Docs: Organize notes and impressions after each interview for clear comparison.
These steps will help you select a model who fits your brand aesthetically and embodies your core values.
Negotiating Contracts
Negotiating a contract with a plus-size model or their agency is crucial for a smooth collaboration. Here’s a quick guide:
Usage Rights: Define where and how the images will be used—print, online, or both. Specify the usage duration to avoid surprises.
Exclusivity: Decide if the model will work exclusively with your brand or represent others simultaneously. Exclusivity enhances brand association but may increase fees.
Compensation and Payment Terms: Agree on a fair rate based on the model's experience and project scope. Specify payment schedules—upfront, upon completion, or in installments.
Cancellation Policy: Establish a clear policy for cancellations or rescheduling, including any fees.
Duration and Scope of Work: Detail contract length and the model's duties, from photo shoots to promotional events.
Ensure these elements are clearly outlined in the contract to avoid ambiguity. A well-negotiated contract fosters a successful partnership, allowing both parties to focus on creating together.
Best Practices for Collaborating with Plus-Size Models
Collaborating with plus-size models goes beyond the photoshoot—it's about creating a respectful and empowering atmosphere. Build a positive partnership by:
Respect and Inclusion: Treat models professionally, respecting boundaries and valuing their input for a collaborative environment.
Body-Positive Language: Use language that uplifts and celebrates diversity, avoiding judgmental or negative comments.
Comfort and Accessibility: Ensure the shoot location is accessible and comfortable, providing wardrobe options that fit well and celebrate the model's shape.
Clear Communication: Discuss expectations, shoot details, and creative direction beforehand to help models feel prepared and valued.
Feedback and Appreciation: Provide constructive feedback and express appreciation for their work to reinforce mutual respect.
Integrating these practices elevates your brand's reputation and contributes to a more inclusive industry. Focus on collaboration and empowerment, ensuring everyone feels celebrated and appreciated in the creative process.
Creating an Inclusive and Comfortable Atmosphere
Creating a respectful and comfortable environment for plus-size models is crucial for successful collaboration. Here's how to ensure inclusivity on set:
Empathy and Understanding: Treat each model as an individual, acknowledging their unique experiences to build trust and a positive relationship.
Inclusive Language: Use language that celebrates diversity and body positivity, avoiding any critical or insensitive remarks.
Wardrobe Flexibility: Offer diverse wardrobe options for different body shapes and sizes to ensure the model feels confident and represented.
Comfortable Environment: Provide an accessible set with comfortable seating and facilities to enhance the model's comfort and performance.
Collaborative Spirit: Foster open dialogue, value the model's input, and enrich the creative process by respecting their expertise.
Celebrate Differences: Emphasize the model’s strengths and unique qualities, reinforcing their value and importance.
Adopting these practices creates a respectful atmosphere and demonstrates your brand's commitment to inclusivity and diversity.
Facilitating Collaboration and Feedback
Collaboration and open dialogue are essential for successful partnerships with plus-size models. Clear, continuous communication ensures everyone aligns and can express their creative vision. Facilitate this effortlessly:
Use Comments and Chat: Keep communication open with ClickUp's chat and comments for real-time idea sharing and feedback.
Assign Tasks and Set Deadlines: Create tasks for each collaboration step—concept to delivery. Assign tasks and set deadlines to stay on track.
Share Docs and Files: Share documents, mood boards, and contracts in ClickUp for easy access and transparency.
Track Progress: Use dashboards to monitor progress, identify issues early, and make adjustments for smooth collaboration.
These tools promote open dialogue, streamline processes, and strengthen partnerships, fostering creativity and inclusivity.
Embrace Diversity in Modeling
The fashion industry is being reshaped by diversity and inclusivity, with plus-size models leading the way. Hiring them not only meets market demands but also fosters representation. We've covered selecting the right model, negotiating contracts, and creating an empowering environment.
Diversity is a commitment to inclusivity, not a trend. Brands like Savage X Fenty and ASOS exemplify this, and you can join the movement.
Ready to make a difference? Use ClickUp to streamline your hiring process:
- Create tasks
- Set deadlines
- Share documents
By doing so, you'll find the perfect plus-size model and contribute to a fashion landscape that celebrates all body types.
Start today with ClickUp, and make diversifying your modeling projects easier and more impactful. Let's create a fashion world where everyone belongs!