Get your best slap on out, high heels at the ready and glad rags on because it’s time to take off down the runway. The hunt is on for six Sussex ‘would be’ models to star alongside professionals in a fashion show being held in July, which aims to raise money for a children’s brain injury centre.

Models of Diversity – who campaign for diversity in models – are organising the catwalk and will be visiting Brighton on Saturday, 2nd June, to stage a casting day. The recruitment drive takes place from 9am to 5pm at the city’s Churchill Square Shopping Centre.

Several professional photographers will be ready to snap the glamorous hopefuls, while a catwalk will be set up in the centre and there will be host to guide Brighton’s best through their paces. There are no limits in terms of age, size and ability, as long as you are 18 years old and above. Men are also welcome.

Angel Sinclair, chief executive of Models of Diversity, said: “Come out and show us what you’ve got – this is a fabulous opportunity to become a real model for the day.

“We believe that models don’t just come in one size and are pushing for the fashion and marketing industries to recognise the beauty in women of all races, ages, shapes, sizes and abilities. So whatever your shape is want you to see you.”

Angel will be joined on the judging panel by hairdresser to the stars Steven Smith and professional model Lauren Blackmore.

For further info email: info@modelsofdiversity.org

Now don’t get me wrong, I am extremely proud to be living in Australia. We have great beaches, culture, restaurants and some of the best clothing stores in the world…except when it comes to finding plus size stores for women in their 20′s.

We have about 3-5 plus size clothing “brick and mortar” stores that are abundantly located, yet only one of these stores targets a younger audience. Another handful of plus size boutiques, market stalls, or stores stocking a section of larger sizes are located few and far in between.

I like to refer to shopping for myself as more of a “Hunt”. I live about an hour out of the Melbourne CBD, where most of the amazing independent plus size boutiques are based. But who has the time (or patience!) to drive all the way into the city with not even a promise of finding the right item. It takes confidence to shop as a size 18 in Australia, to be stylish whilst only having a handful of plus size stores at your disposal is next to impossible. With no choice but to venture out of your comfort zone into non plus-sized stores to explore the possibilities. I have an eye for fabric and cut so can zero in on my target from across the shop (My eye is particular adapt to searching for a skirt with an elastic waist!)

For the average Australian women the only choice is to head to the local shopping mall, with fingers and toes crossed tightly. To begin my trip I zone in on my initial destination, making my way whilst dodging the “landmines” (small children) and “weapons” (trolleys and prams). Whilst in the store my aim is to try and be as inconspicuous as I can.

Now , if you don’t find what you are after and feel like dropping to the floor, kicking and screaming, like the toddler we all have inside us, you have only two choices. Choice one for myself is always to head to my local op-shop. I’m fortunate enough that my local opportunity (thrift) shops don’t get visited too often by the rest of the town. I adore visiting the older ladies there and interrupting their little gossiping sessions to say hello and ask about any hidden gems! Op-shopping for plus size is also not a task for the faint hearted, it can be purely relentless at times, but if you persevere you are always assured to find an incredible piece. 40 years ago it was normal to have curves and stores actually embraced this fact, so there are an abundance of plus size vintage dresses just waiting to be unearthed. Alongside a little modern day alteration, most pieces can be reworked into an absolute show stopper in just an hour or so!

At this point in time if I am still empty handed, tired, grumpy and adequately overwhelmed, my motto is “have no fear because the rest of the plus size world is here!”. Opening up my laptop screen I am met with a throng of international plus size brands happy to post right to my door! It is as effortless as spending an hour browsing through all of the alluring items and making a decision. More often than not, the items are on sale too thanks to the opposite seasons!
About now is the time I start crossing my fingers and toes, again, and hope that the item will look as amazing on myself as it did on the very persuasive site model. But, if not, it’s as easy as posting back (usually free) for a change of size!

I believe that countries outside our borders give us Australian curvy women a renewed faith in the plus size shopping experience. As much as i love and appreciate the Australian specialist plus brands and boutiques unconditionally , I still believe that we continue to look outside our country to completely fulfil our fashion needs. My ideal shopping experience in Australia would include a few new international plus size retailers coming to join, inspire and push forward our ever expanding Australian plus size clothing industry.

By: Ashley Rose www.thisisashleyrose.blogspot.com , @thisisashrose (Twitter)

Click here to view the embedded video.

MCUK will finally bring plus size models to the forefront of the public eye to represent real and beautiful women who are phased out of the modelling world because of the unrealistic size restrictions.

Regional heats have taken place across the UK in major cities including Cardiff, Manchester and Birmingham with the final heat taking place in London! With the huge amounts of applicants, the judges have whittled it down to the lucky 15 finalists.
At the Grand Finale showdown the contestants will demonstrate their modelling ability whilst battling it out on the catwalk. They will be judged on their pose, posture, confidence, walk and ability to express themselves both physically and verbally.

The Final takes place this Friday.

Details:
Friday 13th April 2012 held at 229 The Venue.
229 Great Portland Street
W1W 5PN (Opposite Great Portland Street Underground Station)
London

For further details see:

Twitter: @MsCurvaceousUK
Like the Fan Page: http://on.fb.me/MCUKfb
RSVP on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/events/211764688929657/?ref=ts
Pintrest: MsCurvaceousUK
Contact us
Email: info@streamlineempire.com
PIN: 22BF473C
Telephone: Theo 07984845440 or Daniel 07949946884

Ms Curvaceous

http://www.nowmagazine.co.uk/celebrity-news/533935/dawn-french-i-d-put-the-weight-back-on-for-simon-cowell/1

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2084250/Lizzie-Haines-taunted-body-crowned-plus-size-model-year.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

We are looking for plus sized couples and singletons that would like to take part in our new series that we are currently developing for Channel 4.

We are looking for people that have lost their sex drive and need help to find it again.

We need singletons that don’t have the confidence to look for love. We want to help you.

With the help of a sex therapist we want to transform your love and sex lives!! We want to bring back that va va voom.

Due to the nature of this programme we need people that are happy to discuss these issues with a therapist on camera.

If you are interested, please contact 01132 623342
or
email hayley.raper@daisybeckproductions.co.uk

Please visit our website and click on the
Plus Size Awards 2011 button/link to vote for us.

Just As Beautiful Magazine

We appreciate your support.

Thank you
Just As Beautiful Magazine Team

Models of Diversity are holding a charitable fashion show Curves in Couture on Thursday 17 November 2011 at Tabernacle W11 celebrating healthy, curvy women.

This catwalk extravaganza is a fundraiser for The Advance Centre, a wonderful organization that helps the families of brain-damaged children.

The show will be attended by special guest, Caroline Rush, CEO of the British Fashion Council.

See the following:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=4a4FKeaiCl0
www.modelsofdiversity.org/curvesincouture
www.modelsofdiversity.org/diversityshow