A name I have been hearing a lot of lately is Angelica Gray a stunning Scottish model who learned how to model from her grandmother who modeled for Dior in the 1940′s. She has just gotten her start 5 months ago and has already modeled for Vogue Curvy and Elena Miro.

What got you into plus modeling?

I initially started in the industry working as a mainstream model from the age of 16 – working in Scotland, where I come from, and also Milan, though with very limited success as I struggled to control my larger-than-average measurements even from a younger age.

Eventually I gave up as I wasn’t finding sufficient modeling work, and focused my attention on the cinema and acting which saw me move to Paris for most of 2009.

It wasn’t until I read a newspaper article at the end of last year promoting a plus-size agency, that I really felt I might have finally found a market that would enable me to work as a model without the pressures I felt before.

What modeling tips have you learned from your Grandmother who modeled for Dior in the 40′s? and words of advice that have stuck with you?

I’d say the best tip I’ve learned from watching my grandmother is that presence and personality are what set you apart in front of the camera. She is very elegant and charming and it comes across when she is photographed – I don’t think this is something you can necessarily learn. She can definitely “turn it on” and its interesting to watch. I’d like to think I instinctively picked this quality up from her!

Do you feel pressure to lose weight to become a straight size model?

Absolutely not – I’m having way too much fun!

Of course,  on a serious note, there are mixed reactions to seeing more diverse models in recent publications like French Elle magazine and Vogue’s new Curvy website, and it can often leave models open to judgment and criticism as it is not what consumers are used to seeing, but personally I’m very comfortable with my body now and, for the first time, the size of my clothes doesn’t have an impact on how I feel about myself.

I think it’s really important to represent women as they are as beauty isn’t limited by size, so to me that means the media should represent women of all sizes: from very slim to very curvy, as women’s bodies are so different naturally and its difficult to identify with clothes on a shape so different to your own.

If you were not modeling what would you be doing?

Either training to be an actress or studying English Literature at University.

Have you noticed an increase in work with the new popularity of plus models?

I definitely feel that I have come at a great time as there is really a strong movement at the moment towards the inclusion of “plus size” models in high end fashion editorials and campaigns and for this reason I definitely feel that the divide between “plus size” and mainstream is becoming more bridged. Designers and brands are undoubtedly more aware of the need to represent a wider range of women – which is great news!

Do you have a dream photo-shoot? any designer you would love to work with?

I think my dream photo shoot, though such a cliché, would be to shoot a story for one of the Vogue publications. I also love the Marina Rinaldi advertising as it is always incredibly beautiful!

What items are you adding for your spring wardrobe? any spring must haves for the Scottish girls?

I’m not sure – but I definitely need to go shopping as I have no clothes for summer. Though as I live in Scotland I’m not sure we will have more than 1 day of sun this year!

How do you prepare for photoshoots? any beauty/skincare musts?

I just try to make sure that when I’m not working I don’t wear make up to allow my skin the chance to breathe and to avoid clogged pores. My only routine is to moisturize every day and before shoots I try to make sure my skin is well hydrated by drinking enough water in the days before. Tea Tree essential oil works wonders on any blemishes.

What is your guilty pleasure?

Pizza with pineapple.

When you have down time, what do you keep busy with?

Looking for new projects for work, studying, watching films on my projector, reading, visiting art galleries, keeping in touch with family/friends.

What does Madison Plus mean to you?

A great way to keep up-to-date with the latest international achievements within the plus size world.

Finish The Sentence

Always… push for what you want and have faith that you will have it.

Never… wait for someone to do what you can.

If you would like to work with Angelica please contact her agency’s BGM Models, Model Team UK & 12PlusUK

Read more about Angelica.