Lauren Maksimovic has quite the fan base, we have received many emails from her fans asking us to feature her!! She is just getting her feet wet in the Australian plus model world, being featured in a Peter Morrissey commercial and is currently the face for an Australian clothing company called Virtu.  We are so excited to have her as a MP Fresh Face.

Why did you decide to pursue a career in the modeling industry?  How did you get into it?

Well to be honest I didn’t choose to pursue a career in modeling, I really just fell into it.  I moved to from Adelaide to Sydney to study an education degree at Uni, and I was working in a bar one day when I was scouted by my now agent Chelsea Bonner who owns BELLA model management which is Australia’s leading plus size agency.  Back then I knew nothing about the plus size industry and I had no intention of modeling, but the more work I got, the more I enjoyed it, and I’ve never looked back.

There have been numerous exciting developments in the plus industry, like V Magazine plus issue, and Glamour’s feature on plus size models.  Have you noticed a change in opportunities?

Absolutely.  A few years ago I think people generally thought that ‘plus size’ meant ‘fat’. Now with more support from the media and a push from within the modeling industry, we’re starting to recognize the models as real and healthy women.    And I believe the public is ready embrace that change and see more ‘real’ images.

How do you think the media portrays plus size models today whereas a year ago? Are you finding acceptance increasing? Or decreasing?

I am finding a huge positive change in the media. A year ago I barely remember seeing an article a year regarding our industry, now there seems to be something about plus size models almost every week. The media is discussing the industry in a positive light and photo shoots such as Lizzie Miller’s shot in Glamour only seem to be causing positive controversy. People want to see real women!

What models/designers do you look to for inspiration?

Peter Morrissey is a fantastic Australian designer that has been a pioneer in using healthy, curvy women to sell his clothes. There are still too many designers who refuse to move away from the size 6 models, but Peter’s featured plus size girls alongside mainstream models to achieve his success. I was fortunate enough to work with Peter many times in 2009, on his TV commercial, runway shows and for different media events to promote his new line.

What’s your dream photoshoot? Any specific designer you would love to work for?

My dream photo shoot would be to be on the cover of Vogue and to be shot by Steven Miesel or Mario Testino. Their work is just magical and to be a part of something like that would be incredible. In terms of designers I just adore Oscar de la Renta and Jean Paul Gaultier.

What sets you apart from the other plus size models?

I don’t know what sets me apart exactly, there are a lot of beautiful women taking up plus size modeling, but all I know is how passionate I am about being part of this cultural change. I feel like my work is helping to make a difference, gradually changing the ideals about what it means to be beautiful, and what it means to have a beautiful body.

What would you like the world to know about plus size models?

They can eat lunch during a shoot! (oh, and they are about to take over the world!!!)

If you were not modeling what career path would you have taken and why?

I’m almost finished my teaching degree so one day when my modelling career is over i would love to be a teacher or use to my degree to be a motivational speaker.

How have you discovered your own personal style?

I tend to wear a lot of black, but style my outfits with layering, vintage jewellery and cute scarves and jackets. I’ve also got lots of beanies – they go with every outfit. My fave item to get around in at the moment is my John Lennon style sunnies, but my mum hates them!

What is the must have item for the Aussie girls this summer?

Suncream!

What’s your guilty pleasure?

Sleeping in and spending the rest of the day watching Sex and the city episodes!

Finish The Sentence

Always…. Dream big

Never…., never, never give up

If you want to contact Lauren Maksimovic, please visit her agency’s website BELLA model management.

Do you want to be our next Fresh Face feature? send us your professional photos to info@madisonplus.com