Macey Long has been working as a plus model with features in major publications such as Glamour and Redbook. She has also had much success on television with nation-wide commercial spots and TV show appearances. Check out her MP Model Spotlight on Madison Plus!

When did you start modeling?

I started modeling when I was 10 years old. My life revolved around dancing then and so I used to model for Curtain Call and Lebo’s, which were dance catalogs.

You have had a very diverse list of clients, such as American Eagle, Lane Bryant, Saks Fifth Avenue, and Bergdorf Goodman.  How did you book such a wide range of modeling jobs?

I am so very lucky to have worked with such an amazing range of clients. They are all very special to me even though many of them are very different from the rest. I was able to book these clients through my agents. Sometimes the hardest part of modeling isn’t getting the clients it is getting a good agent. And having a great relationship with your agent is the golden key to success.

You have also had some major commercial work over the years. Could you tell the MP fans how you got into this and what has been your favorite commercial to date?

I have done commercials for Playtex, Daisy May BBQ, Honda, Toyoto and a few more. They were all very different but I have to say my favorite was the Playtex commercials. The whole experience from start to finish was a blast and being around good energy and good creativity contributed to the success of the commercial. There was a lot of improvisation that was expected of the models and since I am a trained actor I loved every second of it. I was able to just be myself and make fun of myself. The Playtex commercials show real women and how we act when it comes to our bras. We name our boobs, we use our bras as wallets , we talk to our boobs, and we laugh at each other’s crazy bra stories. It is real and that is what makes it so relatable. I will never ever look like Gisele on a bed with wings and my hair blowing in the wind like the Victoria Secret commercials. It just is not going to happen but I can relate to the women in the Playtex ad and they are funny. If I can start my day off with a little bit of humor it makes all the difference in the world.

As a model, what are your beauty musts?

My number one beauty must is to be happy with yourself. Everything else will fall into place. When you are happy then you glow. I know it is hard sometimes because we all go through rough times in our lives. Believe me I know. Last year was the worst year of my life but now I can say I am so very happy and my work can show for it.  Be happy with yourself and don’t ever let anyone else tell you differently. Do something for yourself every single day. Even if it is something as small as taking a nice peaceful walk or taking 20 minutes to read a book. Have “self time” as I like to call it and reward yourself and remind yourself that you are beautiful. When you feel beautiful you look beautiful.

Another big beauty must is always make sure to wash off all of your makeup at night. I know sometimes we get so tired and just want to jump into bed but if you can’t get in the shower make sure to take 2 minutes and wash all of that makeup off at the sink before climbing into those sheets. Have one face cleanser in the shower and one by the sink so you are always ready to wash your face. It will make all the difference in the world with your complexion.

Describe your personal style?

My personal style is all over the place. I think it has to do with my mood. All of my friends say I have so many looks and they never know what to expect of me. Some days I love being ultra conservative and others I like to take a risk. I have everything from Hermes to Target in my closet. I do love my accessories. I usually buy very simple clothes but I am all over the place with my accessories. I can make a whole new outfit with just the simple change of a bracelet or necklace. I love hats as well. The fedora is one of my favorites.  I have so many of them. I just feel like accessories can add character and flare to an outfit and that is why I am a die hard accessories fan!

What stores do you like to shop at?

I love to shop at so many stores. Some of my favorites are Target, Neiman Marcus, H&M, Forever 21, Banana Republic, Nordstrom Rack, and Henri Bendel for accessories. And I love love love TJ Maxx!

You have accomplished a lot in your career, what would you like to accomplish in the future?

I have been so fortunate to have the opportunity to do what I love as a career. I am so very grateful. What I would like to accomplish next is to be a part of a movement that I feel has already started. The plus modeling world is now getting a lot of buzz and people are starting to realize that normal woman want to see normal models on TV, in catalogs, and in magazines. I want to be a part of that and I think I am a part of that. I want to show the world that it is okay to be the size that you naturally should be. I do not want to advocate an unhealthy lifestyle but I do want to allow women and girls of all ages to look at themselves and say “I am healthy and beautiful even if I am not a size 2.” If I can be a part of that then I can say that I am accomplished everything I have ever wanted to accomplish. I know what it feels like to be the biggest out of the group. I know what it feels like to be insecure when you are shopping with your friends that are smaller than you, and I know what it feels like to look at a magazine and wish that I looked like that. But when I became a part of this incredible world of plus modeling I learned to look at myself in a different light. Also it shocked me to find out that plus modeling starts at a size 8! A size 8…are you serious??? I couldn’t believe it. All I want to do is promote good healthy living. I am not saying to go out and eat whatever you want, not exercise and put yourself in danger but what I am saying is to be healthy and live your life to the fullest. Get up in the morning and look at that mirror and tell yourself “I am beautiful and I am me!” I want to see plus models representing brands and companies that cater to every woman. I want to see more plus models doing beauty ads such as Cover Girl or Lancome. I want to see a range of models in a Gap ad. I am not saying get rid of the size 0 model. All I am saying is have a range of models in your ads. I want to be a part of that. I want to change the world and how the media views women. And I believe we are on that path and I am so excited about it. Change is happening right now!

What does Madison Plus mean to you?

Madison Plus is such an amazing site and concept. I feel that it represents the plus world in a beautiful and realistic light. I love how easy the site is to explore. The articles and blogs are always useful and always grab my attention. It is very classy and very well put together. I love learning about new things and events and also seeing my friends and what they are up to. I am so very proud of Madison Plus and I am truly honored to be a part of it now. Thank you!!!

Always…

…take time to be a kid. Just cause we are grown up doesn’t mean we have to act that way all of the time. Lighten up and enjoy being free for a moment.  It is refreshing!

Never…

…act out of impulse. Always try to think before you react and kill’em with kindness if you need to… that’s what my incredible mother always taught me!

To learn more about plus model Macey Long, check out her website at MaceyLong.com!

All photos by Cathrine Westergaard.

What would you like Macey Long to talk about on Madison Plus for her next feature? We want to hear from you!

Who is your favorite plus size model?

V Magazine is having a model search and they are looking for all body shapes! Major props to V Magazine! Check out the details below and enter now! The deadline is November 10th, 2010 

“Whether you’re plus-size, pint-size or any size in between, we want to hear from you. Submit your pictures (along with your name, location, email address, mailing address, phone number and measurements) to casting@vmagazine.com for a chance to appear in our Spring Preview 2011 issue. The deadline for submissions is November 10^th, 2010 at midnight, so let’s see what you’ve got.  On November 12^th we will make our final selection, hand picking our new-found talent from all entries, and within two weeks, you may be styled and shot for the pages of V Magazine’s Spring Preview issue. After all, V WANTS YOU.”

Click HERE for official rules “

Plus Model Crystal Renn in a recent issue of V Magazine.

Are you entering?  Comment and let us know!

Crystal Renn has been ranked in the Top 50 Women Models on Models.com! Crystal came in on the list at #36 and is the only model that is above the standard model size of 0/2 to make the ranking. This is a defining moment in not only her career but for all models. Models.com introduced her on the Top 50 list with the following summary…

“With back to back issues of Vogue Paris, serious rotation in V magazine, a Gaultier campaign this season and runway presence for Gaultier and Chanel the message is clear. Crystal Renn is simply put, an extraordinarily good model.”

Check out Crystal Renn on Models.com here.

What do you think of Crystal ranking on the Top 50? Do you agree with ranking #36?

I just recently started wearing bikini’s for the first time in my life this year, which has been an experience. I am not use to seeing that much of my body. I so appreciate getting direction on the bikini looks that are best for bodies like mine.

Photo by. Patrick Small

Our friends over at 12+ UK sent us a nice email about their new fresh face plus models- Emma, Isabelle, Tori, and Katie P! The fresh crop of stunning models took a group shot together when they first all signed onto 12+ UK. Now the models are already busy working hard and traveling the world striking poses.

Congrats to 12+ UK on signing some new hot fresh faces!

What do you think of these fresh face plus models?

Plus model and TV host, Emme, introduces Full Figure Fashion week and shows off her sleek look! Her long blond hair looks stunning!

Emme introduces Gwen DeVoe, the founder of Full Figure Fashion Week.

Gwen Devoe  talks about the need for Full Figure Fashion Week and gets the show rolling!

Gwen DeVoe listens as Rosie Mercado, the face of Full Figured Fashion Week, thanks everyone who voted for her and how happy she is to represent the plus community.

Katie Burke and Jessica Mealy of Lotus walk the runway at the finale of the Lotus show.

Models giving their best strut down the catwalk.

Monif C. of Monif C. and Deb of Re/Dress NYC pose for a pic after the show.

Aimee and Fallon on IPM Models pose for a shot. 

Elizabeth Ayerle of Fresh Ayer boutique shows of here Anna Scholz dress. She looks great!

Plus Model and America’s Next Top Model winner Whitney Thompson poses with Tali of More to Love.

Aimee, Whitney Thompson, and Erica pose for a pic at the end of the show. 

For more news on Full Figure Fashion Week, check out the below news stories:

New York Times T Magazine- Full Figure Fashion Week

New York Times- Plus-Size Revelation: Bigger Women Have Cash, Too

The Huffington Post: Full Figured Fashion Week Founder Gwen DeVoe Responds to Julien MacDonald

NY Mag: Full Figured Fashion Week Expands

The Frisky: Designers Rock The Catwalk At Full Figure Fashion Week

What do you think of Full Figure Fashion Week?  Did you attend?

Crystal Renn wrote a response in the Independent in response to Britain’s Next Top Model judge Julien MacDonald. Crystal said that she does not like the term plus size as that term creates a seperation in models due to size. A model should just be a model regardless of size. Here is a quote from the Independent:

Part of the problem is this focus on straight sizes and plus sizes. It is creating an “us and them” mentality. We need to change the way we approach the whole thing, and do away with these terms. All we are is a bunch of models, no matter what size. Among women at large there’s no separation into straight sizes and plus sizes. The term “plus-size” leaves the public confused. In the industry a size eight is considered plus. In the wider world women don’t think like that.

Mistakes in the past have been to base things on extremes. Lots of shows have had size zero and size two girls followed by really curvaceous 16s. When that happens all you see is the size of the girl. The runway needs to be like the street: a variety. If you have more variety then the focus isn’t on the size.

What do you think about Crystal Renn’s response to Julien MacDonald?

Read more at NYMag.com.

What do you think of Laura Wells’ new editorial feature in Madison Mag?

Plus models Andrea Koolen, Hayley Morley, and Angelica Gray are featured in June’s Glass Magazine! The shoot is styled to perfection with such captivating images! The photographer was Felix Lammers, stylist Darren Knight, and beauty editor Yasmin Heinz. The gorgeous plus models, Andrea, Hayley, and Angelica, are repped by 12 Plus UK.

What do you think of this gorgeous shoot?

Plus model Robyn Lawley, represented by W Curve in the U.S. and Bella Model Management in Australia, recently walked down the runway at the VMan show! VMan, which is a part of V Magazine, recently did a runway show at the hip NYC Hudson Hotel. Plus Model Robyn Lawley looked as beautiful as ever sashaying down the runway!

What do you think of Robyn‘s look on the runway?

We have always liked former plus model Sophie Dahl. Her latest statement proves why we like her even more”

“As long as a curvy girl is held up as an anomaly, the whole thing is being perpetuated. When a curvy girl is no longer being hailed as different, we’ve made progress. I could talk about it for hours, but if one objects to very thin, unwell girls being used in advertising, then as a consumer, you have to make a first step. We’ve become a quite apathetic culture. It’s all well to just talk about how horrified you are, but unless you do something and write to companies, then nothing really gets done.”

Cheers to you Sophie for empowering us as consumers to take action rather then just giving a reaction!

You can read more about Sophie Dahl at the Huffington Post.

We are often asked about how to get your start modeling, instead of us telling you what we think you should do. We thought it would be best to go straight to the source and interview the Co-Director of the Ford+ board Jaclyn Sarka (second in from right).

How did you get started as a Booker at Ford+ Models?

I started out as an intern from an ad I saw on craigslist that I was blown way to find out was “THE” Ford models. After moving through divisions and advancing from intern, to assistant, to Booker then eventually (after busting my ass for 2 years) becoming co-director on the plus board with Gary Dakin.  The job allows me to make and impact on all of my girl’s lives so an even bigger honor than being named director is being a mentor.

What do you look for in aspiring models who come to you at go-sees?

I look for the wow quality or “it” factor. I want to see someone I can believe in, whether it is a very “in your face quality” or something that you might have to look deep for. It’s almost like digging for gold, sometimes there are layers you have to chip away and break through.  Also, confidence is a quality that makes a difference when I first meet you.

As one the main bookers at Ford+ models, have you seen a spike in using plus models due to all of the hype recently?

In the past year there has definitely been a higher demand for the girls, whether it be a company doing a trial test using plus models to see the consumers reaction or adding more shoots to their schedules or more days. However, it has really been more in the past couple months due to Crystal Renn’s book Hungy dropping, V Magazine shooting the Size Issue, Yo Dona using Inga Eiriksdottir and Candice Huffine, and French Elle putting Tara Lynn on the cover along with a 21 page spread. The boundaries have been pushed and the world is seeing these girls are here to win. There is always going to be a need for a size 0 model but there is also a need for a size 16 model and that has truly been recognized.

Do you think this is a fluke or there will be a social shift towards wanting to see more relatable, but still beautiful, models in advertising?

This is not a fluke. This is something that has been so strategically and carefully planned on our and the models part that calling it a fluke is like calling it a mistake. There are so many goals and dreams that are yet to be reached, but it takes time and an enormous amount of work. The success of these girls was not something that happened over night. All of us, agents, models and clients as well as the public, have to work 10 times harder for everyone to look past their hips, waist, and bust to see their face and beauty.

What changes have you seen in the modeling industry as a whole during your time at Ford+ Models?

The plus size modeling industry is evolving very quickly, and may even be out pacing an already rapidly shifting fashion world. There was a day when “basic body shoots” of a plus size girl would be the sole basis for their success. Plus size models would be “booked” solely because or their size, hired only to model not so flattering clothes for lower end department stores and .com’s. Today, a plus size model is not only hired for their full look, but more importantly for the relationships they can build with clients and their aptitude to make any outfit look phenomenal. Today’s plus size model must have personality along with a distinctive range of talents which translate into “their brand”. A plus girl’s recognition is the new passport into the high-end world of fashion.

What do you think of the Ashley Graham and Lane Bryant Bra commercial controversy with FOX and ABC?

Everything happens for a reason and there are always 2 sides to a story. Thankfully they used a girl that has an extreme amount of confidence and can handle the positive and negative comments she has come under fire to.

When Lane Bryant came to you with the idea of the commercial, how did they decide to use Ashley as the IT bombshell girl?

Ashley has been working for Lane Bryant for years and shooting their Cacique line for their catalogs so was not shocking at all to have her cast for the IT bombshell. She has this confidence that radiates from her that that says I can sell your clothes and tell your story without even having to think twice. I would have been more shocked if they did not use her.

What has it been like working with so many high-profile plus models?

I don’t look at them that way. Of course you have the girls whose names are better known in the industry, but each model that is represented on the Ford + board is a successful model and deserves the same attention as the next. I feel honored and privileged to work with each individual woman and will continue to help them become successful in all aspects of their life, whether is be getting out a specific message or just plain being a good friend. We all support each-others achievements.

As a booker, do you notice a difference between working for plus-size models vs. straight-size models?

Of course there is a difference in plus-size models vs. straight-size models, however, that line is becoming more blurry each day. If you would have asked me this question a year ago or even 6 months ago it would be extremely different, but the barriers have in fact been pushed, which has left me believing that anything is possible. Plus size hasn’t had the everyday opportunity to work with all the high-end designers until now; the coveted beauty campaigns are next.

What do you see your future holds in the fashion industry?  What are your personal goals?

Considering I never knew this job existed when I was studying career paths in college, it is a job that I can’t imagine not being a part of.  I want to continue to grow as a person and as an agent. You can never stop learning and listening to what is going on around you because you because that is how you grow not only professionally but personally. It’s a great feeling knowing that you can leave a footprint behind and teach what I know years from now.

What advice do you have for girls who want to get into the plus fashion industry?  Any do’s or don’ts?

Just be yourself. Don’t try to make yourself into something that you aren’t or turn yourself into someone that you are not comfortable being. If you can’t be comfortable in your own skin then it comes across in everything you do. I love seeing girls that are confident with what they have and embracing it. When girls come in dressed up in clothes that are extremely flashy and pounds of makeup covering every flaw they have, they are asked to come back as themselves, fresh and clean. What some girls consider flaws, we see as beauty and individuality.

Finish the sentence…

Always… think outside the box. The most creative minds are the most intriguing and beneficial to the world. Make your mark. You are a blank canvas…make it colorful.

Never… ever limit yourself. Make goals for yourself and build off of each one. One goal can lead to something so beyond what you were imagining for yourself it can shape the person you become. Don’t let life live you…live your life. AND NEVER BE SCARED TO ASK FOR HELP, we all need it.

Check out the video here!