Avenue is presenting the Curves for Change Fundraiser 5k supporting the empowerment of women and girls on Thursday, May 19th, 2011. Madison Plus is the official media sponsor of the event and we could not be more proud. Come out and help us raise money for two great organizations- The Komera Project and Hardy Girls Healthy Women. For full event details and how to register, please visit the official Curves for Change website.

To celebrate this great fundraiser, we have asked each model that will be participating in the 5k to tell us why they are personally connected to the cause. First up is Lizzie Miller!

“I think Curves For Change is a great opportunity to bring the fashion industry(and every industry) together and unite for a cause that’s bigger than all of us. Our goal is to get everyone in the fashion industry to strip off their prejudices of one another, and to band together for a few days out of the year.  I’m participating because we should always help out our fellow man(or woman in this case) in any situation big or small. Humanity as a whole needs to ban together, not fight , because when we unite we have an unmatchable power to makes big change in the world.”

-Lizzie Miller

There are ONLY 300 spots available for this run/walk so you better register quickly here!

Why are you participating in the Curves for Change run/walk?

Avenue is presenting the Curves for Change Fundraiser 5k supporting the empowerment of women and girls on Thursday, May 19th 2011 at 7pm. Madison Plus is the official media sponsor of the event and we could not be more proud. Come out and help us raise money for two great organizations- The Komera Project and Hardy Girls Healthy Women. For full event details and how to register, please visit the official Curves for Change website.

To celebrate this great fundraiser, we have asked each model that will be participating in the 5k to tell us why they are personally connected to the cause. Check out why Julie Henderson is running!

“I run because….
It’s time for a change. It’s time for all of us to come together. It’s time to unite and make our mark on the world.”

-Julie Henderson

There are ONLY 300 spots available for this run/walk so you better register quickly here!

Why are you running the Curves for Change 5k?

Avenue is presenting the Curves for Change Fundraiser 5k supporting the empowerment of women and girls on Thursday, May 19th at 7pm. Madison Plus is the official media sponsor of the event and we could not be more proud. Come out and help us raise money for two great organizations- The Komera Project and Hardy Girls Healthy Women. For full event details and how to register, please visit the official Curves for Change website.

To celebrate this great fundraiser, we have asked each model that will be participating in the 5k to tell us why they are personally connected to the cause. Check out why Bernadett Vajda is running!

I am running…

“To beat Julie Henderson“

-Bernadett Vajda

Now those are racing words!

There are ONLY 300 spots available for this run/walk so you better register quickly here!

Photo by. Jeff Licata

Why are you running the Curves for Change 5k?

Marquita Pring, just like Crystal Renn, wants to get rid of the term “plus size models”. As she explains to NYMag.com:

“I’m a model. I’m doing the same catalogue and editorial jobs as the “normal” models. Slowly, as designers start incorporating bigger girls into their shows and campaigns, I’m confident people will start seeing us as normal, healthy models who are just as beautiful and capable as the girls we are used to seeing. I think curvier models are still viewed as relatively new to the fashion world. People are finally starting to embrace us, and we aren’t just being seen for our tits and ass, but for our overall beauty and ability.”

Marquita Pring of Ford+ also talks about how she was discovered, her most memorable modeling experience to date, and what modeling gig she would like to land in the interview. Check out the full interview on NYMag.com- Meet the New Girl: Marquita Pring Wants to Phase Out the Term ‘Plus Size’.

What do you think about getting rid of the term ‘plus size model’ in exchange for just ‘model’?

Entertainment Tonight caught some behind the scenes video of the models getting ready, including the stunning plus model Ashley Graham of Ford+. Check out the video to hear Ashley’s thoughts on Lane Bryant!

Lucky Dog Films Invites you to Plus Model Casting in NYC on February 25^th from 4-8pm!

Are you a current or aspiring plus size model? Are you curvy, confident and ready for your close-up?  Have you ever thought, “My life is reality show?” Or heard someone say “you should be on reality TV?” If so, then read on.

We are casting women, size 8 and up, 5’8 and taller, to be the next plus model reality TV stars!

We’re looking for women who are open and ready to expose their lives to the world, showing the ups, downs, sometimes thrilling, but always adventurous life, as they aspire to make it in the highly competitive plus size modeling world in NYC.

Are you: outgoing, completely committed, passionate and opinionated about making it as a plus size model? We want you!

All types and attitudes are welcome. We’re looking for curvy girls, with big personalities!

If interested please email info@MadisonPlus.com the following:

Name:

Email:

Phone Number:

Height:

Photo- 1 head shot, 1 head-to-toe shot

Short Description of Your Life- 5 sentences

Please also bring this information with you to the casting on February 25^th along with your portfolio (if you have one). The location will be announced closer to the date, but will take place in New York City.

Will you be coming to Lucky Dog Film’s plus model reality show casting call?

Ford+ model Stefanie stopped by our office to show off her MOD style. Stefanie recently moved to NYC from Brazil and is loving all the shopping NYC has to offer.  Stefanie loves that she is now closer to her favorite store Topshop and her newest purchase from them is the black bandage skirt she wore to the MP studio.

Shop Stefanie’s Look:

Lane Bryant- Spanx Reversible Tight End Tights

Torrid- Black Ponte Pencil Skirt

Zappos- Gabriella Rocha Akella

ASOS CURFVE- Dipped Side Racer Back Tank

What do you think of Stefanie’s Model Off Duty look?

Photography by Jessica Levoie.

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 monthly columns on Madison Plus!

So we have all been there…..the orange sunless tan. Even though it is quite cold outside there is still a yearning to have that summer glow. The most recent shoot I did this week was one that the client had a certain request. They wanted me to come to set with a spray tan. When I originally got the request I was a little surprised since most clients either create a tan with photo shop or they will have the makeup artist bronze the model on set. Since the outcome of most spray tans is uncertain, usually the clients do not take the chance of the model getting spray tanned on their own. In this case, whatever the client wants the client gets. So it was off to the tanning spa I went. The only option available at the time was the spray tan booth. Now with this technique you never know what you are going to get with the results. I have had wonderful spray tans that I feel like I just stepped off of a beach in Hawaii and I have had those that I look like an umpa lumpa for about a week. I have also had the spray tans that a technician applies to you. Now some of those have been great and some have made me look like a Georgia Peach so it is either a hit or miss with both options.

Photography by Jessica Levoie

So I wanted to blog this month about my tips for getting the best spray tan available.

I was pretty lucky with this last spray tan courtesy of the infamous spray booth. And I have had a lot of experience with this so I thought I would share some of my tips for getting the best tan without the rays of the sun. If you want to have a glow for a special event like a wedding or reunion do a test run first. I know it will cost a little more but believe me when you show up looking like a bronzed goddess instead of a pumpkin in a dress you will thank me. Most of the places that offer spray tans usually have a package deal that you can buy and can test out the results. If you are using a technician make sure the same technician is available when you want to come back for your second appointment Each technician has a different approach and if you like what you get the first time you will want the same outcome for the second visit.

Now let’s talk preparation. First of all you want to make sure you go to the salon completely clean. Shower before you arrive. In the shower take the time to shave and to exfoliate.  I know it is a pain but it will make a world of difference. If you don’t have an exfoliator don’t worry just run to the kitchen and grab the sugar. Put the sugar in your shower gel or rub it onto a bar of soap. Now you have an exfoliator! When you get out of the shower make sure you have nothing on your body except your clothes. I mean do not put on lotion, moisturizer, deodorant, perfume…nothing. You do not want anything in the way of the spray tan soaking into your skin. Before you leave your house or apartment make sure you have loose fitting clothing, a hair tie, and some kind of lotion in case the salon doesn’t have any. It is always better to be prepared with everything you need. Also take off all jewelry before you go so you don’t have any worries about leaving your jewels at the salon.

When you arrive do not be afraid to ask for a tour of what to expect from the booth or technician. There is no shame in asking any questions you might have. Remember bronzed goddess not umpa lumpa. After you are comfortable with what is going to happen make sure you pull your hair back and take the lotion and cover your toes and fingers. This is my biggest problem area. Most of the time when a spray tan goes bad it is on my hands and feet. So I have learned to slightly cover my hands and feet as well.  It is also very important that you not put too much lotion on. Just a nice thin layer. That way the spray tan won’t be too harsh on your hands and feet. Make sure you spread your fingers and keep your arms and legs at a good distance apart from one another. It feels a little weird but you want to make sure you are able to get a nice even tan all over your body. Now it is time to dry. Take your time. Most of the time I do at least 2 drying sessions. Sometimes I even do 3 sessions just to make sure I feel comfortable that I am dry. When you get home it is very important that you allow the tan to have at least 8 hours to dry. That is why I usually make my spray tanning appointments later in the day or even at night if possible. If you decide to allow it to dry over night make sure your sheets are dark ones or you place a towel to protect your lighter sheets. The tan will transfer onto your sheets but majority of the time I have no problems washing it out. After your beauty sleep don’t be alarmed if you look very tan. The top layer will wash off in the shower. Do not exfoliate this time. If you usually use a loofah sponge  in the shower refrain from doing so. It will exfoliate the tan right off. Just use your hands to wash. When you are done getting clean make sure to moisturize. The more you moisturize the longer your tan will stay. Now you are a bronzed beauty so enjoy! Go have fun and look fabulous knowing that you have a glow that looks great and didn’t harm your skin!

Check out Macey’s previous posts:

MP Plus Model Spotlight: Macey Long

Baby its cold outside…and oh is it a little slow!

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

Ford+ Crystal Renn was on Plus Model Radio on Monday, January 24th, to talk to Chenese Lewis about her experiences and thoughts on plus modeling.  Here is our summary of the radio show. You can also listen to the full podcast here!

The new face of Jimmy Choo, former size 14 model Crystal Renn is going against the odds of the fashion model industry. Crystal has been dealing with a lot of controversy from the public on her new-found figure. Throughout the interview she expresses the fact that the model industry needs to simply drop the labels of plus and straight from female models. She says “why can’t we just be models?”

When Crystal was asked about what place in the industry does the size 20+ women hold, she responded that their time is coming the way the industry is going. The idea is not to allow anyone to feel excluded because of size.

In the end Crystal really stressed that she feels the negativity toward her size range came from women feeling abandoned by her. Crystal Renn had a very large following of women who looked up to her as the face of plus size fashion and she dropped weight and went mainstream as the new face of Jimmy Choo. She stated that her health is what is important and that all that matters is her health and her happiness.

Beauty comes in all shapes and sizes and Crystal just wants everyone to remember that.

Did you listen to the podcast of Crystal Renn?  What did you think of it?

Left picture is by photographer Roberto Legresti and right picture is by photographer Gray Scott.

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 column on Madison Plus!

Hello everyone!

I hope all of you are getting your holiday shopping done and staying warm. The streets are bustling and it seems like the city gets crazier by the second, but unfortunately the modeling world stays pretty slow during this time. Everyone is already done with the year’s projects or finishing them up and so bookings and jobs are slim and far between. But that doesn’t mean that it is time to stop working on your craft. I know during this time I try to make sure that my book is up to par and that I take this time to study what I need to do in order to be ready for the new year.  Many people are making that same resolution for this year as they have always done in the past years. But in the plus modeling world, new year’s resolutions are just a start.

Left picture is by Cathrine Westergaard and right picture is by Roberto Legresti

You have to make sure you keep your body in the best shape you can. Just because plus models have curves doesn’t mean we can eat whatever we want and not work out. We still have to keep those curves as tight as we can and that can be tricky. Even though January is still a month away, I take this time to get myself in check for the new year. I start getting used to a work out regime and I am always looking for photographers that want to shoot. Just because jobs are slow doesn’t mean that it gives me an excuse to be lazy.

Photo by  Cathrine Westergaard.

This is also the time to make sure my book is fresh. I love working with new photographers and being creative on shoots that I just don’t have the time to do during the busier parts of the year. I love flipping through magazines and being inspired by shoots that are more editorial. I also love keeping a book of ideas for shoots that I want to do in the future.  So these times are fun because I can focus on what I want to do and what I want to accomplish in the new year. I can make lists of goals that I would like to see myself conquer and realizing what I need to do in order to make that happen. So even though jobs are slow there is still a lot to do.  Take this time to do something for yourself. Make goals for yourself but don’t get frustrated if they all don’t get met. Always remember that having a list is always something to look forward to and when you finally do get to cross something off that list the feeling is like no other. Happy Holidays and make sure to take care of yourself and those who you love during this special time of year!

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

Yesterday we posted the many amazing picture of plus model Tara Lynn of Ford+ for the Brazilian shapewear company, Plie. We have more great pictures to share with you today! Check them out!

Photographer: Bob Wolfenson

 Check out this behind the scenes video from one of Evans’ recent photoshoots by David Roemer! The video showcases plus models Tara Lynn, Tocarra Jones, Peeky G, Crystal Renn, Andrea Klomeen. Check out these clothes featured in the video on Evans’ website!

What do you think of Evans’ behind the scenes video?

The gorgeous plus models Laura Catterall and Hayley Morely of 12 + UK Model Management are in this weeks LOOK Magazine. This editorial was shot by John Adams.  Accompanying the editorial is a wonderful interview on both girls talking about being the new curvy supermodels.

The belted fur jacket with silk is a great look for this winter and Hayley Morley wears it well!

What do you think of this new editorial in LOOK magazine with Laura Catterall and Hayley Morley?