MP Model Off Duty: Whitney Thompson from Madison Plus on Vimeo.

Shop Whitney’s Look:

SWAK Designs – Plus Size ‘Victoria’ V-Neck Paisley Dress

Zappos – RSVP Rider Wide Calf Boot

Shopbop – Joy Gryson Bonded Hobo

Shopbop –  Marc by Marc Jacobs Katie Turnlock Ring

What do you think of Plus Model Whitney Thompson’s fall look?

On Karl Lagerfeld and his V Magazine photoshoot:

Yeah, everyone is jumping on the bandwagon, but as plus girls we’ve been ignored for so long that it’s like you know they throw us a cookie and we’re thrilled about it. We are thrilled and we have to be thrilled cause we’ve never had anything, but at the same time I think we have to be smart about it: Great, I applaud Vogue for having a shape issue, but screw Vogue for not having shapes in every issue. It’s B.S. It’s frustrating. It’s infuriating because we have to be excited, we have to be thrilled that there’s one issue that has girls who eat. Great! But it should be in every issue. So I think we have to keep fighting. We have to celebrate and pat ourselves ont he back for what we’ve done, but we have to do more.

On the treatment of models:

Oh yeah, models get treated like crap. Worse than anyone. We get fed last, we don’t sleep, they treat you like nothing. When you think about it, everyone thinks modeling is so glamorous, but you don’t get to say what you wear, you don’t get to say how you look, what your hair color is, what length it is, where you live, what you do – you have no voice at all. And the bookers – because I was a straight-size model growing up in high schoool, and my hips were always one inch too big – and, yeah, you have 45-year-old men saying, “You’re too fat.” You’re a teenage girl. It’s really disgusting. It’s an awful industry and, yeah, there is no soul in modeling.

And her feelings about the modeling industry:

A lot of girls get depressed, some girls commit suicide, some girls starve to death, literally, and we kind of just don’t pay attention to it in the industry. We don’t really talk about it, but it’s very common.

I lived in a model apartment with all straight (size) models. One of the girls was on the lemonade cleanse for, I think, three weeks and her skin broke out all over in boils. But she was working in Paris every weekend and that’s all that mattered to her. And does the agency say anything? They’re not worried she’s too skinny, they’re worried she looks nasty because she has boils.

Read more at The Cut.

Photo: Paul Morigi/WireImage

What do you think about her statements of the modeling industry?

The Front Row is getting ready for the show!

OneStopPlus.com’s Editorial Director Nancy LeWinter and President of OneStopPlus.com and EVP of Redcats USA Stephanie Sobel pose for a picture.

Aimee Cheshire and Emme pose for a picture after the show.

Ashley Falcon of Marie Claire’s “Big Girl in a Skinny World” poses for the MP camera. KayCee Stroh and friend share a smile for us.

Kaycee Stroh shows off her lace and leather look.

MTV TJ Gabi Gregg takes a break from her busy day to sip some champagne and pose for the camera.

Plus Model Fluvia Lacerda strikes a pose. Plus Model Andrea and Aimee pose for the camera.

Alicia Appleton and Kelly Cobb of Redcats USA smile for the camera.

America’s Next Top Model Whitney Thompson and Erica Young catch up after the show.

Christina of Musing of a Fatshionista sat next to us during the show.

Showtime!

Plus Model Lizzie Miller is interviewed by the NYPost.

Ashley Graham and Tonya Pittman strike a pose after the show.

Plus Models Robyn Lawley, Sabina Karlsson and Marquita Pring.

Mia Amber and plus models from Goddess take a group shot for the Madison Plus camera.

Plus Model Lizzie Miller.

Rock Out!

What do you think of our OneStopPlus.com Fashion Show pictures?

This October 23rd, 2010 is the 5th Annual Love Your Body Day, the event creator Chenese Lewis has brought in plus model Whitney Thompson to be the celebrity host of Love Your Body Day. The goal of the day is to show that you can be comfortable in your own skin.

Together Chenese and Whitney posed nude in a photoshoot to show by example that woman should love themselves whatever package they come in. Both women support organizations which support women with eating disorders Whitney an ambassador for the National Eating Disorder Association (NEDA) and Lewis an ambassador for the Binge Eating Disorder Association (BEDA).

Credits: Photographer Inez Lewis
Hair Stylist Jo Williams
Make Up Artist Jeanna Sabatino for Image Cosmetics

What do you think of this campaign?

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?

Congratulations to both models and to Target for great plus size looks!

See more at FabSugar.com.

What do you think of Target’s plus size Pure Energy?

Check out the video here!

What do you think of Whitney Thompson’s interview?

Whitney Thompson has become an official ambassador for the National Eating Disorders Association (NEDA), joining the battle against eating disorders and unrealistic “body-perfect” ideals.

“I am thrilled to be an ambassador for the National Eating Disorders Association. Since winning Top Model, I have heard from thousands of people all over the world who are dealing with eating disorders. I want to support those people affected and their families and I want to help people identify and resist the social stereotypes and images that lead to unhealthy behavioral patterns.” – Whitney Thompson

She joins other NEDA ambassadors like supermodel Emme, and author Jessica Weiner.

We think Whitney is perfect for the job, she is full of confidence and her personal experience will really benefit NEDA.

Read more here.

I think the world has been following Whitney Thompson’s plus size modeling career since she was crowned the winner of ANTM cycle 10, not only has she become a very successful plus model but also a business woman with her new line Supermodel.  We are so excited to share with you our interview with Whitney.

What was the most valuable experience about being part of ANTM?

Learning how to be on my own. I was only 20 on the show and I had always had such a great support system, but on the show you can’t depend on anyone but yourself. It has made me a much stronger person.

Before ANTM did you have any modeling experience?

I had done some local modeling in high school, but nothing serious.

What have you really enjoyed about being a plus model?

The best thing about being plus sized is being able to eat! It’s great. The agents are always telling me to go eat something and before I was plus sized there was always so much pressure to not eat. I get to have my cake and eat it too!

What is your pre-photoshoot ritual? Any tips for our aspiring model fans?

haha lots of coffee, I guess. There really isn’t a ritual. Its natural to me, like walking or talking, I’m shooting. It’s great!

How would you describe your personal style?

Laid back. I’m from a little beach town. I like flip flops and beach cover ups. I grew up in a bikini. Or, if I’m trying to be trendy, I just wear all black. haha I really need a stylist.

What fashion magazines do you read cover to cover? Was the new V Magazine one of them?

I try to skip around with fashion magazines. It’s like the news, if you watch only one station then you’re only getting one point of view. I like to see what everyone has to say and make my own opinion. I did not get a chance to read the new V, but I did check out a few of my favorite plussie shots. I adore Crystal!

Spring is around the corner, do you have a clothing item(s) that you are excited to wear?

beachwear. It has been so cold in L.A.! I’m a Florida girl. I miss my bikini and cut offs.

Most importantly, where do you like to shop? Favorite Plus Clothing Line?

Faith 21 is tearing up the plus industry. Their clothes are so cute and they aren’t different then normal clothes, except that they come in my size. I hate it when “plus” stores assume that we want to cover up. I want skinny jeans, mini dresses, tank tops, etc. and Faith 21 carries all of it at a great price.

You have recently launched your own company Supermodel, which sells some fabulous jewelry lines and candles. How did it come about?

I wanted to have some control over my life! As a model, people always tell me what to do and wear and say, etc. and I wanted to be in charge again. I started a line that I love with really great products! My candles turn into a heated massage oil when lit and harden again after blown out and they don’t get hot enough to burn you. Plus, the scents are fashion themed, like Milan Melon, Los Angeles Lilly, Paris and Berries, etc. I would never put my name on something that I didn’t believe in.

And what do you like about being your own boss?

Making decisions! I design, I choose the scents, names, colors, everything. It’s great because I don’t have to say that I like anything when I really don’t. If I don’t like something, we don’t sell it.

What is your favorite piece in the collection?

I love the “Lady of the Knight” necklace. It has a cool renaissance edge but it’s still really delicate. And if our jewelry breaks, we fix it for free. We even cover the shipping and handling. Also, everything is handmade in America, so I’m doing my part to stimulate the economy!

Click here to read our previous MP Model Spotlight.

If you are an established plus model and would like to be featured email us at info@madisonplus.com

The curvy and beautiful Whitney Thompson, the only plus size model winner of ANTM, is the new face of Faith 21, Forever 21′s plus size line.  Whitney definitely rocked the Faith 21 pieces with her new-look brunette hair and dark eyeliner!  Whitney also did an interview with Faith 21 talking about how her life is now as an international model and gave tips for the aspiring plus size models out there.

Check out the interview at Forever 21 and you can also see additional pics of her on our Best Dressed of 2009 list.

I was so excited when Madeline from Plus Model Mag contacted me about an interview!

Please check it out in their January ’10 issue here.

Beth Ditto

Beth Ditto is the lead singer of the band “Gossip”. One thing that we love about Ditto is she is not afraid to put her outlandish style out there. Her fashion sense has led her to a friendship with Kate Moss and a line for Evans UK.

Jennifer Hudson

Jennifer Hudson has had some of the highest and lowest points in her life this year. The highest being the birth of her new son, David Otunga Jr. This joy and her resilient spirit radiates in her stunning looks she has chosen for the red carpet.

Queen Latifah

Queen Latifah has been in the spotlight for 20 years and still continues to shine. This year she released her fragrance, “Queen” exclusively for Macy’s and just released her album “Persona”. I love the dramatic long gowns she has been donning this year.

Christina Hendricks

Christina Hendricks has had a wonderful year professional and personally. Personally, Hendricks got married to Geoffrey Arend at Il Buco restaurant in New York City. Professionally, she has been a star on the AMC TV show Mad Men as the sexy and voluptuous secretary. We have to say, here at MP we definitely have a girl crush on Hendricks and are wowed by her curves!

Gabby Sidibie

Gabourey “Gabby” Sidibie has had a breakout year in 2009 with the release of her the movie “Precious”. Oscar buzz has been swirling due to her and Monique’s amazing performances. Gabby has also stepped into the limelight with her fashion scene. For the red carpet, Gabby tends to lean towards gowns in vibrant colors. In her free time, Gabby can be seen in a lot of clothing from the plus size retailer Torrid.

America Ferrera

America Ferrera has proved that, while she plays an Ugly Betty on TV, she is no Ugly Betty in real life. Ferrera has been wearing dramatically beautiful gowns on the red carpet and great cocktail dresses for social events. Her style has evolved wonderfully in the past year!

Gabi

Gabi is the blogger for YoungFatandFabulous.com. Gabi had “realized there were no quality fashion blogs for fat trendy girls. People have complimented me on my style for a while, so I decided to showcase my outfits and give other plus sized girls fashion tips all in one place”.

Crystal Renn

Crystal Renn has had an absolute breakout year in 2009. She released her biography, ‘Hungry’, and has landed huge modeling gigs in Elle Canada, V Magazine, and Italian Vanity Fair. As many New Yorkers, Crystal Renn wear mostly black, but is an expert at layering different textures and silhouettes together.

Whitney Thompson

Whitney Thompson has been finding her own fame away from America’s Next Top Model this year. She has recently launched her own scented candles and a jewelry lines on top of her modeling. Whitney leans towards curve enhancing cocktail dresses for events and dark denim, heels, and a jacket for going out. Looking forward to seeing more from this rising star in the next year!

Raven Symone

Raven Symone has been a Maddie + favorite for us at MP. Raven starred in Chris Rock’s documentary “Good Hair” and also lent her voice to the Disney’s Tinker Bell Franchise. Raven has shown us how to rock our curves in 2009!

Congrats to our 2009 winners!  Now the next big question…  who will make the cut for 2010?!?

If you have a great sense of style and would like to be featured on Madison Plus, send us your pics!  We would love to see them and feature YOU! Email us at info@madisonplus.com

Whitney Thompson was the first and only plus size winner of Americas Next Top Model. The beautiful Whitney Thompson who beat out her competition on the show is paving the way for many plus sized models.  She has been given the opportunity to grace the cover of PLUS Model’s January issue and has an article dedicated to her, plus size beauty, fashion and art.

“We are very happy to feature Whitney Thompson on the January cover. We followed her progress on America’s Next Top Model and we all routed her on.  When she won, the plus modeling industry won,” states Madeline Figueroa-Jones, editor of PLUS Model Magazine.

Although modeling can seem full of glitz and glamour don’t let it fool you there is a lot of dedication that goes with it as well. Ms. Whitney is hard at work while currently signed to Wilhelmina Models , she is also the ambassador of Fashion Bug Clothes and recently started her own candle and jewelry line.   In addition to the cover, Whitney will also appear in a high fashion editorial and be featured on an upcoming edition of PLUS Model Radio; the #1 podcast for plus size women.

To read past blogs on Whitney Thompson, click here.

Whitney Thompson, has decided expand her empire by creating scented candles and a jewelry line. Whitney has developed a successful modeling career since she was the first plus model to win on America’s Next Top Model.

You can visit her site at www.shopsupermodel.com. Bookmark it now because its currently under construction.

“I’ve tried to make my collection real.  It’s stuff that I love and I would wear and I’m a supermodel so I was thinking, ‘Hey! Supermodel.’ It’s easy.”