The average size of Australian women is 12 to 16, and where does the fashion industry start the plus size? At 10. How is it representative of the demographic?
Today, we have plus-size or curve models from all over the world who have voiced their opinions about the extreme pressure faced by the models to size down.
They have spoken about their body-image issues and the subsequent mental stress that affects their health, work, and life.
But rising above, the same plus-size models celebrate their bodies and exude immense confidence. They lead by example to make the fashion industry a more inclusive and diverse place.
So, join in as we introduce you to Australian plus-size models who have fought for their rightful place in the industry.
Laura Wells
A presenter, an environmentalist, and a leading plus-size model, Laura Wells wears many hats. Using her popularity as a model to speak about the environment, she is also a leading climate change activist. Having been featured in several international magazines, Laura is an inspiration to many. For Laura Wells, her size is like her job title, and she finds it empowering.
https://www.instagram.com/iamlaurawells/
https://www.laurawells.com.au/
Robyn Lawley
One of the leading curvy Australian models, Robyn Lawley, finds the “plus-size” term demeaning. A strong believer in practicing self-love, it is all about appreciating your body, with its flabs and curves. Always vocal about the need for change in the modeling world, she has led by example. We have seen her grace the covers of some leading magazines like Vogue Italia, and we love it.
https://www.instagram.com/robynlawley/
Aisha Nikora
Another budding plus-size model comfortable and confident in her skin is Aisha Nikora. Her growing Instagram following is a testament to the love she’s getting online. Her styling videos are super chic, and people clearly look forward to her styling content. All her outfits are flattering, and her photography game is on point. We cannot wait to see her reach new heights.
https://www.instagram.com/itsaishanikora/
Kate Wasley
With 349K followers on Instagram, Kate Wasley is one of the most influential plus-size models from Sydney, Australia. Her Instagram account is filled with content screaming body positivity. Outspoken about the lack of diversity in the modeling industry, her content is congruent with her image. She has also been featured in the sports illustrated magazine, showing off her curves boldly.
https://www.instagram.com/katewas_/
https://swimsuit.si.com/swimsuit/model/kate-wasley
Jess King
Jess King is an Aussie curve model and a strong advocate of self-love. After struggling with body-image issues in her teens, she found her niche and started working as a curve model. Working with Bella management, she recently walked the first-ever curve runway show in Australian Fashion Week and has shared her experience. Super glamorous, chic, and funny, her Instagram content is highly engaging.
https://www.instagram.com/jessraeking/
https://www.mamamia.com.au/curve-edit-model-opinion/
Jessica Vander Leahy
Model, writer, feminist, and activist Jessica Vander Leahy is a woman of many talents. A successful curve model from Sydney, over the years, she has been featured in many leading ad campaigns and magazines. Author of the book, Loved People Love People, she narrates tales of body positivity for children. Having gone through a tough phase during her teens, today, she is proud of her body.
https://www.instagram.com/jessicavanderleahy/
La’Tecia Thomas
Represented by Bella Australia and Wilhelmina in the US, Melbourne’s own La’Tecia Thomas is a plus-size model, makeup artist, body activist, and content creator. With a whopping 1.7 million followers on Instagram, she has her own line of clothing with Fashion to Figure and edits with Pretty Little Things, among others. Her YouTube channel has nearly half a million subscribers, and she’s a strong voice encouraging people to embrace their bodies and skin.
https://www.instagram.com/lateciat/
https://www.fashiontofigure.com/
Mikaela Reidy
With over 637K followers on Instagram, Mikaela Reidy is another Aussie plus size model breaking the internet. Represented by Bella management, her persona is synonymous with confidence and a body-positive attitude. She is a model, influencer, and YouTuber known for her sizzling and attractive profile. She has been associated with brands like ASOS and Pretty Little Things as a part of her campaigns.
https://www.instagram.com/____mkay/
Mercy Rose Watson
Mercy Rose Watson is a model from Sydney and is represented by Priscilla’s modeling agency. Like many other plus-size models, she started as a regular model but quit modeling after struggling with body-image issues. Later she got back to modeling as a plus-size model and shot the spring campaign of US brand David’s Bridal, which was a big win for all curvy models.
https://www.instagram.com/mercyrosewatson/
Daniela Rose
Represented by Bella Agency in Australia, Daniela Rose has been a curvy model for 10 years working in Australia and the US. When she is not a super hot model, she is a passionate Yoga instructor. Scrolling through her Instagram gives us a glimpse into her health universe. It is a beautiful mix of glam and no-filter posts, active and leisure life while promoting body positivity and healthy life practices. If you enjoy experimenting with recipes, you might like her smoothie and oats breakfast ideas.
https://www.danielarose.com.au/
https://www.instagram.com/danielarose930/
Shareefa J
If you feel beautiful, you look beautiful. It’s that simple. And who’s more qualified to us than a successful size UK size 18 model Shareefa J. As a curvy woman, she was on a billboard for a fitness brand. Just the right inspiration for people to embrace health rather than chasing some unreasonable size standards. Her Instagram is full of self-love, body positivity, and good vibes promoting mental health too.
https://www.instagram.com/shareefa_j/
Stefania Ferrario
She’s brave, she’s smart, and she’s an unapologetically beautiful human being. Australia’s famous Stefania Ferrario has been vocal about the lack of diversity and the “plus-size” label. She even started the campaign #droptheplus on social media against bracketing the average size of women into the plus size. With over a million followers, her Instagram is full of self-love and vegan love.
https://www.instagram.com/stefania_model/
Bree McCann
Bold, bright, and beautiful are the three B’s that are almost synonymous with model, mother, and entrepreneur Bree McCann. A successful supermodel in Australia and the US, Bree has been the change the modeling industry needed. She’s the quintessential beach baby and was the first curvy model to feature on the cover of Women’s Health magazine. Also, the first Australian model to campaign for Fossil.
https://www.instagram.com/breekmccann/
Shanaya
At 25, Shanaya is a super successful Australian model. With her Indian heritage, she represents the body shape of millions of women across the globe. A Psychology graduate, she is most popularly known as the face of Rihanna’s lingerie brand- Savage X Fenty. Represented in the UK and Australia, she has also modeled for other leading fashion brands such as Forever New.
https://www.instagram.com/sweetchutney/
Lacey-Jade Christie
Her Instagram is like looking into an active and passionate body positivity campaign. She shares her struggles with body-image issues, openly amassing a lot of respect from the community. It is not what you wear but how you wear it. With the right confidence and attitude, everything looks a lot better. That is exactly what her story and content are all about.
https://www.instagram.com/laceyjadechristie/
Anucia De Boer
Anucia De Boer is one successful example of being at the right place and at the right time. In 2019 she won the Curve Model Search competition organized by GIANT Management and The Photo Studio with her gorgeous curls, diverse ethnicity, and radiant smile. Since then, she has been busy with a lot of Aussie brands like BONDS, Frankbody, and many more knocking at her doorstep.
https://www.instagram.com/anuciadeboer/
Curvy Amelia
Amelia Stubbs or Amelia Constance or Curvy Amelia may be known by different names but is the same powerful, gorgeous Australian model promoting and living a positive body image. Unabashedly honest about her body image struggles, she was the first plus-size model to be signed by her agency Vivien’s Model Management. She has represented many known and new brands over time- Bijou the Label and Target, to name a couple of them.
https://www.instagram.com/amelia_constance_/
Tia Provost
Tia Provost is the next and the last on our list of Australian plus-size models. Represented by Bella management, she is an international model vocal about prioritizing health over appearance. A flagbearer and follower of natural beauty, she believes in leading a holistic life. If you connect with her mission, you must check out her YouTube channel.
