beauty

Plus-size model lands major fashion campaign (and she's an Aussie).

 

 

 

 

There’s an unspoken rule in the world of fashion that curvy girls shouldn’t wear horizontal stripes.

Australian model Georgina Burke has smashed that myth in her new gig as the face of US retailer Torrid.

Take a quick look at the image opposite and I think you’ll agree, she is owning that swimsuit.

The 23-year-old Brisbane native is the brand’s first-ever face, signing a one-year contract that will see her feature on the cover of their swimsuit catalogue, website and in stores.

We’re pumped about this because it’s the first time in years that a plus-size* model has signed a long-term contract with a brand. And being an Aussie helps too, obviously.

Burke’s agent Chelsea Bonner of Bella Model Managements says: “It’s a hugely positive step and one that shows confidence in their brand and a deep understanding of who their customer is and what women want, which is realistic-sized models.”

Torrid, whose clothing caters for women between US sizes 12 and 28, describe Burke as “Sexy. Sultry. Irresistible.” But it’s her fresh and real attitude about body image that we love.

In an interview with Women’s Wear Daily about the partnership, she said:

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“Sixty-eight percent of women in America are over size 12. Why can’t we be put in the magazine as well? Who’s to say we aren’t good enough to be in there? What’s wrong with putting me as the face of a company or using us [plus-size women] in a magazine or putting us out there in a fashionable way?”

As for those ridiculous curvy girl ‘fashion rules,’ Georgina told us: “I always dress to work with my curves and not hide them. I break all the so called ‘rules’ for dressing a curvy figure; skinny jeans, stripes, patterns. I am always totally myself and wear what I feel great in.”

“If you want to wear that tight fitting dress, just go for it. If you want to wear horizontal stripes, go for it. Just wear what you love.”

If you haven’t been following the modelling industry as closely as we have, there has been some real progress already this year. Cosmo put Robyn Lawley on the cover, (in a crop top!), and top international modelling agency IMG added five new plus-size models to their books.

While models like Robyn Lawley and Coco Rocha get a lot of press, we thought it timely to showcase some of the other Australian models changing the modelling game. 

1. Mercy Watson.

Mercy is known as the queen of magazines, shooting for numerous fashion editorials for Cosmo, Australian Woman’s Weekly, Shop til you Drop.

2. Fiona Falkiner.

Fiona is one of the most recognised and successful model in Australia after Robyn Lawley, she is the face of Bellecurve for Target.

3. Abby Valdes.

Abby appearing constantly in campaigns for Maggie T and Sara here in Australia. Abby is known around the world as one of the top in the business and is one of the highest earning models anywhere. She is starring in Autographs latest denim launch campaign shoot.

4. Ljubenka Milanovic.

Ljubenka is the brand ambassador for Modern Curve by Ezibuy. She has just recently moved back to Sydney to raise her children but continues to travel the world and is one of the most financially successful models in the game.

5. Olivia Langdon.

Olivia was the curve ambassador for Melbourne Spring Fashion Week last season and is fronting campaigns for Bonds, plus numerous magazine editorials around the world.

6. Bree Warren.

Bree is another Brisbane babe, and shares a flat with Geo Burke in New York. Bree is the hot, huge campaigns for Simply Be lingerie editorials for Closer Mage and an ASOS favourite. She hit New York a few months ago and hasn’t looked back, with Tom Ford short-listing her for a recent shoot. Watch this face.

*We know, we know, none of these models are even close to being “plus size.” Because if a model in size 12 clothing is “plus size” then what does that make the average woman? Supersize? No, it doesn’t. Lets remember that “plus size” is an industry term, to be used when comparing two models; not ourselves and a model.

 

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