Rarely Are Models Seen As People – We Are Often Just There To Tick A Diversity Quota (2024)

Becoming a model was never something I’d considered.

I was working in marketing and freelancing at home in Australia until Brooke Evers, a DJ, encouraged me to pursue modelling.

At first, I didn’t take it too seriously. But my career took off very quickly: I was signed to a modelling agency within a week and managed to book a huge campaign with a big Australian brand, Supre, without having ever done a test shoot. As time went on, I gained more experience and started becoming more self-assured. But it has only been over the last three years that I’ve noticed a shift regarding plus-size models in the fashion industry.

When I head to castings, I am often one of the few – and sometimes the only – curve models in the room. [Curve size is generally a UK 12 and beyond. While plus-size is usually UK 18 and above.] Now, at the age of 21, I can say that at numerous times throughout my career, I’ve felt as though I’ve only been viewed as valuable – or not – due to my size. In the last three years, my shape has fluctuated due to various health reasons, and just from living my life.

Nobody should have to worry about their job or if they can pay their bills based on whether they are gaining or losing weight.

Once, during the early stages of my career, I was flown across the country for a job, and was incredibly excited about the opportunity. At this point, I was a size 12, and smaller than I am currently. They put me in Spanx and then proceeded to stuff the Spanx with body padding. For the entire day, I wore two pairs of super-padded leggings and bras, which made me look like a size 18 or 20. I’d had no clue what they had planned to do beforehand, and I was so uncomfortable.

The experience left me feeling upset, firstly because I was clearly viewed as nothing more than a coat hanger, and secondly because countless plus-size models could have done the job with more confidence. From that point on, I vowed to work only with brands that genuinely prioritise inclusivity.

Rarely are models seen as people– we are often just there to tick a diversity quota. The brands’ point of view is solely based on profitability, which feels extremely disingenuous, and I think sometimes consumers can sense that.

When I speak to other models, we all agree that the issue is how curve and plus sizes are represented. I can recall times when I’ve walked onto set and been the only curve model, standing alongside a Black model, an Asian model and a straight-size model – it feels calculated.

When brands feature curvier bodies in campaigns and then don’t stock those sizes online or in-store, it’s because they think their garments are not going to sell, but the issue is that some campaigns look forced, cold and performative.

Personality, diversity and authenticity should shine through and be integral to the industry. At present, I see myself in this career for as long as it will have me, in a way that’s good for me and not at the expense of my mental health.

I’ve always been inspired by fashion and to be a part of it feels special, but I believe women should be valued no matter their size. That’s the change I want to be a part of.