Fashion

Addition Elle Just Announced A +Size Model Search

by Amanda Richards

Perhaps you're a plus size woman who dreamed of becoming a model all her life — or maybe you're just a fat babe who thinks the idea sounds intriguing. Either way, now might be your chance: Plus size clothing brand Addition Elle launched a nationwide model search on March 7, and the grand prize is nothing short of exciting.

As a plus size woman and one of Bustle's fashion and beauty editors, opportunities like this feel incredibly important to me, especially as plus size fashion shoulders its way into the mainstream more each year. Addition Elle's #CurvyCastingCall model search is part of the brand's mission to keep democratizing fashion — the contest is open to any plus size woman of any age in the United States or Canada, regardless of previous modeling experience or location.

Addition Elle and a panel of judges, including Glamour Fashion Features Editor Lauren Chan and myself, will choose five finalists, all of whom will be flown to New York City to participate in a photoshoot. One grand prize winner will be featured in Addition Elle's Fall 2017 campaign, receive a $1000 Addition Elle shopping spree, and get the chance to walk in the 2017 Addition Elle New York Fashion alongside Addition Elle models Ashley Graham and Jordyn Woods. Perhaps the most exciting aspect of the grand prize? A one-year modeling contract with Wilhelmina Models.

"We are looking for a fresh face for our Fall 2017 campaign, the next superstar in the plus modeling world," Roslyn Griner, VP of Marketing and Visual Merchandise for Addition Elle said in a statement. "The role of models has changed dramatically over the last several years. Today’s aspiring model must not only have the ability to model but inspire others, understand social media and bring personality to the clothes."

For those unfamiliar with the brand, Addition Elle offers clothing in sizes 12-26, and has a 30 year presence in the fashion industry. There are 100 Addition Elle locations across Canada and the United States, as well as an online store.

For interested parties, full rules and regulations for the contest are available on the Addition Elle website. The contest will run from March 7 through March 28, and the grand prize winner will be announce on May 9.

From my perspective as a plus size fashion editor, it's clear that plus size women won't stop breaking down barriers and making their marks on the industry — who's to say that you can't be one of them? Let the #CurvyCastingCall model search begin.