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The competitive world of photography is no match for the passion that comes thru Krista Svalbonas images. Growing up surrounded by natures beauty in a small town in Pennsylvania, Krista explored her artistic desires and followed her dreams all the way to New York City.
Below I interview this interesting and talented young lady. Enjoy!
[Maddy] You have a very specific style of shooting, what inspires you?
[Krista] That’s a difficult question. A lot of things inspire me: people, photographers, fine artists. I think because of my Fine Art background, I have both a BFA and MFA in Photography; I am really influenced by Fine Art. I really think about form, light, color and texture, just like a painter or sculptor.
Continue reading "A Conversation With Photographer Krista Svalbonas" »
You don’t often hear Super Bowl and Fashion Week mentioned in the same sentence, but there is a link between the two, and it involves body image.
Continue reading "Looking Beyond the Runway for Answers on Underweight Models " »
There's a bit of a vintage vibe at New York Fashion Week
Fashion magazines never messed with my self-esteem
Continue reading "Model behavior: Figuring out how fashion fits in life" »
2007 will mark our fifth year the YWCA and the Jr. League combine their efforts to hold the annual prom dress giveaway. Together we collect new and almost-new formal dresses and accessories to give to high school students who might be unable to purchase prom attire. Some families are faced with difficult financial decisions when their daughters want to attend proms and school special events. Prom dresses and accessories can be expensive and girls from economically disadvantaged families may be unable to attend their proms because they cannot afford suitable attire.
Continue reading "Annual Prom Dress Giveaway -- Please Help..." »
When the Tyra Banks Show premiered in June 2006 the fear many plus size women had was that the show would not be 'plus friendly.' Tyra, and her producers, surprised many of us when the show’s topics included more than just model and relationship issues. Body conscious/body acceptance themes were presented for discussion and episodes such as Tyra's Thick and Sexy Top Model Contest emerged, quickly becoming one of the highest rated topics on the show.
On Tyra’s Thick and Sexy Show Maggie Brown (former PLUS Spotlight Model) was one of six contestants that met challenges similar to those on America's Next Top Model. In November 2006, Maggie was named Tyra’s Thick and Sexy Top Model.
Who is this sexy and curvy beauty? Read below to learn a little more about her experience on the show and what the future holds for this inspiring young lady.
[Maddy] What made you decide to pursue modeling?
[Maggie] Really it was curiosity. I had just taken a Cruise in the summer of 06’ and posted some pictures on my “myspace” page. One of my friends from high school, who is a straight model, commented on the pictures saying “you should model!” So as a joke really I wrote her back and said okay… you said it… how should I start and it really just picked up from there!
[Maddy] As a plus size model what challenges have you faced and how did you overcome them?
[Maggie] Well to be honest with you, my biggest challenge is patience. In this industry there is a lot of “hurry up and wait”… You might get a nibble at a job but you have to wait it out and be patient until all the formalities are completed to book the time/date, etc. I’ve really learned to become a very patient person!
[Maddy] Tell me about the Tyra show -- it must have been a great experience.
[Maggie] The Tyra Show was an absolutely amazing experience and so surreal! I can remember as I was taping the show and going to shoots everything seemed to be in slow motion because I felt like I was dreaming. But before I knew it, it was OVER!
The challenges were amazing. We never knew what to expect or how crazy the challenges might get. We all had our theories of course… but none of us were ever correct. Although I LOVED the hair shoot my favorite challenge had to be the Skydiving challenge. It was my favorite because I have always wanted to skydive but I have a HUGE fear of heights (due to cliff diving mishap when I was in junior high). Even though it wasn’t exemplary of a typical fashion shoot it was very challenging not only physically but mentally as well. You had to remain “pretty” while making sure you didn’t make a sudden move and slam against the wall!
[Maddy] How was your experience on the show with the other contestants?
[Maggie] I wouldn’t trade my experience for the world! I made some very good friends on the show. As a matter of fact, Sunni Diggs (1st runner up), Brenna Ritcher (2nd runner up) and I often have “conference calls” late into the night just to chat to give each other support and encouragement. They are some of the sweetest most genuine girls I know! All the girls were amazing and beautiful. I liked that Tyra made sure that diversity (in all aspects) was represented.
[Maddy] How has the show impacted your life?
[Maggie] The show has really provided the platform I needed to get a jump start on my modeling career. It has opened many doors for me and the greatest part about it is that it has allowed me to be a national example to all -- beauty REALLY DOES come in all shapes and sizes.
[Maddy] Do you feel shows such as Tyra's Thick and Sexy improve the views/stigma of plus size women?
[Maggie] Yes, to some extent. As you know there are always going to be the “haters” out there but I definitely feel that we are making small advances in the area of fashion and entertainment. You really can’t deny there is a market for “REAL WOMEN” because that’s what consumers are! I admire Tyra for using her celebrity and reputation to help show that beauty does come in all shapes, ethnicities, and sizes. I definitely have to give props to Tyra for modeling the Thick and Sexy Top Model after her show America’s next Top Model by having us do the same challenges and allowing us the opportunity to show that we could rock the challenges just as the “straight models” did, and better!!!!! I can only hope that others will take notice of Tyra’s boldness and do the same.
Photo Credits
Top: Albert Martinez
Middle: Michael Anthony
Bottom: Albert Martinez
What fun to meet and shoot the breeze with the delight-FULLY sexy Glamazon Girls!
Born on a small island in a little place called the East Village the Glamazons never lost their baby fat. Lovingly described as the, "Plus-size Pussy Cat Dolls," these song and dance girls prove that the stage is big enough for even the most buxom of beauties.
Meet the Cast...
Lady Finger:
[Maddy] As the first member and creator of the Glamazons what inspired you to put this group together?
[Lady Finger] As a performer I always felt I was at the mercy of others, auditioning for roles in the productions of others and trying to fit into their mold. In the year 2000, I was on the National Tour of the show GREASE. I had a wonderful experience, was making money, signing autographs and traveling the country.
It’s not often that a manicure leads to a modeling career, but that’s exactly what happened to hand model, Ashly Covington, whose hands regularly appear in popular print ads and on television commercials.
When asked how she maintains picture-perfect nails all year round, she shared her dos and don’ts:
Do have a manicure at least every two weeks to maintain healthy-looking nails. Ashly keeps her cuticles smooth between appointments by applying cuticle cream daily.
Continue reading "Hand Model Reveals Tips for Strong, Beautiful Nails" »
