Laura Wells of BMG Models Lets Us into Her Plus Size Modeling World

You may have heard of the beautiful Australian plus size model Laura Wells? If not let me give you some inside information that’s not in this interview.

1. She gives the best hugs. Warm, friendly and totally genuine.
2. The Asos Curve team love her – and so it would seem do many of the Curvettes that buy from Asos Curve
3. I nearly didn’t introduce myself to her when she was shooting one day at ASOS HQ. Why? Well, even professionals get star struck and all I could think was *heart pounding* ‘that’s one of my model idols sitting there minding her own business.’ I’m glad I double backed and said hello.

In fact Laura was such a sweetie she emailed me an hour or so after and said how nice it was to meet me and she agreed to do this interview.

It’s been a long time coming because Laura has been jet setting around the world and is currently back in Australia enjoying time with her family as well working her plus size model curves in various fashion shoots.

In this interview Laura Wells and I cover all the bases: – size acceptance, the fashion and size faux pas, her acceptance of herself and many other things.

Sit back and enjoy the girlie chit chat of two very different models with one hope in common – that plus size fashion lives on!

Hi Laura, it’s great to finally touch base with you as we always seem to miss one another when I’m at ASOS doing my fit sessions. How are you?

I’m really well! I’m back in my home country of Australia at the moment; working hard and staying up late to watch the world cup. It’s good to see all my family and friends again even though I have now escaped the London chill to come to home to Sydney winter!

But it’s hot now in London. We turned the heating on for you. Come back! ha ha!

So Laura, you are the face we see on the header when we click onto the Curve section of asos.com . You’re totally rocking that Hawaiian Cocktail Dress!

You have become a favourite with many of the customers who buy from Curve.
Your look and poise really showcases the clothes well. You seem to be a natural born model, but I read that this wasn’t your first choice of career.

How did you get started?

My sister who is a straight size model went to NYC to go see agents about 5 years ago. I went with her and got asked by a few scouts whether I was a plus size model. At that stage of my life I didn’t even know such a model existed and I really had no interest in modelling at all, that was my sisters department and I was busy at university and travelling at the time.

When I got back to Australia I got in contact with BGM models in Sydney, and my agent, Darrianne Donnelly signed my that day. My first job came two weeks later and since then I haven’t looked back.

You’ve always had killer Curves but have you always been confident in showing them off?

When I first starting modelling and at high school I was never really confident with my curves. I also thought of myself as a lot bigger than everyone else, especially my friends, I never really understood that curves were a blessing! Since modelling I have become a lot more aware of my body shape and finally take pride in the fact that I have a curvy body. I dress to show off my curves and am now no longer afraid to do so.

We’re seeing more plus size models getting press these days, but many of the plus size models are fit into standard criteria, do you feel at any point the size definitions will increase?

Just like straight sized models, plus size models too have a standard criteria to fit to. This criteria is different depending upon the country and market but I do think that the plus size criteria will increase as the demand for plus size market increases.  Plus size models and the industry have really only just begun and I believe that there is much more room for movement in the years to come. It is definitely exciting and I can’t wait to see what is in store for the plus size industry!

Just recently Australian Designers refused to use plus size models during fashion week. This caused quite a stir. What are your views on that?

In terms of plus size modelling and the clothing industry, Australia has quite a long way to go. The industry in Australia is picking up but seems to be behind Europe and the United States when coming to accept plus models and their role in society.

It was actually quite shocking to learn that this year’s fashion week shunned the plus size model as at last year’s Rosemount fashion week, eighteen plus size models from BGM models, including myself, took to the runway for the first time at Sydney fashion week and were very well received.

I thought the City Chic parade last year had marked the way for a plus size revolution in Australia but sadly it seems the fashion industry itself ignored the praise given by the general public and stayed on the one-eyed path of the straight size model.

Hopefully media attention from the refusal to use plus size girls will change a few attitudes and Australia can pick up where they left off from last year’s parade and hail the ever increasing love society has for the plus size girls!

You’ve been very successful as a plus size model but have you ever felt pressure to lose weight?  If so how have you handled that?

No I have never felt any pressure as a plus size model to lose weight. The only time I felt pressure to lose weight was when I was younger and that was mainly pressure I had put on myself to fit in and look like everyone else. If anything I have been asked to put on weight. I’m happy with my weight now. I am at a weight that is probably my natural weight.

I don’t fluctuate and it would actually be difficult for me to lose weight. If I was in a position where I had pressure on me to lose weight I would handle it by assessing my health. If I am within a healthy weight range and am happy with myself and am comfortable with how I feel there is no way I would attempt to lose weight.

Being happy and healthy, I believe, are two of the most important aspects in life and if you have balanced them well you shouldn’t feel pressure from anyone to change that.

You recently shared the catwalk with Crystal Renn for Sheego in Germany.  Crystal’s been the most talked about plus size model in the business recently. Was it nerve racking?

I don’t get nervous before parades, so it wasn’t nerve racking. But it was great meeting Crystal. She is so down-to-earth and easy going. We all had a great time and being in the presence of someone that is so well known and respected gives everyone else great positive energy.

Yes, I’ve heard she is a very sweet, down to earth person too, just like you.  I’ve always felt in my own modelling career that is an essential key to getting ahead. What do you think?

Everyone has their own personality and reacts to situations differently but I think being down -to-earth is a good quality to have, especially in such a hectic industry.

It is very easy to get wrapped up in the glitz and glamour but having a level head and being open minded really helps you assess the situation and bring you back to reality. It’s always important to be yourself but you have to brace yourself for rejection or you will never get ahead.

Laura let’s talk about your beauty routine as my site visitors here at vanessareece.com also love a bit of beauty chat. What beauty items can’t you live without when you’re travelling as a model?

Travelling definitely takes its toll on your skin so I always have a good moisturiser with me. I think I must look like a freak on the plane sometimes because I am constantly re-applying moisturiser to my face every hour, it’s like obsessive compulsive behaviour! But I know if I don’t do it my skin will break out and that’s not always the best when you jump straight off a 326 hour flight into a shoot!

I have a big supply of cleanser and a strong eye makeup remover on me at all times. Sometimes eye makeup remover can be a life saver, especially when you finish a shoot with crazy makeup and have to get onto public transport (yes we models often take public transport, none of this ‘private drivers’, ha-ha) A little bit of remover can be the difference between you getting a whole lot of strange looks on the tube!

I also carry a concealer/ highlighter pen with me; they are great for covering those unwanted blemishes and adding a bit of sparkle under the eye!!!

You are a super clever Gal. I read you have two degrees. That’s awesome. Do you feel when you change careers you’ll focus on using those in some way?

I finished doing a science degree and also a Law degree a couple of years ago and have taken up modelling full time as it is a career you can’t really put off till later in life, so I thought I would jump straight in and give it a go first.

When I decide to stop modelling, (I suppose that will be when the wrinkles are so large they can no longer retouch them out!!) I would like to pursue my passion of being an environmental scientist. I have a keen interest in the area and would like to make a difference no matter how big or small with regards to the environment and sustainability.

Do you have an exercise routine? I’m a gym and swim Gal myself. What about you?

I try to go to the gym 4-5 times a week and mix it up by doing different classes, but it has been really difficult this year as I have been travelling so much. So when I have been in London I try to walk to most places. I give myself enough time and get off the tube a couple of stops early then walk to my shoot or casting. It worked really well for me considering I couldn’t get to the gym.

I also play soccer and in the summer time I also swim a couple of times of week. I try to stay active and mix up my routine as I have a tendency to get a bit bored doing the same thing each week. By mixing up my exercise routine it keeps me motivated.

Laura we miss you lots already at ASOS! As you’ve said you’re in Australia at the moment. Are you working on something fabulous there and when are you coming back?

Yes I’m in Australia right now but will hopefully be back in London soon. I have a lot of good clients here in Australia and have to spread my schedule between Australia and London to fit everyone in. It can get tiring but I am having a lot of fun at the moment.  I have just finished doing a shoot with my sister for Cosmopolitan Magazine so it will be one to keep an eye out for in August.

What have been your favourite ASOS Curve pieces to model?

I love the Asos dresses. They colours are fantastic and they have something for everyone and every event. I also love Asos shoes. I am a shoe lover and they have some great pieces. I think I come away from every shoot wanting to take majority of the garments with me.

When I met you at ASOS not so long ago I have to say you have a really lovely energy about you. What’s your secret on maintaining an upbeat attitude as you seem to show on and off camera?

I think the way to keep an upbeat attitude is to get lots of sleep! You were lucky and meet me after a big nap, ha-ha. I think it just comes down to being happy with yourself and where you are in life. I am blessed to be fortunate enough to be in a career that I really enjoy working in and having a great friend and family support base to keep me going. Surrounding yourself with positive energy and focusing on the good things in life are the best ways to stay upbeat, that and a good dose of chocolate everyday!

Finally Laura if you had any key advice for any model no matter what her shape or size what would it be?

Be true to yourself. Love yourself and your body and show how proud you are of yourself through your work.  A good model exudes confidence in her and should be able to convey that to their audience whether it is in print or in person.

Pictures copyright of their respective owners.