by Editor, Maddy Figueroa-Jones

Many of us in the plus size industry began our careers as models. Little did we know the stars would align a path for us to follow where our passions would be fulfilled. Former plus size model turned blogger, Aimee Cheshire , shares her past, present and what makes Madison Plus one of today's most popular curvy blogs.
 
[Maddy] Madison Plus is a plus size blog that has fast become a curvy girls favorite. Can you tell me why you decided to begin a blog?

[Aimee] My personal history has always been in the plus size world. What attracted me to a blog was that I would be able to actively share what I know about the plus size market, either it being the world of plus modeling or from the world of the plus size fashion industry. And I could do it while talking about all the fabulous news that has been happening this year.
 
[Maddy] You're a former plus size model, can you tell me about your experience in the modeling industry and has it changed the way you view the fashion or modeling industry?

[Aimee] It was such a great experience being a plus model in NYC, from going to the go-sees, developing my portfolio, and of course being booked! Most importantly, I was really able to understand what it means to be a model. It's so much more than a pretty face. Learning how to be photographed is an art; from knowing what angles are the most flattering, how to move your body, and most importantly, sell the clothes and the photographer's vision. I tend to have a good handle of what aspiring models go through and what skills are needed to show that you have the "it" factor. When I was working for a plus size catalog I was able to view things from the other side and understand the requirements for a model. It's true when they say the shot really makes a difference for the sales of a garment.

[Maddy] What is your personal opinion about the great size debate? Are models over a size 18 marketable and assets to the industry?

[Aimee] I think so, beauty is not so cut and dry. A model size 18 and up, when given the same opportunities to model fabulous designer clothing, could pull it off just as well as a size 4. It's all about selling the product. I don't think as of yet the fashion industry has been able to see what the plus market can offer in regards to dollar signs. If this plus size issue of V Magazine sells, you will see many more people jumping on the bandwagon.

It is important to realize that it's not always the designer's first choice to go with a smaller model. Many designers run on a tight budget and it costs a lot of money to make just one sample. A size 20 photo sample is more expensive to make as it takes more fabric and more sewing time than it would for a size 12.

Some in the industry claim when they have used plus models there was a dip in sales. There are so many factors that can be attributed clothing sales that I always found it odd they were so quick to blame it on the model. Was it the styling, posing, or just not what the customer was used to seeing? It always got the wheels turning in my head and it still does not sit right with me.

[Madison] You focus on anything and everything curvy however, a large part of your blogs have to do with fashion. Who are your favorite designers and why?

[Aimee] Fashion, makes my heart beat. I love the history of fashion, the reasons for the popularity of certain styles from functionality to fashion, and I love a good print!! The collections I love to see season to season are Lanvin, Rodarte, Viktor & Rolf, L'Wren Scott, and Chanel.
 
[Maddy] What designers are on the rise and we should look out for in the near future?

[Aimee] I'm closely watching Christian Siriano, he really has done a great job using the win of Project Runway to help create a brand for himself. Most importantly, he understands the opportunity there is in the plus size market. I hope he takes this natural interest and starts a plus line while including his fabulous design and construction skills.

[Maddy] With all the curvy bloggers out there, what makes you unique?

[Aimee] I bring an angle that is pretty unique. I have really lived the world I speak of. I   grew up as a plus woman (I was once a size 22), spent years as a plus model in NYC, and then working in the plus clothing industry. I really learned about the "why's" of the plus size world; why the industry does not produce more clothes for plus woman, why the modeling world is reluctant to show more real sized women, why the change in woman's bodies over the decades. By me understanding this I feel that I am able to interpret, understand, and act on what is needed to give the plus world the credit it deserves.

You're doing a great job with Madison Plus and we wish you much continued success in 2010!<br>

Visit Aimee at www.madisonplus.com