Taking a Stand For Curves

How do you see PLUS Model Magazine? Are we an information portal for aspiring models, a venue for plus models to be featured in more than just “cute” editorials, do you look forward to the health and beauty sections and interesting interviews? Well this month I would like to share with you a little about the passion that has driven me to this point in my life.

In my eyes PLUS is a voice for an industry that is still being put on the back burner in many ways. I have always believed in exercising my freedom of speech which is why in 2005 I wrote to ALLURE Magazine about the poor way I felt they were representing the women in their weight loss segment. I wrote to them and sent them pictures of myself and two other models (Mia Amber and Lissa Essling) as we recreated their “after” pictures at our voluptuous size of 18. I was contacted by ALLURE, the letter was printed and from that moment on I have remained a voice to be heard for this industry.

I say all this because once again – I have taken a big chance at representing the plus size industry and on a much larger scale. Everyone knows Janice Dickinson, the worlds first Super Model, has never been a fan of “plus size models” being in fashion, on the runways or even acknowledged, but when we got a call from the Oxygen Network for the Janice Dickinson Modeling Agency I immediately wanted to know more… did I think that we could change her mind about how she feels? Not really, but I did see this as a way to further our vision and platform; Plus Size Models are Fierce and deserve to be included in “all” editorials and fashion runways.

About Valery Amador, Executive Director

Valery is the Co-founder and CEO of V.I.E., LLC, an online publishing company. She serves as Creative Director for PLUS Model and Daily Venus Diva Magazines, both respectively voted the #1 Plus Size Fashion and Lifestyle Magazines in 2011 by the prestigious Full Figure Fashion Week New York. Valery is also the recipient of the 2011 Fuller Woman Expo's Mia Amber Davis Award of Excellence. She resides in the beautiful Northwest with her loving husband.