When Project Runway announced they would be including plus size models alongside straight size models in their new season, we were overjoyed.

They stated that they would be using models up to size 22. We knew we might see some familiar faces so we were not surprised when plus size model Liris Crosse, known as the Naomi Campbell of Plus, announced on Instagram that she will be one of the plus models included in the new season of Project Runway.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BXi7t0Lj03Y/?taken-by=lirisc

The veteran model has also done major things in her career outside of modeling. She has become a mentor to new models in the industry and has known for her popular Modeling Bootcamp workshops that are must-attend classes for new models.

She is also an actress, most recently seen in HBO’s The Night Of and was also a guest on a recent episode of the Steve Harvey Show, discussing her passion for inspiring women to love themselves and be confident in their skin. She’s a public speaker and soon-to-be author with her upcoming book Make The World Your Runway available for pre-order now here.

This powerhouse, who is signed to IPM Models and Dorothy Combs Models, also graced the cover of our December 2014 issue and has been featured within the pages of the magazine in stunning editorials. So we have a special place in our hearts for Liris and are very happy to see her on Project Runway. Very well-deserved! Congrats Liris!

The new season of Project Runway premieres August 17 at 8 ET / 7 CT.

You can check out Liris’ official website here and her Instagram channel here.

Images: www.lirisc.com