6 Online Communities About model agency You Should Join

In recognition of Fashion Week 2009, I have been researching beauty and modeling tips. In particular what top modeling agencies are looking for when they cast their models. I have used the example of America's Next Top Model in previous posts, which I understand is not a truly accurate view of the struggle for a model's recognition into the field. However, since the launch of this year's Fashion Week, it has become undeniable that the model industry and model agency standards are increasingly growing.

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Having the "right look" or being overly "beautiful" does not cut it in the modeling industry now. Very rarely do you see models that you can relate to. Bo Derek, Christie Brinkley and even Cindy Crawford were the last of the girl next-door models. They were all so relatable; they were the beautiful top models that had healthy looks and demeanors.

Now, several years later after the golden age of the relatable model, we have come to a completely different era. An era where there are shows and contests of girls competing for their dream. A time where websites, like talenttrove and newfaces, allow models to market themselves and create online interactive portfolios. We have hit a period where models seem to be getting increasingly skinnier and unhealthier looking. In fact, I heard the same point brought up by a New York City radio station. The DJ raised concerns regarding the modeling industry standards.

It seems the top modeling agencies standards change on a consistent basis. Models and their looks change just as the trends do. What's "in" this year without a doubt will be "out" next. The modeling industry now looks for cutting edge models that have a completely different look from their predecessors. Funky and fresh styles are what are winning the hearts of the industry. The edgy model with the fierce fashion sense has replaced the soft-faced model that we have come accustomed to.

I am sure by 2010's Fashion Week the modeling industry and modeling agency standards will have changed again. Like most trends, modeling will come full circle and the girl-next door will become the "it" girl once again for top modeling agencies.

As plus size continues to make a place for itself among high fashion, new plus size models have been fiercely and unapologetically strutting their stuff all over. And we couldn't be more happy about it. These lovely ladies have been hidden gems among the world of high fashion and now are coming out to shine, just as they should. Here are the top 10 plus size models in the industry right now.

1. Viktoria Manas

Russian beauty Viktoria Manas is the first on our list. Showing an interest in modeling from a young age, she won a plus size modeling contest in Russia back in 2002 and her career has skyrocketed ever since. She recently became a model for Lane Bryant's "I'm No Angel" campaign, which features beautiful curvy women in lingerie, as a response to Victoria's Secret's Angel lingerie ads. Though she is a very private individual about her personal life, we sure are glad her photos grace Instagram for the world to see.

Bust-Waist-Hips Measurements: 44-34-46 inches- va va voom!

2. Barbie Ferreira

Barbie Ferreira is an absolute gem to the modeling industry and indeed, the world. She has an unusual and youthful look, with brown eyes and raven hair, which tend to be rare in the sea of blue-eyed beauties of the industry. Originally of Brazilian descent, she is from Brooklyn and continues to live in New York City. Since signing with IMG models, her career in modeling has been highly successful, and spanned to acting and directing. She is also known to be fierce and independent, taking on cyberbullying, body-shaming, and excessive photoshop airbrushing without fear. Truly an amazing young woman.

Bust-Waist-Hip Measurements: 40-34-48 Those hips though!

3. Gabi Gregg

Gabi started at humble beginnings, speaking about plus size fashion on her LiveJournal blog and sharing a few photos. She went on to win a social media job at MTV and really get her voice out about how plus size women should have more attractive fashion options. She went on to co-design her own swimsuit line called Swimsuitsforall and modeled on the cover of Ebony, among other high profile gigs. Not only is she a model, but a brilliant designer and amazing influence in the fashion world, making beautiful clothes for plus size women. She is a treasure among the industry professionals.

Measurements unavailable, but bra size confirmed at 38HH. If she designs swimsuits that support large busts, those of us that share the same trait couldn't be happier.

4. Clementine Desseaux

Clementine Desseaux was the first plus size woman to appear on French television, ever. That is a huge achievement, as Paris is the capital of the fashion world, and most women there are striving for thinness. Her trademark freckles and knockout curves have earned her a lot of high profile jobs and the notoriety from her television appearance is legendary. She is also known for her devil-may-care attitude, which she uses to shut down the haters with grace and aplomb. The world needs more brave women like Clementine.

Bust-Waist-Hips Measurements: 40-32-44 inches. The freckles really make her special though.

5. Jennie Runk

All-American Girl Scout Jennie Runk is like the golden girl next door of the model world. Originally from Georgia, her life is peppered with good heartedness, from leading girl scout troops to adopting abandoned animals. She was discovered in a PetSmart while volunteering in the cat adoption program and became a plus size model. First signing with Wilhelmina and then Ford Models, her career has Los Angeles modeling agencies only blossomed as she takes on more campaigns and noteworthy jobs. Her latest job was for H&M's plus size campaign, and she continues to stun.

Bust-Waist-Hips Measurements: 40-33-45 inches. Interestingly, she had to gain weight to become a plus size model as she was originally too thin, but not thin enough for straight size modeling.

Final Thoughts

A lot of these awesome women are fighting to see people of all shapes, colors and creeds represented in the media. They are stunningly beautiful and 30 years ago or so we would have never seen them on our screens. We are seeing the roots of an important movement in our time and things can only get better from here.