For what feels like forever, skinny girls have ruled the modelling industry. However, with the body-positive movement and globally successful campaigns like Dove's Real Beauty, plus-size models are finally getting to share the stage.
Australia is home to some fantastic plus-size agencies, as well as agencies that promote the full spectrum of shapes, genders, and ethnicities.
Whether you’re looking for a plus-size modelling agency that will nurture your early career, one that champions inclusivity, or an established agency with high-end clients, here are seven of the best Australia has to offer.
JUMP TO
Formerly Bella Management, Icon is one of the industry’s proudest advocates of body positivity. From leading The Curve Edit at Australian Fashion Week to supporting James Parr, a disability model and GQ’s Male Model of the Year for 2023, Icon walks the walk when it comes to inclusivity.
Founder Chelsea Bonner says, “We allow the body to be what it is naturally supposed to be…The pressure is off the models in maintaining their size. It's more important we have a safe space for working professionals.”
Icon has offices in Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Not only do they represent models, but also actors, influencers, and presenters – ideal if you’re looking to flex other muscles in front of the camera too.
Modelling work includes editorial, fashion, commercial, and runway. Its models have appeared in campaigns for clients such as Target, Bonds, and Garnier, and they’ve been featured in publications like Stellar, Marie Claire, and Harper’s Bazaar.
Notable plus-size models on their books include Robyn Lawley and Mikaela Reidy.
How to apply: Complete the online form, making sure your measurements are accurate and photos are natural, without makeup or digital alterations.
Founded in 1967, Vivien’s is one of the oldest model agencies in the world. It launched its plus-size division, Curve, in 2015 in Sydney. Today it has a curve division in all its regions: Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane.
With over 50 years of experience in the industry, Vivien’s is known for its expertise and professionalism. It launched the careers of two of the country’s top models: Gemma Ward and Miranda Kerr.
Today, it represents some of the most talented models in the country, including international runway regular Ajok Madel and top commercial model Jasmine Dwyer, as well as plus-size stars like Northern Territory home girl Mahalia Handley.
Its work focuses on fashion, beauty, commercial, editorial, and runway modelling. In 2015, it added its influencer division, which reps content creators with impressive followings.
Vivien’s models have appeared in campaigns for major brands such as David Jones, Sephora, Superdry, and Vero Moda, as well as in the pages of publications like Vogue, Elle, and Harper’s Bazaar.
How to apply: You can either go into your nearest Vivien’s office for an assessment or fill out the online form. Women must be between 14 and 20 years old and over 5'8" (173 cm). Men must be over 16 years and at least 6'0" (183 cm).
WINK may be led by an all-female team, but it’s one of the top representatives of plus-size male models in the country. Founded in 2007 by entrepreneur and model Taryn Williams, who has been named in B&T’s Women in Media Power List for three years on the trot, it represents talent in New South Wales, Victoria, and Queensland.
It has a commitment to diversity and prides itself on providing opportunities for models who might not fit the traditional mould.
The work includes commercial and fashion print campaigns, promotional events, fitness, runway, and influencer campaigns. Popular curve models represented by WINK include Ashleigh Atkins and Lexy Stevens.
WINK has collaborated with brands such as L’Oréal, David Jones, and Westfield. Its models have also been involved in major events such as the Australian Open and Melbourne Fashion Week.
Casting director at Fountainhead Casting Antonia Murphy says, ”Love dealing with Taryn and the WINK team…They are reliable and there when you need them.”
How to apply: Complete the online form, following the instructions carefully.
Chadwick Models has bases in Sydney, Perth, and Melbourne. Founded in 1976, it’s well-respected for its quality and expertise.
Industry icons like Elle MacPherson, Travis Fimmel, Toneya Bird, and Megan Gale launched their careers with Chadwick. Legendary models Rachel Hunter and Adut Akech have been on their books since their careers began.
Although they have a handful of plus-size models across Melbourne and Sydney, like Georgia Caine, their dedicated plus-size division is in Perth.
Its clients include global and Australian luxury brands like Christian Louboutin, Longchamp, David Jones, Kloke, and Haulier, and its models have appeared in editorials for publications including Vogue, 10 Magazine, and Marie Claire.
How to apply: Send recent snapshots with your measurements and contact details by email or post to your nearest Chadwick office. All applicants must meet Chadwick’s minimum height requirements as stated on the website.
Established in 2006, Brooklyn Management is a boutique modelling agency with a dedicated plus-size division. It’s based in Melbourne but works with models and clients throughout Australia.
It describes itself as a “progressive and forward-thinking” agency, representing not just plus-size, but mature, family, and nonbinary models.
In 2021, it put its dedication to diversity into practice by launching BE YOU, a model search to discover diverse talent more representative of real Australians.
The types of jobs its models are put forward for are e-commerce shoots, content creation, runway, lifestyle campaigns, and fashion. Clients have included
Fila, Adidas, Myer, Kia, Serafina, Elite Eleven, and Bondi Sands.
The agency’s plus-size model Lex Majex starred in a campaign for the brand Forever New Curve.
How to apply: Complete the online form with natural photos. You must be at least 15 years old to apply.
FRM operates in Melbourne, Sydney, and Brisbane, and it has a long-standing ethos promoting ethnic diversity in the Australian marketplace. It balances a commitment to excellence with celebrating diversity in every form and has a dedicated plus-size division.
The agency was founded in 1988 by Stephen Bucknall, who has long spoken publicly about discrimination in the industry.
The work includes runway, e-commerce, swimwear, parades, commercials, and photography. Its models have starred in campaigns for clients such as Marriott, Solitude Hong Kong, Lapeewee, Colin’s, Banded Together and Hypebeast.
FRM launched the career of top model Ajak Deng. Today, one of its top plus-size models is First Nation’s Jannalli, who has taken part in numerous shows including the Target Melbourne Emporium opening and the Royal Children’s Hospital benefit walk at Crown Casino.
How to apply: Send one full-length and one close-up photo; your bust, height, waist and hip measurements; your date of birth; and your contact details to: admin@frm.com.au.
Last, but certainly no means least, is IMG: one of the world’s leading modelling agencies. While IMG Sydney does not have a dedicated plus-size division, it represents the crème de la crème of Australia’s plus-size talent: Bree McCann (née Warren).
Of Vogue’s top 18 plus-size models list, IMG represents seven – more than any other agency. They are: Ashley Graham, Paloma Elsesser, Precious Lee, Jill Kortleve, Tess McMillan, Georgia Pratt Holiber, and Alva Claire.
IMG is a legacy, traditional agency founded in Cleveland, Ohio, in 1960, that now has offices in countries all over the world. A popular agency for models who already have an established career, IMG also signs newcomers. However, because it has no dedicated plus-size or curve division, this can be a particularly competitive agency for plus-size talent new to the game. Still, the agency’s international reach and elite client base make it especially desirable.
The job opportunities include high-end commercial fashion, editorial, and runway, with its models regularly gracing the covers of top magazines like Vogue, W,and Harper’s Bazaar. Its clients include global luxury fashion brands Tom Ford, Charlotte Tilbury, Yves Saint Laurent, and Burberry.
How to apply: Complete the online form, following the instructions carefully.
