IMG Models signs ‘plus-size’ model Penelope Benson to their agency
One of Australia’s biggest modelling agencies has signed the country’s first “plus size” model. She was a highly successful model working for big brands including Cover Girl USA, Vogue Italia, David Jones and Myer.
Confidential
Don't miss out on the headlines from Confidential. Followed categories will be added to My News.
One of Australia’s biggest modelling agencies has signed the country’s first “plus size” model.
Rose Bay woman Penelope Benson has been signed by IMG Models, making her the first in the company’s history to be represented.
Benson is no stranger to the industry — she was a highly successful international model in her early 20s before she battled and beat cancer.
Now at 32 she is ready to return to the industry and continue to trailblaze a path she forged 12 years ago.
MORE NEWS
MAFS’ Jess: ‘Everybody enjoyed watching me’
Two more added to Bachelor in Paradise line-up
Ex-boyfriend accused of choking, slapping Bachelor star
“The significance is that it’s a market that’s got a long way to go but I’ve noticed the industry has changed so much,” Benson told Confidential.
“There have been so many positive changes but there are still only a couple of agencies representing us.
“It (plus size modelling) is something that has been represented in the States but Australia hasn’t really explored it.”
In the past Benson worked with big brands such as Cover Girl USA, Vogue Italia, RM Williams, David Jones and Myer.
Because she has always been a curve model, Benson avoided the horror stories of being told to lose weight, but examples have filtered down through mass media for decades.
Bombshell singers Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera and Britney Spears, supermodels Karlie Kloss and Tyra Banks and actors Jennifer Lawrence, Kate Winslet and Jennifer Aniston were all told to lose weight to be successful.
In professional modelling, “plus size” is considered to be anything Australian size 10 and above.
According to the latest ABS data, the average Australian woman is a size 14-16, meaning “normal” women are hugely under-represented in media and advertising.
“Plus is anything above size 10, so that’s why I feel the language isn’t really appropriate — a lot of people are using the word curve now,” Benson said.
“Where I am at IMG I don’t sit on a special board anymore, I don’t sit in another spot on the website. “It’s just women.”