SLiNK: Does fashion and media really have that much to answer for in regards to women’s body image? Hughes: To some degree, but I think it depends entirely on the reader and their own self image. It takes a lot of selfconfidence to not be influenced by the continual bombardment of incredibly thin, young and beautiful women in the media. SLiNK: What qualities do you look for when signing a plus sized model. Is confidence and personality more of an asset? Hughes: Confidence is extremely important, as is personality. All girls must be extremely professional and switched on. However she must also be beautiful, with great skin, great hair and teeth, and in proportion. The market
is incredibly competitive and the girls need to take our breath away both off and on camera. She has to have that undeniable beauty. SLiNK: Is it more a size 16 that is most selected, or more in the middle between a straight and plus sized model at around size 12? Hughes: Both size 14 and size 16 are widely used. The size 12 market is ever increasing also, we’ve seen a large growth in demand for the smaller sizes in the past couple of years. SLiNK: With more high street stores leading into plus sized clothing and fashionable pieces for curvy women, is this affecting the models that are being requested? Are they seeking sizes above average than you have seen over the last few years?
Hughes: Every so often there is a micro trend whereby clients try and use a slightly different sized girl to most of the plus size market. However the pendulum tends to swing back to what has worked for them over the long run. SLiNK: There has been a trend over the last few years in that photos have had to be retouched on smaller models to actually give them more curves, and less bones showing. Does this make you angry? Would you rather them choose a curvier girl instead? Hughes: It would be a lot cheaper for the client! But we’ll find them and when they see our 10+ girls they will wonder why they chose the skinny girl in the first place!