Interview with BGM Models
Posted on | October 1, 2009 | 1 Comment
This year I was lucky enough to interview the amazing Darrianne Donnelly whom inspired me with the dream that anything is possible no matter who you are or what size you are. She has tackled the modelling world with I guess criticism but always had the courage of her convictions to carry her to where she is now. Darrianne has worked with clients such as Avon, Commonwealth Bank, Special K, Big W, Myer, Mysize, Maggie T, Cosmopolitan Magazine, Today Tonight, and Australian Women’s Weekly. All featuring plus size models.
Darrianne only too well knows what it was like growing up being a plus size child, being told that she has such a pretty face if only she would lose some weight. We have all heard that one right? Despite this Darrianne worked in this Industry for over 10 years before staring BGM Models. Since then she has not looked back.
Darrianne suggested that I check out an article about Symantha Perkins, I am sure you will all think of her as a role model as I did. She is also at BGM. It’s not just about fashion but feeling great within and letting you shine and show the world that you don’t have to be wafer thin to succeed. I guess that is what this interview was all about for me, successful women that are plus size.
I hope that the interviews I have prepared below will inspire you all to follow your dreams and never give up on what you want out of life. You can be successful and plus size and to shine as the goddesses you are!
I thoroughly enjoyed doing this interview because I wanted to capture the things that people may not know about the modelling industry and to find out about the person as well as their work.
Please welcome Darrianne, Natalie and Elizabeth.
Darrianne Donnelly
Who is your favourite designer?
Nicola Waite designs for women who want contemporary styles with beautiful fabrics that move and flatter the fuller figure.
What is your favourite colour and why?
A fabulous bold and vibrant red has and will always be my favourite colour, as I love anything that makes a statement. Red lips, red nails and a red car makes for a great look!!
What is your favourite destination in the world and why?
Positano in Italy would be one of my standout destinations, we were on a 6 week world tour 5 years ago and we had been travelling to London, Paris, Venice, Rome etc and whilst they are amazing locations when we got to Positano it felt like we had arrived in our own special piece of paradise.
It also helped that we were staying 5 nights in the same bed and that we had rented an apartment and as crazy as it sounds being able to boil water, add an egg and have breakfast with crusty bread that was delivered by the most amazing young Italian man certainly added to the atmosphere of the place.
There is also this wonderful artist who paints daily in the main area at the bottom of the famous staircase in Positano, I stopped to admire his art-work and told him that he did a great job, off we went to Capri for the day and on our return the artist was packing up for the day and I noticed that he had painted my self and my husband into the painting consequently we brought the piece and it hangs in our house, I see it every day as a wonderful reminder of an incredible time.
Whilst on your travels, who was the most interesting person you have met?
Last year in April we celebrated 30 years of marriage and we went to China for 10 days, Shanghai, Beijing and Xian which is famous for discovery of the Terracotta Warriors this is considered one of the great architectural finds during the last Century.
The story goes that the chief of the village sent four young lads into the fields to dig a well and had they not dug in the spot that they had chosen they would have missed the entire discovery by as little as half a metre as they dug up a broken head at the very furthest point of the entire excavation. We went to the ‘ dig’ in Xian to view the Terracotta Warriors and one of the original lads who is the last survivor that found the ‘pit’ was at the museum on the day we visited and was sitting behind the desk signing books, whilst I did not actually meet him I did get a signed book of his story.
Also when we were in Beijing we met 84 year old Bob from Queensland with his wife 79 year old Flo, we were climbing the Great Wall of China this day and we had set off very early as it was a 2 hour drive and would be quite hot when we got to the wall. All the young people in their 50’s set off on the climb as did Bob and Flo and when we got to the top as we all gasped for breath and admiring the fantastic view Bob did the Irish jig and sang songs he was so energetic he put us all to shame he was a true Aussie character.
Who inspired you to do what you do and in which way?
I was not inspired by anyone one person I think that my inspiration or rather passion was driven from a young age and a determination that comes from within from people that I met growing up. The 60’s and 70’s was an interesting time and I always knew that I would do something that would somehow make a difference, I just did not know then that it would be modelling that would map my journey.
I started modelling at 30 years of age as being a ‘bigger model’ was just beginning to happen and for 10 years I had a wonderful time doing fashion parades and photographic work, turning 40 was the when I actually considered opening my own agency as I could see the demand for larger models was increasing.
BGM Models (formerly BIGgals Models) was launched because I was determined to see a change in attitudes to using larger models and to encourage young girls to see a balance of models which would inspire them to have a good body image and to feel good about themselves. The inspiration and why I continue being the director of BGM is that I still love it when a new model comes to the agency and we get them a great photo shoot on location, fashion campaign or a model is signed to an international agency such as Ford Models New York it makes all the hard work worthwhile.
Natalie Wakeling
Natalie’s stats
Size: 14
Height: 175cm
Bust: 102cm
Waist: 83cm
Hip: 103cm
Bra: 14C
Shoe: 10
Hair: Blonde
Eyes: Green
What was it like working in New York at Ford Models?
Working with Ford models and being in close contact with the directors and bookers on a daily basis really cemented the fact that Modelling is a career that needs to be looked after and nurtured by the right agency.
Modelling can still be a career, even after once you have achieved certain personal milestones.
You may be a great model but if the team behind you does not know your direction you may just become another pretty face in the crowd. I felt lucky to be represented by such an important agency and to have the support of my mother agency Darrianne of BGM at home to pick things up where they left off.
I had some amazing experiences, as it was such a whirlwind adventure having left my husband and two year old back in Miami while I gave International modelling my last shot by spending 10 days in NY. I flew into New York, met with Gary Daikin, signed my contract on the same day and was sent to a stylist the next morning in preparation for castings.
It was a busy time meeting and greeting clients. Unfortunately I was regarded too skinny for the plus size market and failed to crack the big time due to my size 14 frame. Needless to say I still loved every moment and managed to get one amazing booking which was shot in the snow on the top of a building in the middle of Manhattan. It was actually the first time I saw snow as well.
Did you feel like you were under scrutiny by your peers because you were a plus size model?
Back here in Australia it was the complete opposite as this was the first time a model over a size 8 was being featured in Editorial magazines and I guess from a stylist and photographers point of view I was huge and something they had to learn how to deal with.
At times you would arrive to the shoot and they would say oh you must be the make up artist: and you knew all too well that they were thinking this cannot be right? She so is not the model is she? It did not take very long though for the general public to realize that they liked seeing something a little bigger and a little more like themselves and thus forced editors to feature real women on a regular basis.
Where was your favourite shoot, and why?
One of my favourites was a cosmopolitan shoot shot at Manly with six spunky guys on location. Directed by Amanda Newman who was the fashion editor at the time, the brief for the shoot was taken out of a Vogue Italia. No expense spared and the dresses were beautiful (even though they did not fit me since they were samples) I felt like a million dollars. It was an eight-page spread and something that has not been repeated in an Aussie Magazine since.
Fashion is something that you know you want from a very young age. I am the youngest of four daughters so as you can imagine I have seen it all and could not wait to put my own stamp on the fashion world.
What made you decide to do a Jeans label?
With all my sisters and mother in the fashion Industry it was only natural that one of us make the garments instead of buying them. It was on my second trip to New York that I saw the huge potential for the Plus size fashion Industry and how we lagged behind here at home.
Jeans were always a struggle for me as I have an apple body type and always wished the waists were not so small. Once I started investigating the process I fell in love with denim and knew that this was what I wanted in the next chapter of my life. To make curvy women happy to wear denim again!
How has your success changed you?
I still feel as though I am on the journey to success, I try to enjoy the little milestones within my business or personal life along the way. I have had a good friend tell me that I have not changed since we went to school together; I think I am still a bit of a rat bag. Success should give one the privilege to help others.
Elizabeth Green
Elizabeth’s stats
Size: 14
Height: 175cm
Bust: 104cm
Waist: 79cm
Hip: 112cm
Bra: 12D
Shoe: 10
Hair: Brown
Eyes: Blue
Which do you enjoy more being a plus size model or a thin model?
PLUS SIZE! Hands down. I always loved modelling and the feeling of being on set in front of a camera but the pressure that came with being there was tremendous. I began to enjoy things less and less because I was always afraid of being told I was putting on weigh or getting to set and the clothes not fitting. Now that I am on this crazy wonderful adventure in New York I am constantly thankful that I not only achieved this success by remaining true to myself but that I am able to enjoy all the great restaurants and cuisines that New York has to offer!
How does New York compare to Australian modelling?
The plus size industry is well and truly established over here. In Australia I was reluctant to say that I was a model because a whole discussion and explanation of ‘plus size’ would inevitable for sure. Believe me, I hate the label! Here I feel I can say model and people don’t bat an eyelid. I think that America has a better handle on the diversity of sizes and shapes that women come in.
To that end they also have a better handle on ethic diversity than we do in Australia. Apart from that there is just a lot more work here. They have a much larger population to cater to and so every day I learn about different companies all over America that are designing for women with curves.
What are you plans for the future?
I plan on staying in the U.S at least another year. Just enough time to see out the horrible economy!! I love my job and life in New York City, it is very exciting but there truly is no place in the world like Australia. I miss my family tremendously and I miss the lifestyle of Australia. My plans ultimately… I would like to work in T.V- I love being a model but I also have a lot to say!!
What is the most exotic place you have been to in your travels?
Hhhmmm Tunisia was an amazing location. I was living in Milan at the time and I was asked to shoot a catalogue and a magazine editorial in Tunisia over a one-week period. We didn’t need the whole week to shoot so I got a vacation in a couple of amazing hotels as well as some wonderful pictures. We were shooting in the middle of a desert on sand dunes and on a salt field. Just brilliant!
What is your favourite design house and why?
When I shop I am always looking to flatter my figure. I like pieces that strike a balance between being fashionable and just plain comfortable. I tend to stick to basic, clean lines and good tailoring. When you have those timeless pieces in your closet you can have a bit of fun each season with trends or accent pieces.
For knickers and singlets you can’t go past Bonds, especially the prices! If I am going for a statement and I really want to splash out I love lingerie by Agent Provocateur. Camilla does some absolutely stunning kaftans that flatter any figure and are just perfect for standing out in a crowd. When I am travelling and I want to feel particularly glamorous I will throw one over my bathing suit. I think Alex Perry’s designs are to die for but I would love to see him launch a plus line- we need fabulous eveningwear too!
Natalie’s jeans are phenomenal! I am always receiving comments on them here in the U.S. Paige denim also has a plus line that is wonderfully fashionable and comfortable. I tend to shop around and see what’s out there rather than sticking to one particular brand. I can tell you that I think the plus industry has a long way to go in terms of adequately representing its customers. There needs to be a whole lot more options out there that are made for young, fashionable women as well as more representation in the media.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank Darrianne for her participation with this interview as well as Elizabeth and Natalie for their time and effort.
You ladies are an inspiration to us all.
Food presentation
Posted on | August 18, 2009 | 3 Comments
Photo credit: Absolute Apetite
I was looking over Angie All The Way’s blog the other day and it suddenly dawned on me that all of her food that is displayed looks absolutely fantastic. So presentation may be the key to healthy eating too. If you make a dish and slop it in your plate or use ugly crockery the food is just food, but if you use your nice white dinner plates and present the food well you have a masterpiece.
How to cook gourmet will show you how you can present your food. I believe that if you can make healthy food look interesting you are more likely to enjoy it and stick to it. Have you ever steamed some vegetables and thought how bland they are, why not try to sprinkle some oregano on them with a pinch of sea salt. You will be amazed how well it tastes and gives the vegetables some texture too.
Here is an interesting insight of how to steam your vegetables and a handy video, there is definitely a knack to it and after all you don’t want soggy vegetables for dinner, nothing worse than that. It would be any wonder you dove off the couch for that packet of chips in the cupboard.
So next time you are in the kitchen and trying to think of something healthy to cook, remember healthy doesn’t have to be boring and there are many websites you can find to help you with presentation, perhaps for your next dinner party.
My gorgeous Niece and nephew’s
Posted on | August 8, 2009 | 5 Comments
As promised, here are some pictures of my new newphew, his brothers and my other nephew and his sister. They are all the light of my life.
Rashid
Rashid is now just over 4 months old. He has the cutest smile and is very cute.
Shaheed
Shaheed bursts with personality, is very sweet and makes me laugh. He is also very loveable. Sha Sha is going to be 3 this November.
Anwar
Anwar is very sweet also, has his mother’s temper but is very loveable too. He loves the Wii and his DS game console. His favorite things are CARS CARS & GAMES. He just turned 4 years old.
Johnny
Johnny is turning 16 next month. He is a drummer in a band and does very well at school. He has a girlfriend and they are steady. Needless to say I am very proud of him.
Naomi Rose
Naomi is my special little cookie. She is 8 years old and is very good at arts and crafts. She is a tough little ‘cookie’ and very brave. She is also sensitive and loving. I am proud of her.
So there you have it. All the children in my life and a little about them. They are all very special and unique in their own way, I love them very much and wanted to share my family with you.
New look for BGDC!!
Posted on | July 23, 2009 | No Comments
Hello to my readers, I have decided to give my site a new look. I would be interested in your opinion on it. I upgraded wordpress and thought I should update the look of the site as well.
I think it looks great, looking forward to hearing your opinions.
Kat
The benefits of a personal trainer
Posted on | July 22, 2009 | No Comments
Photo credit: tucano2007
Personal training has become a great way to get fit and get results. Some Personal Training can offer one on one training, ½ hours sessions and even 2 or 3 person training which is a cost effective way of getting results for you.
You can do group fitness, get help with nutrition and even incorporate personal training with your current weight loss program like Weight Watchers to get the most out of both programs.
It can benefit you in many ways. For instance I personally had a personal trainer for around 6 months. I saw such great results that I couldn’t believe myself. A personal trainer can push you to your limits, limits you didn’t even know you could have.
I couldn’t even do one push up when I started, but within a few months my fitness improved and my strength improved. This in turn enabled me to do more of everything. My favorite thing to do was boxing. You sweat like mad and it really gets your heart rate up.
Unfortunately I had to give up personal training because of the cost, but would really like to do personal training again. The point I am trying to make to you is that sometimes we all need a little push in the right direction, if you are really after results a personal trainer is a great way to get there.
There are many opportunities for a career in personal training at RMIT – that is only one place you can learn the trade there are many more. If you think you can do the course and make a difference why not give this a serious thought. You can help so many people make their dreams come true and make their goals a reality.
Lap Band Surgery
Posted on | June 26, 2009 | 5 Comments
Photo credit: Alex Segre
If you have tried everything that you can think of to lose weight and have failed perhaps you can look into getting lap band surgery. I like many out there have really struggled to lose the weight. I have tried the gym, I have tried pills and diets, and even drugs from the doctor, meal replacement, you name it I have tried it.
I am currently trying to do the research for the lap band to see if this is something that I may be willing to give a go. It is really not about looking good, or sexy or thin – it is for me to lose weight so that maybe I could fall pregnant. Also I just want to be able to feel fit again and do the things that I can’t do now.
So if you need information for Australians please look to the links above and below and talk to your local doctor about it, perhaps go to a seminar. For people in Melbourne please refer to the link for information and locations.
There are also support groups available to you before and after your surgery which will assist you in handling the process emotionally. We all need help sometimes to weigh through our thoughts and feelings, after all you would be having a surgery and I am sure it won’t be the most pleasant thing you deal with in your life.
Good luck to you all and if anyone has a story about their surgery please email me or comment at the end of this post.
Can’t get pregnant part 3
Posted on | May 22, 2009 | 10 Comments
Photo credit: Moggierocket
I have noticed that most of my readers have been following my progress or lack of getting pregnant. Well I am still not pregnant. It has been 4 years since we have been trying to have a baby and those 4 years have been really tough to handle, especially for me.
I have been to specialists and read articles on the subject and I am more confused now than I ever was. Honestly – eat this, don’t eat that, stop smoking, and lose weight blah blah blah. I really can’t take it anymore.
What is a girl to do to get the correct information about Poly cystic ovary disease? I have never been as frustrated in my life as I am now, all the things we should do to get pregnant and other women fall pregnant just by looking at their partner.
I really feel as though all my efforts to change my habits and perhaps get healthy enough to fall pregnant have been in vain. It is just not working for me and I am just about to give up altogether. Then deal with the fact that I will never be a mother.
Do not ask me how I will do this, but I have to try to accept it and move on. I am sick to death of all the stress I have been under because of it, and just generally feeling awful. I just want to be happy again minus all the pressure.
You know what I am talking about, the times when people that haven’t seen you in a long time ask, so how long have you been married? Oh, shouldn’t you have kids by now? The questions people ask you are ridiculous. It really @#**#$ me off and very hurtful because then you feel even more like a failure because then you have to explain your situation.
So you ask how I feel now, well I don’t feel very good, my health isn’t where I want it to be, and emotionally I am devastated. Trying very hard just to keep myself from getting depressed about it, and stop crying. I will be ok, but I don’t know when I will be happy again.
On the mend
Posted on | May 13, 2009 | 2 Comments
Photo credit: Ruben
As many of you know I have been ill on and off since probably March 2008. This has all taken its toll on me and I can happily report I am on the mend now and working out again. I did however feel that I should tell you all what I have gone through so that maybe if anyone else has any health issues they are struggling with can perhaps be helped to know that sometimes there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
Firstly, back in March I was on fertility drugs for around 3 months, they made me feel sick all the time and the bloating was unbearable. It was a waste of time as I never got pregnant. A month or so later I had a very bad chest infection which had me off work and then gym for a month.
Then when I got better I started to have the pains in the side and back and again was going to the gym one day then again one day the next week and so on. After awhile I ended up having a sever attack and went to the doctor whom did tests and then told me I had gall stones and that my gall bladder had to be removed.
I suffered with the pain for several months before actually going in for the operation. Then once I had the operation the gall stone pain stopped but was replaced with recovering from the cuts (four of them) on my stomach area. The pain was pretty bad afterwards and I was unable to go to the gym again for 3 months. I guess on some people recovery is different.
Once I recovered properly I went back to the gym however you would never guess what happened to me then, yes you guessed it I ended up injuring my feet from starting vigorous exercise over the months and it became so painful that I was unable to do any classes as I was in a lot of pain and could barely stand.
The last accident I had is when I went away in March 2009 where I slipped in the shower; my legs were hurt and are only now starting to become better. I hope that is the last of my health issues but to be honest I won’t hold my breath.
It’s a BOY!
Posted on | March 26, 2009 | No Comments
My little sister just gave birth to a healthy baby boy. Don’t have all the details yet because I am at work, but I got a photo of him. He is very cute.
Will let you know all the details when I have them.
Babies are wonderful!
Clumbsy me!!
Posted on | March 25, 2009 | No Comments
On my camping trip I had a nasty fall in the shower block, one leg went inside the shower and the other out the door and I hit the back of my leg on the step and stretched my muscle so much that I am still having trouble walking. What was supposed to be a nice sun filled holiday turned out to be the most painful holiday I could have had.
The worst part was that we camped in tents and had to climb up a hill to get to the toilets. What a killer. I will be honest with you I think my gym days are numbered. I have had so many things go wrong with my health or injuries that I am about to give up on the whole thing.
It is difficult to keep getting knocked down and then trying to pick yourself up again, I just am not coping with this at all. I don’t feel myself and my determination is going down hill. I am going to the gym tonight but don’t know what I will be able to do with my leg so painful. I will once again try and see what happens.
I don’t feel very good at all. I have been feeling off colour anyway for around 3 weeks now, not sure what is the matter but I have no energy to even go to work. Feel like falling asleep at the desk. I have lost that spark I used to have and don’t know how to get it back.
Any suggestions people? Please write in, I would love to hear what you have to say.