Simone Pérèle is brand that supports women of all shapes and sizes, so it only seems fitting that the brand is the proud founder and supporter of the Curvy Couture Model Search. This competition empowers women to feel confident about their bodies, no matter what shape or size they are.
We were lucky enough to interview this year’s top 5 finalists to find out more about why they decided to enter the competition and why they believe it’s important that the fashion industry celebrate women of all body shapes. These women are not only gorgeous and confident, but they are all inspiring role models and anyone of them would make a worthy winner.
ALANNAH KEATING
1. Why did you decide to enter the Simone Pérèle Curvy Couture competition?
I decided to enter the Simone Pérèle Curvy Couture Competition because growing up as a ballet dancer there was always an immense pressure to conform to a particular body type that was not natural for me. I have struggled with body confidence issues like so many other women for years, it was so empowering to meet so many gorgeous and confident women all with their own unique body. The competition is an incredible opportunity to advertise real women’s bodies.
2. Why do you think it’s important that the fashion industry support models of all shapes and sizes?
The fashion industry has a tendency to present and glorify at times only one type of body that is not necessarily achievable or healthy for most women of the world. I believe a push to include more diverse body types within the industry would help reduce the negativity women place on their body and themselves.
3. What’s your must have piece from this season’s Simone Pérèle collection?
My must have piece from this seasons Simone Pérèle collection (and I may be a little biased here) was the tattoo bra and panties set that I was given at our shoot. I’m not a real girly girl and always try to work in a little bit of edginess when it comes to my fashion choices, so to tell you that I was thrilled to receive this incredible set was an understatement. I would also like to point out that the support of that bra was other worldly, I’m a 14E and dancing was not an issue on set.
4. What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I really enjoy creative hobbies. I am a dance teacher and have been performing since I was a child, over the last few years I have taken an interest in acting, which is what I love to do any chance that I get. It’s incredibly fulfilling, confidence building and addictive.
5. My everyday luxury is my boys. My significant other Jack and my little pup Spencer. The amount of joy, happiness and laughs that these two give me on a daily basis can compare to nothing else in the world. Also I am in Spain at present so a little sangria never goes astray!
GEMMA WATTS
1. Why did you decide to enter the Simone Pérèle Curvy Couture competition?
I’ve been working in the fashion industry for some time now, and modelling has always been something I’ve longed to do. Unfortunately, I felt that the market for size 12 models was, for lack of a better word, very slim. I entered because I want to be a part of this powerful movement towards global body confidence. I think body image is something a lot of women (and men!) deal with. There have been times when I’ve made up excuses to avoid being seen in a bikini, and times where I’ve felt anxious coming out of a store fitting room because dresses don’t look the same on my figure as they do on the mannequin. Only recently have I learnt to love and accept my curves, and being part of this competition can hopefully inspire other women to accept themselves too.
2. Why do you think it’s important that the fashion industry support models of all shapes and sizes?
I come from a family of beautiful, curvaceous women, so no matter how much weight I lose I will never be a “straight up-and-down” size 6. For me, it would be unhealthy to look at a model with that figure in a magazine and think “that’s what I need to look like”. This is a situation so many women can relate to, so having a variety of bodies in magazines and fashion shows will show them that beauty doesn’t have any boundaries.
3. What’s your must have piece from this season’s Simone Pérèle collection?
I love the black Revelation Bodysuit that the beautiful Vicky wore in our photoshoot. It’s such a luxurious, feminine piece- the kind of thing you can wear under any outfit to make you feel sexy and elegant. Gorgeous lingerie doesn’t need to be saved for special occasions! Wearing something sexy under an otherwise plain outfit can make you feel beautiful regardless of the occasion- it’s like a little secret you can have to yourself.
4. What do you like to do in your spare time?
I’m passionate about fashion and writing, so I’m lucky that I get to combine the two of these in my work every day as a Fashion Editor and Beauty Journalist. When I’m not working, I love to dance.
5. What’s your everyday luxury?
It varies from day to day! I try to make sure I do something little every day that makes me feel amazing -something little like touching base with an old friend, or treating myself to some retail therapy.
KRISTY FARRELL
1. Why did you decide to enter the Simone Pérèle Curvy Couture competition?
I decided to enter this competition because I think it celebrates something amazing. Embracing your own body for what it is, curvy and fantastic! After reading the competitions information I knew I wanted to be a part of it. Entering the competition was stepping way outside of my comfort zone but I have always been someone who gives everything a go and I’m so glad I did. I have been so lucky to have come this far and met some really lovely people.
2. Why do you think it’s important that the fashion industry support models of all shapes and sizes?
I think the fashion industry supporting models of all shapes and sizes is important because so many women look to fashion magazines to see what’s new and in style. If they only thing being promoted is smaller figured girls, it doesn’t do much for the majority of women who are size 12 and up. Women’s bodies come in many different shapes and sizes. We are all different and that in itself is beautiful and should be celebrated. Women of all sizes should be encouraged to embrace their bodies. If the whole industry was to support plus size modelling I would guarantee that there would be many more confident young women and less problems with body image.
3. What’s your must have piece from this season’s Simone Pérèle collection?
My must have from this season’s Simone Pérèle collection would have to be the ‘Celeste’ full cup bra and retro brief. This set is unbelievably comfortable and comes in some really nice colours. The all over lace bra is beautiful and makes me feel amazing. It’s a great bra that you can wear every day because of the comfort but it’s also something you can wear if you want to feel a little bit sexy.
4. What do you like to do in your spare time?
I am very close with my family so in my spare time I love to spend time with them. They have the best sense of humour so I can always guarantee a good laugh with them. I also love cooking. I think food is a great way for people to come together. I am often planning dinner parties and cooking for my friends and family. Snowboarding is also a big hobby of mine. In winter, any chance i get I will go snowboarding.
5. What’s your everyday luxury?
Good health is a luxury that I am blessed with everyday. I think that it’s one of the most important and underestimated luxuries that we sometimes take for granted.
NICOLE BURY
1. Why did you decide to enter the Simone Pérèle Curvy Couture competition?
I entered the Simone Pérèle Curvy Couture competition because I believe all women should feel confident in their shapes and sizes. This experience is a fantastic opportunity to promote a healthy and happy body image. As a size 14, 183cm (six-foot) tall woman I have had my insecurities about my body image like most women. Although in resent years I have learnt to embrace my uniqueness and feel confident in my height and body size. With my nickname being Big Knickers I could not resist the opportunity to participate in a competition that perfectly combines my personality and beliefs in all women feeling beautiful.
2. Why do you think it’s important that the fashion industry support models of all shapes and sizes?
Women are beautiful if they do or don’t have curvy bodies but why do we all feel compelled to be thin even if our frame is larger. It is so important to market a variety of healthy body images throughout the fashion industry to make all women feel comfortable and confident with their figure. As a physiotherapist student I have seen first hand the drastic effects that can arise from poor self-esteem and body loathing in women. I believe the fashion industry has enormous power to combat these issues by displaying a wide range of confident beautiful women in all sizes. Through presenting these realistic images the fashion industry is promoting a healthy body image that all women can embrace, relate and feel confident, healthy and happy with their size and shape. The fashion industry should be advertising health as an outfit that look different on everyone and represent all shapes and sizes.
3. What’s your must have piece from this season’s Simone Pérèle collection?
If I had to pick just one item from the Simone Pérèle collection this season it would have to be the Amour lace Half Cup Bra that can not be warn without the matching Amour sheer lace boyshorts in vibrant cranberry colour. This flirty masterpiece perfectly combines luxury and sophistication whilst remaining comfortable and supportive. It’s a piece that has the power to make any woman feel sexy and confident in their body.
4. What do you like to do in your spare time?
In my spare time I studying physiotherapy, bake birthday cakes for all the special people in my life, socialise with friends and family, turn the music up sing and dance in my car or on the dance floor, exercise, explore new beaches, travel the world, eat Mexican food, wine and dine in new restaurants, meet new people and seek spontaneous adventures. I like to unwind by watching a movie or reading a book. Life is for living and I like to cram my free time with a variety of colours, experiences, foods, beverages and people.
5. What’s your everyday luxury?
My everyday luxury would have to be my amazing family and friends. You cannot put a price on those you love. I feel so lucky to have such extraordinary people in my life. Nothing is more luxurious then the beautiful people you spend your days with. If I had to pick a material luxury I cannot go past stunning, sexy, comfortable and lavish underwear that makes me feel confident and sexy. The most luxurious items I own are folded in my lingerie drawer.
VICKY CANAVAN
1. Why did you decide to enter the Simone Perele Curvy Couture competition?
I decided to enter the Simone Perele Curvy Couture competition after being inspired by other plus sized models who looked happy and confident in their own skin and weren’t trying to hide their curves. I know from experience how hard it is to try and make your body be something that is it not and I have come to realise that what is important is just to be healthy and happy – no matter your size! Entering this competition has helped me to accept the body that I have and work on my health and not my weight and hopefully I can now inspire other women to do the same!
2. Why do you think it’s important that the fashion industry support models of all shapes and sizes?
The fashion industry has a great influence on how women view themselves and so I believe it is important to showcase women of all shapes and sizes to help promote a healthier attitude towards women’s bodies. Seeing women with curves will help others accept their own body shapes and hopefully encourage them not to try and conform to often an unrealistic body type. I want women to know that you don’t have to be a size 8 to be beautiful!
3. What’s your must have piece from this season’s Simone Perele collection?
I love my matching Amour bra and briefs. A gorgeous design but also super comfy and supportive.
4. What do you like to do in your spare time?
Snowboarding! And when it’s not snowing I’m usually planning the next travel/snowboarding adventure!
5. What’s your everyday luxury?
Matching lingerie of course!
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Speaking about the top 5 finalists and the importance of the competition, Simone Pérèle’s National Marketing Manager Sarah Cohen said “The Simone Pérèle customer has a distinct appreciation for the craftsmanship and design of the ranges, and they prefer to see these modelled on women with a full bust, hips and thighs. All five of these incredible women would be adored by our customers both in David Jones and boutiques around the country!”
However, there can only be one winner of the competition, who will be awarded a 2 year contract with BGM Models and her first job will be modelling Simone Pérèle’s Spring-Summer 14 collection in the December issue of Cosmo.
To ensure your favourite win click here to vote now. The winner will be announced on the 29th of September on the Simone Pérèle Facebook page.
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