Plus! February’s Model of the Month

Posted by LizBey in Fashion Writer, Featured, Featured Bloggers, Independent Professionals, Liz Bey, Models, Plus Fridays, Women's Fashion | 3 comments

This month I’m bringing you a very special person as model of the month. I was introduced to her at my job at My Lady Boutique (Pittsburgh) by my manager, and then I got to meet her in person. Since then it’s been history because this woman is an amazing person and is a great example of a  plus size model!

 

 

 

  Name: Danielle Jackson

  Age: 33

  Hometown: Originally from Johnstown, but have lived in Pittsburgh for 14 years

 

 

 
How did you start out as a plus size model?

DJ: I have a love for taking pictures and a photographer took interest and then I attended a lot of fashions shows and was asked to be in one and I haven’t stopped since.

Why did you want to be a model?

DJ: To me modeling is a lot like acting but at a faster pace.  I love to show my creativity and style and that no matter what size you are you can work a runway.

What is one of your quirks as a plus size model?

DJ: Being able to connect with my audiences’; if it’s just walking is 6 inch stilettos as if I have on a pair of sneakers or the way I engage them on the runway or in a picture.  

How is being a plus size model different than being a “regular” model?

DJ: A lot of designers will not make clothing larger that a size 6. So being a plus size model you really have to become diverse in making choices and not limit yourself to only working with a plus-size designer. It’s very challenging in the fashion industry but it is possible. Plus size model have more to prove that we are welcomed just as much as they are. We all work hard for the same goal.

How has the fashion industry affected you?

DJ: It was a difficult journey in the beginning not being “accepted” because of my size but now I feel as though I can represent all plus size models and say We are HERE!!

If you could change one thing about the current fashion industry, what  would it be?

DJ: It used to be that there wouldn’t be a Plus Size Fashion Week and now there is, my mission is to be in at least 1 show.

Who have you worked for (Designer/Store/Runway Show)?

DJ: Pittsburgh Fashion Week, Classy Meets Magic, Willie Gee’s, NAACP, Pittsburgh Fashion Magazine, Glamour Nights; ZEN Nightclub, Sprit Fashion Show Carnegie Mellon University, BAS Fashion Show University of Pittsburgh, Project Evolution, Pittsburgh RIP the Runway, Crazy Hot Clothes, Orange Crush, [dig.] by Alley Rohm, Pittsburgh Wedding Clickers Bridal Showcase, Camille’s House of Style, Pittsburgh Aids Spring Peonage and Pittsburgh Art Institute.

Local designers; Roberta Weissburg Leathers, Lee Anderson, Keith Bloom, Dales Maxima, Willie Gee’s by Malcolm A. Williams, [dig.] by Alley Rohm and Koda Bridal, Dion Dega and Concepts by Cary D. Heard.

 
What has been your most fun fashion experience?

DJ: Participating in a local fashion designer fashion show last April and for the last scene the designer decided to but me into 6 designs the night of the show. Talk about an adrenaline rush. I had no time to run back to the dressing room. I had to change into my new garments directly behind the curtain. The best reward was receiving a loud round of applause by my third time out; the audience realized that I was out again in short timing of the other models. When I came out in my fourth garment I received a standing ovation.

Where do you shop?

DJ: I am an all around shopper from your local boutiques, thrift stores and major department stores.

What is your go-to item in your closet?

DJ: My 6inch stilettos

What would be your number 1 point of advice for any plus size woman?

DJ: Show that you have all the confidence in the world

What would be your number 1 point of advice for anyone trying to become a plus size model? Be creative but be yourself.

 

All photos courtesy of Danielle Jackson.