A shot from Debenhams' ongoing Inclusivity Campaign using inspirational and realistic models

This week, talk at the agency has been all about the first ever Body Confidence Awards, which took place at the Houses of Parliament last month. Over the past few days, we’ve already praised award-winner Mark Fast for casting curvy catwalk models, and Boots for their ‘real beauty’ No7 campaign, but they weren’t the only ones acknowledged for promoting body confidence.

Up against nominees ASOS Curve, La Redoute and Vivien of Holloway, high-street retailer Debenhams was awarded the Body Confindence Retail Award.

Back in 2010, the bloggers at Talent Management praised Debenhams for helping change the way fashion views disability by including disabled model Shannon Murray in their latest campaign.

Alongside three other models, Shannon, who broke her neck in her teens and has been confined to a wheelchair ever since, modelled in a campaign that appeared online and in Debenhams’ stores promoting the ‘Principles’ collection by Ben de Lisi.

When disability campaigners Natasha Wood and Nikki Fox, both presenters of the groundbreaking fashion TV show ‘How To Look Good Naked’, approached Debenhams with the idea to include disabled models in their fashion shoots, they were delighted with the positive response from Deputy Chief Executive Michael Sharp.

“We cater for women of all shapes and sizes, young and old, non-disabled and disabled so we wanted our windows to reflect this choice,” he said. “When Nikki and Natasha approached us with the idea, we didn’t have to think twice. We are proud to be the first high street retailer to deliver this. We only wished we had done it sooner.”

With Sharp’s great approach to diversity, and the company’s ongoing Inclusivity Campaign that showcases inspirational and realistic imagery by using older, curvier and, in Murray’s case, visibly disabled models, it’s no wonder Debenhams won over some stiff competition.

Debenhams now say that they are committed to using disabled and plus-size models in the future, and Talent Management hopes that the retailer has not only started a trend towards a more inclusive approach to model choices, but has inspired modern day British women.

Male model wears J Jeans male platforms by Jasper Conran £80

As an all-inclusive agency, the male models here at Talent Management come in all shapes, sizes and heights. But for those who think life’s too short and would love to gain an inch or two, we have word of a new trend that may be of interest – platform shoes for men.

We know what you’re thinking, platforms haven’t been in fashion since the 70s, but Debenhams has just introduced a range of platforms that don’t have an obvious heel and allow men to boost their height subtlety, while still being bang on trend.

A spokesperson for Debenhams, Lizzie Singleton, said: “This will come as welcome news to shorter men everywhere. Now there is a stylish way to boost your height whilst still being on trend, as opposed to opting for the dreaded Cuban heel.

“In recent years we have seen women’s heels go to extreme lengths and now men are finally able to measure up.”

Male celebrities on the shorter side, including Tom Cruise, Nicolas Sarkozy, Simon Cowell, Bono and Robert Downey Junior, are often spotted on the red carpet with height-boosting footwear, leading us to believe this is set to be a major trend.

The shoes at Debenhams, which are from Jasper Conran’s J Jeans collection, can boost a man’s height by a crucial 1.2 inches, all while having the appearance of a classic brogue or boot.

If you’re a fan, you’ll be happy to know that the retailer is looking to expand the range further for Autumn/Winter 2012 and has a range of different styles that will be introduced later in the season, giving a modern twist to classic styles. 


So men, why not leave your vintage heels in the loft and opt for a more stylish 2012 version to boost your height this season?

Jenna Talackova awaits the results of the Miss Universe Canada pageant

Models Direct has just seen the first images of transgender model Jenna Talackova making history as she took to the stage last night at the Miss Universe Canada Pageant. On first glance there’s no denying that she (literally) stands a head and shoulders above other contestants with their eyes on the crown.

Some of you will remember our report on the controversy that surrounded this 6’1” sexually reassigned model’s successful bid to compete in Miss Universe last month – ‘Transgender Model Jenna Talackova Will Compete In Miss Universe Contest’. Debate around the fairness of her inclusion and the associated implications – that a male-born model could potentially be crowned as the world’s most beautiful woman – has raged over the last few weeks. But the 23-year-old has overcome any difficulties in order to take part as the first ever transgender model in the competition, and she has every intention of winning!

Talackova has been quoted in the Edmonton journal this week as stating that she knows there is “a great battle” ahead but that she’s “in it to win it”. She also added: “If it works out, then great. If not, I’m so proud of myself. I’ve won in so many other ways that I feel good about.

“I’ve set a precedent for a lot of women in my situation so once I step on that stage every woman in every other country that doesn’t have the option I have now can fight for it. I feel so blessed with this opportunity.”

In the official Miss Universe contestant video shown below she states that winning would give her “the power of inspiring others to fulfill their dreams,” and expresses her gratitude to the Miss Canada organisation. “The Miss Universe Canada organization has been amazing. For them to have accepted the fact that I’m competing and paving the way for equality is so honorable to me and makes me very grateful.”

Talackova has also revealed her ambitions to become a model for luxurious lingerie brand Victoria’s Secret and appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated’s swimsuit issue – an achievement associated with the world’s most beautiful female models.

The winner of the Miss Universe Canada competition will be announced on Saturday.

An unretouched photo of Caryn Franklin - sourced via Caryn's blog howtolookgood.com

Last month, the first ever Body Confidence Awards took place at the Houses of Parliament, and pro-diversity modelling agency Talent Management has been particularly vocal about its importance, as has Caryn Franklin, co-founder of body confidence campaign All Walks Beyond the Catwalk.

Franklin recently talked about why the awards are so necessary in her latest Huffington Post blog.

“The Body Confidence awards are proof that some things are influenced by more than money, commerce and celebrity,” she wrote just before the awards took place.

“Being recognised for emotionally considerate practice…is in fact A STRATEGIC MARKETING TOOL for those clever enough to recognise the importance of listening to, and responding to, consumer dissatisfaction over manipulative media images and claims,” Franklin added.

The body confidence campaigner went on to highlight Credos’ recent report – which showed 76% of young women do not want to look at imagery aimed at them that is ‘fake’ or too airbrushed – and noted that the awards will make sure advertisers and corporates listen to these and other stats that show a similar pattern.

And for those who have already listened, it seems the benefits are being reaped in.

Susie Orbach from AnyBody worked with Dove on the Real Beauty campaign, which has not only delivered increased sales, but also global appreciation from women everywhere.

“The media influences us all and affects the well-being of young women and men so it is important to acknowledge examples which promote body confidence and counteract the damage,” said Orbach. “Advertisers and marketers can be so imaginative. These are examples of the direction to aim in.”

Jo Swinson MP, host for the All Party Parliamentary Group on Body Image event, had similar thoughts: “With these awards we want to publicly recognise positive steps taken by industry groups, businesses and campaigners. In highlighting their leading work and body confidence initiatives hopefully they will inspire others to follow in their footsteps.”

While we’ve witnessed many designers and companies, such as Ultimo, New Look and Dove, use ‘real’ models of all shapes, sizes, ages and ethnicities, we at Talent Management hope that more will follow suit and the award winners will make a positive impact on the modelling scene.

A natural model in No7's award-winning unretouched ‘Ta Dah’ campaign

Talent Management has just come across additional research, released late last year, that strengthens the agency’s long-established argument that real, realatable and natural models are good for business.

According to research published by advertising think tank Credos, over three quarters (76%) of young women would prefer models in ads aimed at them to appear un-airbrushed.

The report, named ‘Pretty as a Picture’ – a year’s study into young women, advertising and airbrushing – also found that over a third (35%) of young women describe a natural image of a model as ‘beautiful’.

Karen Fraser, Director of Credos, said: “We discovered that girls and young women have a strong preference for images which have not been heavily altered, and are in fact less trusting of brands which use airbrushed pictures. This has important implications for brands and advertising agencies alike.”

The report went on to reveal that 84% of young women understand what the term ‘airbrushing’ means, and that there are potential benefits available to brands, which advertise using natural imagery.

Credos presented its findings to brands, agencies and politicians involved in the debate around body confidence, and Lynne Featherstone, Minister for Equalities, said that the report demonstrates girls want to see more realistic images in advertising that they can identify with. “I hope the industry responds positively to the findings of this report and works towards using more realistic images to advertise products,” she said.

Tim Lefroy, Chief Executive of the Advertising Association, added: “This is an essential piece of research for the advertising industry, and the responses we’ve had from major brands such as Boots and Procter & Gamble show our industry is listening. Advertisers are always looking for the best ways to appeal to consumers, and this new research from Credos shows natural images are an effective way to speak to young women.”

Credos’ report comes after a study of consumer behaviour was released earlier last year by Ben Barry, Phd Graduate of the Judge Business School, Cambridge University. On a similar level, his research found that over 90% of women between 40-65 years old had “increased purchase intentions for a fashion product when the advertisement featured models reflecting their age and size”.

With studies of this nature revealing shocking statistics, Talent Management hopes that the industry will take note and not only embrace diversity in the models that they choose, but also avoid confidence-knocking post-production techniques.

Karlie Kloss and Jason Wu are teaming up to participate and raise money for the 2012 AIDS Walk

Talent Management is happy to hear that one of our favourite modelling heavyweights has lent her much sought after time to help in the fight against AIDS.

American model Karlie Kloss has teamed up with New York-based designer Jason Wu to take part in the 2012 AIDS Walk.

Kloss, who is close friends with Wu, recently spoke to Vogue.co.uk about the charity walk: “The idea came about at the Met Ball with a mutual friend of ours. We were in a sea of glamour and we looked at each other and said, ‘what do we do next?’ The AIDS Walk became a perfect opportunity to change our ballgown and black tie for sneakers and work-out clothes.”

The fashionable pair will complete a 6.2-mile route in New York this Sunday, by which they hope to raise $50,000 for AIDS organisations.

“Juicy Couture is even donating a bucket of money for me to wear their clothes for the event which is amazing – it’s fantastic to see my friends in the fashion community getting behind us, come on guys!”

Kloss, who we all know has a naturally athletic figure from her background in ballet, may seem well-prepared for a little walking, but it seems to model has still taken it upon herself to train – on the catwalk of all places!

“I have been training for this walk on many catwalks around the world,” she jokingly told Vogue.

Laughter aside, the battle against AIDS is a cause close to Kloss’ heart: “I wanted a day to spend with my friends in NY that was healthy and positive and what a better way to do that than in Central Park and raising awareness for a cause that I am passionate about. It’s about raising awareness and making a difference. I sat at the Glamour Women Of The Year Awards one year and was inspired by a woman called Elizabeth Glaser and her son Jake and their story. It was through this I became involved in awareness for Paediatric AIDS. My father is a doctor so I understand the fight as well.”

The team at Talent Management wishes the pair the best of luck on the big day and if you want to support Kloss and Wu, head over to their donation page to support AIDS Walk New York, benefiting GMHC and 40 other tri-state area AIDS service organisations.

Boots No7 ‘Ta Dah’ Campaign

Last week, Talent Management checked out the winners from the first ever Government-backed Body Confidence Awards in association with Bare Minerals. And while knitwear designer Mark Fast may have hogged the Body Confidence Awards headlines, having won the All Walks Beyond the Catwalk visionary fashion award for casting curvy catwalk models, he wasn’t the only one hailed for promoting model diversity.

Boots’ cosmetic brand No7 won the coveted Beauty Award for their ‘Ta Dah’ campaign, triumphing over nominees Illamasqua, Look Good… Feel Better and MAC Cosmetics.

Having blogged about the campaign when it was launched in September last year, the team at Talent Management thought this was a well-deserved win.

Not only did we love the campaign’s concept – which celebrated the idea of real beauty – we were also big fans of their model choices and decision to eschew retouching, which is a brave move from any company, let alone a cosmetics brand.

No7 chose a selection of stunning age-appropriate models who had not had plastic surgery and the shots of the models were created without using enhancements, such as false eyelashes and airbrushing post-production.

Amanda Walker, head of No7, said: “No7 has always been a brand committed to making all British women look and feel beautiful. This dedication requires a deep understanding of British women, their thoughts and feelings towards beauty.

“What we want to show with the ‘Ta-Dah’ campaign is a moment in time that all women have, when they know they look and, perhaps more importantly, feel their absolute best.”

No7 said that the campaign would not ‘misrepresent the efficacy’ of its products, as was the case with the infamous Lancôme and Maybelline ads that were infamously banned by the ASA for excessive airbrushing.

By not retouching or digitally manipulating its campaign images, Mother, the company behind the adverts, said that No7 was ‘breaking the mould’.

Talent Management, the modelling agency that supports real and diverse beauty, couldn’t agree more – a product aimed at real women should be fronted by equally real, relatable and natural models, which is exactly what No7 has done.

This is a justly earned win and we hope that this acknowledgement will inspire others to follow suit with more un-airbrushed campaigns!

A plus-sized model for H&M - one of many companies to have recently changed their marketing approach

Attention all models! Models Direct has just read news of apparent proof that women are more likely to buy clothing when it’s modelled on a woman of their size. And since, in the UK, this would most often be a size 14-16 that’s good news for the plus-size model and model agent!

While the results of this long-overdue study come as little surprise to Models Direct – who has been promoting ‘real’ models of all kinds since its inception in the 1990s – it is still an eye opener for many advertisers. There has always appeared to be an underlying belief in the modelling industry that consumers aspire to look young and thin and are therefore more likely to buy clothing which has been marketed on a young, thin model. Now studies suggest that women are actually far more likely to spend their money when they can relate to the model selected to promote it, and it doesn’t stop with weight or age, race is an important factor too.

The illuminating study behind this revelation was conducted by Canadian researcher Ben Barry, who surveyed over 2,500 women in order to achieve accurate results. Barry explained in Elle magazine: “My study entailed two phases. In the first phase, I conducted experiments to test women’s purchase intentions when they viewed models who had similar and dissimilar sizes, ages and races to themselves. Each woman was randomly shown two of eight possible ads where the models might have reflected some of their traits, all of their traits or none of their traits.

“To avoid biasing their opinions, I didn’t reveal the true aims of my study to them. In the second phase, I facilitated focus groups with different women to help identify reasons for particular purchase intentions. I found that Canadian and American women increased purchase intentions for fashion products advertised by models who reflected their own demographics: age, size and—for non-Caucasians—race.

“While one side of the debate over model diversity argues that curvy models should replace thin ones— assuming that one model is universally more effective than another — I find that every model type can be effective. Their effectiveness depends on whether the model shares the consumers’ traits.”

It’s fantastic to hear our own thinking reflected in this way and backed up by what appear to be solid statistics. Barry went on: “My study found that women increased their purchase intentions by more than 200 percent when the models in the mock ads were their size. In the subgroup over size 6, women increased their purchase intentions by a dramatic 300 percent when they saw curvier models. Conversely, when women saw models who didn’t reflect their size, they decreased their purchase intentions by 60 percent, and women over size 6 dropped their purchase intentions by 76 percent.

“My results weren’t limited to the issue of size. Consumers increased their purchase intentions by over 175 percent when they saw models who reflected their age; in particular, women over the age of 35 increased their purchase intentions by 200 percent when they saw older models. When models didn’t reflect their age, consumers decreased their purchase intentions by 64 percent. Furthermore, black consumers were 1.5 times more likely to purchase a product advertised by a black model.”

Models Direct is left with high hopes that the industry will continue to show an embrace of diversity in the models that they choose and look forward to further studies such as this one – which may help advertisers to understand their market better and become more effective as a result.

Clements Ribeiro Dress Design For Plus-Size Retailer Evans

It’s been a while since we did a fashion piece for all our plus-size models at the agency, so when we heard that the industry’s latest designer-highstreet collaboration was for plus-size fashion brand Evans, Talent Management had to tell you all about it.

In what’s become the first time high end designers have hit the high street for curvy women, one of Britain’s most influential fashion talents, Clements Ribeiro, has designed an exclusive collection that reflects Evans’ unique prints and designs with a strong 1940s pin up influence.

Much like our plus-size models, designers Inacio Ribeiro and Suzanne Clements both feel that the plus-size market is still largely neglected by luxury fashion.

Ribeiro said of the collaboration: “For our first range we addressed the different body shapes, with styles which are accessible but modern, with an emphasis on prints and femininity. It was our starting point, understanding different proportions and different needs behind a desire for fashion that is not different from the high fashion consumer. Far from being apologetic or patronising, we celebrated curves and voluptuousness.”

Brand Director Fiona Ross added: “We feel there is a space for a serious fashion dialogue in the plus size arena and Clements Ribeiro are keen to indulge the Evans customer with product designs that are original and fashion relevant.”

Shot by leading fashion photographer Angelo Pennetta and styled by Victoria Young, the collection, named ‘Swan’, comprises a range of wearable designs that help streamline the figure, whether you’re hourglass, busty, apple or pear shaped – something that’s proved to be important at Evans, following their extensive research into body shapes.

The range is available in store and online now in sizes 14-32.

US Vogue’s Olympic-Themed June 2012 Issue

As any of our readers will know by now, Talent Management is a big advocate of model diversity. That’s why, when we clapped eyes US Vogue’s June cover, we were happy to see a body type not often seen on a fashion magazine – athletic.

America’s Olympic hopefuls, football player Hope Solo, swimmer Ryan Lochte and tennis legend Serena Williams, are all captured mid-run in swimwear for the Olympic-themed issue, and their healthy, muscular bodies provide an inspirational change to the typically skinny models we’re used to seeing in Vogue.

Furthermore, the fact that there’s a male on the cover is also somewhat refreshing. This appears to be only the fourth time that’s ever happened on US Vogue, with previous males including Richard Gere, George Clooney and LeBron James.

But, as excited as the team at the agency are to see someone other than a high fashion model or actress cover Vogue, not everyone was impressed.

When the Fashion Spot posted a picture of the Annie Leibovitz-shot cover, it swiftly drew in some conflicting opinions in the forum.

One male commenter wrote: “OMG please no! Vogue is not Men’s Health!”, while another wrote: “I love the cover. Looks very fresh!!! It’s a nice to take a break from celebs and give the attention to athletes.”

Let Talent Management know what you think of the athletic bodies on Vogue – are they inspirational and refreshing, or inappropriate and a little wholesome for high fashion?

One Of United Bamboo's 2011 Cat Models

Never mind the Pirelli calendar and the world’s top fashion models, United Bamboo is all about diversifying the modelling scene with cat calendars, and Talent Management is a big fan!

The women’s ready-to-wear label may have skipped 2012 – we’re not sure why – but, having shot 24 cats-in-clothes for their 2010 and 2011 editions, they’re now back on the search for 2013′s calendar cats…and thank God, we were starting to run low on cute cat pictures in the office!

Above you can see one of 2011’s cat models, 7-year-old Egon, who is rocking a cute floral dress as he covers March.

If you’re one of our New York readers and have a super-cute cat model like Egon, then listen up… United Bamboo is in the process of casting the models right now, meaning your cat could become famous in the hotly-anticipated 2013 calendar!

So, if you’re confident your cat has modelling potential and could work a mini outfit, then get your camera out and set up your own pet shoot. Then post a picture of your fashionable feline on the United Bamboo Facebook page, or tweet it to @UnitedBamboo with the #catclub.

Winners will be notified by email and must be available for the shoot on June 9th in New York City.

If you’re not close to New York, never fear, Talent Management would love to see photos of your pet models. If you’re interested in getting your pet into modelling, check out our pet modelling page for more information.

A celebrity mum we can relate to - Jodie Kidd

While many celebrity mums seem able and determined to spring back to their pre-pregnancy size within weeks of giving birth, Talent Management is refreshed to see that well-known model Jodie Kidd isn’t one of them. The 33-year-old mum of one clearly has a far more laid-back attitude about the extra pounds she gained while expecting than a lot of her peers, and ladies in the TM offices can’t help loving her just a little bit more for it.

Just a few years ago in the nineties, Jodie was associated with the bizarre ‘Heroin chic’ trend – so named due to its association with emaciated-looking, pale skinned models sporting dark circles under their eyes. The 33-year-old’s current, far softer and healthier look couldn’t be more different from this distant and not so treasured memory and her confidence shines through.

Jodie was clearly feeling no pressure to rush into losing weight when she spoke to the Mirror on Sunday about the changes that her body has gone through since becoming pregnant with 8-month-old son Indio: “I don’t even weigh myself and I’ve always been quite relaxed about it. All I know is that I’m a good two sizes bigger than I was before. I’m sure I’ll get back to my old size at some stage.

“I do look at my old Size 10 jeans. But I was totally ­unmodel-like when I was ­pregnant. I was embracing my changing body and my bump. My boyfriend was a bit like, ‘What’s going on?’ But I felt good.”

In fact she seemed as surprised as we are about the way that some celebrities mums look so soon after having a baby: “When I saw Amanda Holden on Britain’s Got Talent just after she’d had her baby I was ­gobsmacked. I don’t know how she did that, it was amazing… she’s ­obviously got it in her genes.

“Everyone’s different. I would never aspire to try to do that because it’s just not me. That’s not how my body would react. Amanda looked like she’d never been pregnant, but that’s her make-up.”

Despite what appears to be a great relationship with Argentine partner Andrea Vianini Jodie says that she’s in no hurry to marry but has expressed a desire for more children in the future: “I’d love some more,” she said. “I’m from a family of five. That might be a little ­excessive but I’d love three.”

Leading talent and modelling agency Talent Management wish Jodie and her family continued happiness and look forward to news of baby number two!

For their latest campaign, “Age Before Beauty”, Illamasqua will be holding an open casting for models of all ages.

Cosmetics brand Illamasqua – who believes beauty has no age limit – is a company after our own hearts here at age diverse modelling agency Talent Management.

For Illamasqua’s newest campaign, aptly named ‘Age Before Beauty’, the British firm plans to feature not only models of all ages, but also undiscovered models, through an open casting.

Sharing our agency’s beliefs that beauty has no sell-by date, the firm has asked to see individuals, as well as pairs – from mothers and daughters, to nieces and aunties, to grandmothers and grandsons – to model for a glamorous beauty shoot celebrating all ages and diversities.

Joseph Corrė, Illamasqua’s Joint Managing Director, said: “Why should it be the case that you hit 40 and morph into a dull, boring version of your original self? Bombarded by products to hide your age rather than celebrate your experience and vitality.”

Alex Box, Illamasqua’s Creative Director, added: “Lauren Bacall said ‘think your whole life shows in your face and you should be proud of that’ – I agree. What makes one person unique from another is in their soul and what is projected through their eyes, their wisdom, life story, experience, individuality and presence.”

Over the agency’s 25-year history, we’ve always expressed that far too much beauty goes unseen due to a culture that teaches us beauty equals youth, skinniness and ridiculously long legs.

Thankfully, with more brands like Illamasqua beginning to embrace diversity, whether by age, race or size, this worrying mindset looks set to change with more people beginning to appreciate and celebrate beauty in all its forms!

The industry’s infamous pink haired model Charlotte Free has been a favourite of Talent Management ever since she was discovered by a modelling agency, from which point on she’s bagged some impressive modelling jobs, all without having to change her signature looks.

Since she was signed, she’s modelled for clients ranging from high-end to commercial, including campaigns for Forever 21 and Uniqlo, and shows for Vivienne Westwood and Roksanda Ilincic, and now we’ve just found out she can add beauty modelling to her repertoire.

In what’s proved to be a somewhat original announcement, P’Trique, the industry’s newest confidante, reveals that Free is the new face of Maybelline New York. But be warned, this news is totally ‘#TopChicret’, so don’t tell anyone!

Check out the video above to see P’Trique tell fashion’s biggest names – including Jill Zarin, Betsey Johnson and Chrissie Miller – about Free’s exciting new modelling job, which is supposed to be secret.

Let Talent Management know what you think of Maybelline′s model choice on our Facebook Fan Page.

5-year-old Duda Bündchen seems to have been hogging the modelling headlines over her supermodel aunt of late, but Talent Management knew it wouldn’t be too long until Gisele Bündchen was back on our lips with another hot modelling job.

This time around, the Brazilian has become the talk of the agency with this stunning black and white behind-the-scenes video of her modelling the David Yurman 2012 A/W jewellery collection.

Shot by the iconic photographer Peter Lindbergh for Yurman’s new ad campaign, the ever-beautiful and naturally effortless model looks like she’s having a great time on the beach shoot, as do Lindbergh’s wife Sybil, and the rest of the crew. Well, who wouldn’t have fun trying on the hottest new jewellery line while posing in the sun? Ah, for the life of a model…

Sasha Pivovarova seen here with Lily Aldridge

Internationally acclaimed model Sasha Pivovarova only just posted a photo of her heavily pregnant self on Twitter last week, along with the caption: “I’m really happy to share my growing belly with my #vovarovaholic Have a nice day ahead, TGIF!” And now, just a couple of days later, the Moscow-born stunner has joined the league of model mothers having just given birth to a baby girl, and on US Mother’s Day, of all days!

On Monday, the artist turned model once again took to Twitter to share her and her husband Igor Vishnyakov’s happy news, saying: “It’s a beautiful baby girl #vovarovaholic :’) ♥” shortly followed by: “Today is my first day celebrating mother’s day as a mommy! Happy mother’s day to all mothers around the world Love, Sasha.”

Talent Management wishes the couple the best of luck and is curious to see whether Sasha will follow in the footsteps of fellow model mothers Natalia Vodianova, Miranda Kerr and Gisele Bündchen, who all made a swift return to modelling after giving birth.

Let’s hope Sasha can also show all our models here at Talent Management that having a baby doesn’t signify the end of your modelling career, and can actually open up new opportunities for the rising mother-daughter photoshoot trend!

Angelea Preston - image sourced from the Angelea Preston Twitter gallery

The last time America’s Next Top Model contestant Angelea Preston came to the attention of staff at modelling agency Models Direct, it was over her mysterious disqualification from the Top Model All Stars competition last year.

According to rumours the 25-year-old was heading for a win before she was disqualified, but broke her non-disclosure agreement, allowing Lisa D’Amato to claim the crown in her place.

Now the controversial model has come back to our attention with the news that she is not only expecting a baby boy with partner of two years Eric Brown, but also became his wife in New York on the 24th of February this year. Apparently the 37-year-old asked her to marry him over the phone: “He said, ‘Let’s just do this. Let’s get married,’” Preston is quoted as saying in US Weekly. “And I said, ‘Okay, let’s do it!’ And that’s kind of how that happened… It kind of caught me by surprise.

“I feel like Eric is more than just my partner – I feel like he’s my best friend. He’s someone I can depend on. I just love him and he’s just so sexy to me… But it’s so much more than the physical; we have a deeper connection, and I really love that.” It sounds like the couple are very happy!

Now Preston has signed with an agency that specialise in pregnant models and is hoping to gain work while she’s expecting. She may well have some luck here – as we reported just last week Pregnant Models Are Big News In 2012! Clearly we’re not the only ones to have noticed this recent trend.

Maybe Preston will be the next mum-to-be that we see modelling on the front cover of a magazine. For now Models Direct wishes her all the best with both her pregnancy and marriage and are happy to hear that life is treating her well as she confirmed in reports this week: “I’m very excited about things that have been happening in my life recently, like with my marriage and my baby and my career. I feel very blessed.” Good luck with it all Preston!

Andrej Pejic for Out magazine

Androgynous male model Andrej Pejic has become a firm favourite with Talent Management bloggers ever since he first came to our attention over a year ago. Now this beautiful model is once again back in the spotlight – this time due to an appearance in a bridal wear show at Barcelona Fashion Week, where he walked for Spanish designer Rosa Clara.

Pejic opened the show in a gorgeous, flowing white gown, which featured spaghetti straps and ribbon and lace detailing. Later he appeared in a more structured, textured dress and a matching, cap-sleeved jacket. But this isn’t the first time that Pejic has modelled bridal wear, last year he appeared in a more flamboyant bridal ensemble at the Jean Paul Gaultier Haute Couture Spring 2011 Fashion Show.

Gaultier said at the time: “He is quite beautiful and incredible. I think he has something, like, everybody can recognize his beauty. He’s like a modern woman boy of today. He’s not like the old type of let’s say, maybe like a drag queen or a transvestite, not at all. He’s Andrej.” The famous designer has since taken him under his wing, even going as far as to drop fellow male model and flamenco dancer Jon Kortajarena in order to make Prejic the face of his new fragrance Kokorico.

However, Pejic’s next big role is rumoured to be a change from modelling. He is due to appear in a French film – an adaption of Seraphita – in which he is said to have gained the lead. “He’s just this beautiful thing that everyone wants a piece of,” stylist Ken Anderson is quoted as saying in Friday’s Daily Mail. That appears to be a pretty accurate summary.

The 6ft 1 inch model’s agent Arnaud Vanbleus agrees: “He’s a phenomenon, that’s for sure – and he’s unique, there is only one. Everyone wants to have him. But the thing usually is, they either don’t have the budget or we’re not interested in the project.”

Voluptuous model Hayley Morley wears Mark Fast for All Walks Image by Kayt Jones

Talent Management has just been checking out the winners from the first ever Government-backed Body Confidence Awards in association with Bare Minerals. Presented by recognised body confidence advocate Jo Swinson MP, the pioneering awards ceremony saw many well-deserved awards handed out. But we felt the need to give a shout out to one of our favourite knitwear designers, Mark Fast, who was acknowledged for introducing a mix of realistically proportioned models within his catwalk shows at London Fashion Week with the The All Walks Beyond the Catwalk Fashion Visionary Award.

Caryn Franklin from All Walks Beyond the Catwalk said of Fast’s acknowledgement: “We are of course delighted and applaud Mark Fast as a creative genius and just as importantly, a thought leader. His desire to create inclusive fashion messaging was something we all celebrated, back in May 2009, when Mark was amongst the first to accept the All Walks challenge to design a sample garment for a curvy model.”

Photographer Kayt Jones shot the now iconic image of curvy model Hayley Morley wearing Fast’s personally designed garment (see above), which appeared in i-D Magazine in a feature with seven other images of diverse models, who were also matched up with designers including William Tempest and Hannah Marshall.

Fast, however, took his experience of designing for a curvy model for the All Walks campaign a step further. He helped launch Hayley Morley’s modelling career, as well as other realistically proportioned models such as Laura Catterall, by casting them for his London Fashion Week catwalk the following September, making huge steps in broadening the modelling ‘norm’.

Discussing his impact on body confidence, Fast recently said: “Over the years. I have been privileged to work with some of the most beautiful and shapely women in the world and it is true to say that even the most beautiful (by any standards) have moments of doubt and insecurities. As a designer it is very important to deliver the technical aspects a ‘look’ and a quality of ‘make’, I also want to make each wearer of my clothes feel empowered and affirmed. I want to celebrate women and make them feel good in my clothes. I had the most fantastic compliment the other day when a supermodel mentioned to me that she was feeling tired and a little down and just by putting on one of my FASTER range she felt energised and invigorated.”

At Talent Management, we believe that by promoting inclusivity and diversity in the modelling industry, as Fast has continued to do, body confidence will increase. Let’s just hope that more designers will take on Fast’s body conscious mentality when designing and showcasing their work.

Natalia Vodianova Is The Easter Bunny On Tatler's May Cover

Last month, the bloggers here at Talent Management told you all about model Natalia Vodianova’s “it’s better to be skinny than to be fat!” comment. It was the 30 year old’s response to British Vogue’s Calgary Avansino’s question about what message thin models should be sending out, and ever since she made it, an influx of opinionated comments have ensued.

As has been the case across the net, on our modelling agency’s Facebook page, we saw mixed option and debate. One commenter wrote: “Surely it’s more important to be healthy you can be underweight which is just as dangerous as overweight!!!!!” While another wrote: “I totally agree it’s better to be skinny than to be fat. Most girls who potray a curvier image are still loosing weight to be thinner and promoting slim loss products like Kim Kardashian. So, I think Natalie’s just being real and every girl would like to be thinner because it makes you feel better.”

However, in an attempt to defend her comment, the model mother headed to her Facebook page and explained that what she said was taken out of context, and highlighted the point that obesity is a growing issue for which many industries may be to blame.

the model wrote late last month: “I felt angry actually now I think about it. Our industry is scrutinised for giving false image and criteria of beauty and provoking eating disorders however there are other industries that might be even more to blame like food industry that constantly reinventing ways of pushing food on us. Makes people stuff fridges with food, buying pills, millions of books on diets, shopping for the right clothes to hide those extra few pounds, beauty products. I guess some would say that’s what makes our economy go around. Yes, I choose to do more and eat less. Sorry world economy, I am a bad client!”

She also pointed out that her opinion may have come across better had she had a chance to choose her words more carefully: “Again taking into consideration that the format of the event was not a speech by me but interaction with the audience it is clearly been blown out of proportion by some journalist/s to create a scandal. If I was giving a speech I would have chosen my words more carefully of course but considering the format and that so many people came up to me afterwards and told me how happy they were to have laughed and were glad that I was so ‘normal’ and direct at the conference I doubt I offended someone there and if I did I apologise because I surely only meant to highlight a different point of view.”

At Talent Management, an all-inclusive modelling agency representing all shapes and sizes, we can’t help but think Natalia’s words were indeed taken out of context. But as always, comments around weight, especially in the modelling world, are almost certain to create controversy.

What do you think about the issue?