Ally - American beauty
Being a curve model is really challenging because the industry is either looking for a size 00-2 or a true plus-sized model. All women’s bodies should be represented in fashion. Real sized curvy girls too. It’s often a challenge in finding brands that are forward thinking. I’m very thankful every day for curvy models like Ashley Graham that are paving the way for inclusion and body positivity in the fashion industry. I am also thankful for industry leaders and designers like MacDugal and Christian Siriano for using curvy model.
Can you tell us about your roots, about growing up.
I’m a true southern belle born and raised in North east Georgia. Besides my southern manners , I also have mid-west values as my father is from the state of Illinois. I’m a true Georgia peach. I love the small town that I’ve grown up in. There is a huge sense of community pride and caring for your neighbors. We are now one of the fastest growing counties in the nation, but we still have a very small town feel. I grew up on Lake Lanier and have enjoyed boating and had numerous adventures on there. I have one sibling Kaitlyn Wright she passed away almost 2 years ago from vaccine injury. My sister’s passing was devastating as we were very close. I started competing in beauty pageants to give my sister’s death a platform and I started a non-profit Katilyn’s Kause. My charity was born to make others aware of possible vaccine injury side effects. Beauty pageants lead me to modeling. I competed in a runway model search and the rest is history. I’m a very southern small town girl with huge big New York City dreams.
What was your childhood / teenage dream ? What did you wanna to become ?
Growing up doesn’t everyone want to be an actor? I wanted to Star in movies and television. That was my childhood dream.
Any idols during the teenage period ?
My role model to this day is Audrey Hepburn. She was glamourous, elegant, sophisticated and poised. These are things that I aspire to be and for others to see in me.
When did you start with modeling ?
I started modeling a little over a year ago. It has been a very eye opening and exciting year. Can you recall your first photo session ? I was terrified at my first photo shoot. I tried to go in with a calm head and relaxed. I was so nervous. The photographer and I had a lot in common and the photographer ended up really liking me. In fact she said I was a natural at modeling and it gave me the confidence to erase my self-doubts. I’m still friends with the photographer and hope to always be.
Being a curvy model. Can you explain to us standards when it comes to "regular" models and curvy ones. Being a curve model is really challenging because the industry is either looking for a size 00-2 or a true plus-sized model. All women’s bodies should be represented in fashion. Real sized curvy girls too. It’s often a challenge in finding brands that are forward thinking. I’m very thankful every day for curvy models like Ashley Graham that are paving the way for inclusion and body positivity in the fashion industry. I am also thankful for industry leaders and designers like MacDugal and Christian Siriano for using curvy model.
What is the difference between curvy and plus size models ?
It is very confusing for people out of modeling world, for people who just see beauty. I think lots of people, and fashion executives clump us together plus and curve. The fashion industry and as consumers we are so used to the industry norm. The fashion world anything past a size 2 gets thrown into the category of plus size models. I personally feel it should be two separate categories with designers looking for both. Plus is equal… But what about curve?
You have done a lots of swimsuit and lingerie photo sessions. Your advice to curvy girls who are shy or not confident when it comes to their body shape ?
In all honesty I fake it until you make it. I give off an aura of extreme confidence, but try getting down to your lacy undergarment in front of perfect strangers. I think even Women Woman would tremble a little. I will say doing swim suits and lingerie forced me to look at myself and my curves and love them. So I have no issue doing swimsuit or lingerie shoots. I actually love it now.
Curvy & in shape. How do you manage that
Anyone can be in shape you just have to find balance. I eat paleo because it makes me feel better. I’ve always had issues with food intolerances. I work out, but I don’t deprive myself. I have to every once in a while have a burger or a slice of pizza. A little cheat day is good for the soul. Moderation with an active lifestyle is the key for me.
Is it harder for you to find a fashion show or a brand to promote compared to some "regular look" models ?
I feel every brand has the potential to be an all-inclusive brand, but the first step comes with a mindset change. Not every beautiful women is a size 00. Look at the curvy Kim or Khloe Kardashian, Sophia Vegara, and Tyra Banks. All are beautiful very curvy successful women. I believe all brands should show more acceptable representation because one size fits all does not apply to real life.
Miami swim week - tell us about that manifestation and how was your experience to be on a stage.
Miami Swimweek was most definitely the craziest most fun thing I’ve ever done. It was so surreal to go from watching the shows on YouTube to being in a show. I will forever be grateful to Kaohs Swimwear for giving me that opportunity. I was a curvy girl in a straight show. This year there was more diversity in nationalities and body sizes represented. Which I think showed us the fashion industry is changing in a positive way. Not every show used the skinniest models and there was more representation in curvy girls. Sports Illustrated did a plus line and a mother to be was showcased. It was beautiful to see women of all shapes and sizes and walks of life coming together to put on fantastic shows.
When it comes to curvy or plus size models, what is position of mainstream media ? Do they treat you with respect ?
Regular models usually gets all attention - what about curvy & plus size models ? I think the mainstream media only focuses on a few curvy girls. The mainstream media looks to celebrities like Kylie Jenner a lot as a curvier girl. To me that’s embracing unrealistic body standards. I think as women we should all be uplifting women of varied sizes. I think that we all need to embrace our natural bodies and show that everybody is beautiful. I think the industry is slowing hearing us, but change is slow.
What would be your advice to young curvy girls who would like to start modeling career ?
I think my only advice would be to have fun and don’t take criticism personally. If you want to flourish in modeling you have to realize the client booking models has an ad campaign that may be focused on a different look. Just because you don’t fit this campaign doesn’t mean the next one you might be the perfect fit. You have to believe in you, keep pushing , climbing and fighting to be seen.
How do you spend your free time. Any hobbies ?
In my free time I love to travel, swim and read. I think writing is an artform. Writers don’t get enough recognition. For someone to be able to spill their heart and soul on pages for others to be pulled into their reality. That is something really special.. I love working out and you can always find me in Sephora to my parents dismay. I think they should buy stock for a little return on investment. It’s my guilty pleasure. I swear a good lipstick can heal just about anything!!
Plans for the rest of 2017 ?
I’m constantly looking for new opportunities to really expand my career and I want to get even more serious about modeling. I’ve had a little taste of this life and I have to say I’m addicted.
Social media accounts so people can see your work.
Instagram allywright3101
Portfolio Ally Wright
