Plus-size models are having a moment.
Sports Illustrated featured its first plus-size model, Robyn Lawley, in its Swimsuit Issue this year, Ashley Graham starred in the issue's first-ever plus-size ad, and Tess Munster, a size 22 model landed a major modelling contract.
Now, UK-based plus-size fashion magazine, SLiNK, is teaming up with three modelling agencies -- Milk in the UK, Bella in Australia and Natural in the U.S. -- to host a worldwide modelling competition for plus-size models. Called the International Curve Model Search (ICMS), the contest is the first of its kind.
So far, thousands of hopefuls between the ages of 16-18 and between the sizes of 12-24 UK or 10-22 US have submitted applications and photos for a chance to be signed to one of the agencies. In addition to landing a contract, the winners will also win a spread and a cover shoot with the magazine. Check out a few of the contestants below:
Plus Size Model Hopefuls
"It is a really exciting time to be in the plus size fashion industry. However in so many countries there is still a huge deficit in plus size fashion both retail and modelling opportunities," SLiNK editor Rivkie Baum told HuffPost UK Lifestyle. "By opening up the competition worldwide and offering women the opportunity to be signed with the likes of MiLK, Bella and Natural, some of the top modelling agencies, this is an opportunity many haven't had before."
"I hope it reminds women that there are opportunities in modelling at a range of sizes," she explained. "Size 6 and 8 isn't the standard anymore, women can represent at a host of different sizes."
She hopes the contest will launch the careers of the next "global superstar," such as Robyn Lawley or Candice Huffine.
The contest runs until May 16. Want to enter? You can sign up here.