In 2011 I set up MiLK Management, a full service agency managing women, men, new faces, curve, digital influencers and artists, with a very clear vision in mind; to promote diversity in the industry. With a background in modelling, it became very apparent to me that the industry and the ideals of beauty it promoted, were not inclusive, realistic or representative of women and I wanted to this to change. Six years later and I have started to notice a shift in perceptions on what is deemed beautiful and some of the most successful talent on my books are curve models and plus size talent.
I am really proud that along with my agency, likeminded brands and media in the fashion industry are working together with a united vision to disrupt what has been accepted as the norm for so long and booking women of varying shapes and sizes to front global campaigns. Celebrities and YouTubers have also played a pivotal role in this and are now increasingly celebrated for their curves - boobs and bums are well and truly back - with people like Kim Kardashian and Beyoncé being instrumental in making women all over the world feel confident in embracing their curvier, sexier, stronger shape.
I wanted to bring this to life with a beautiful shoot that made a visual stand. Featuring twelve of the industry's hottest names (my most daring talent!) who represent a variety of shapes, sizes, styles, abilities, ages and ethnicities to show that big, small, curvy or lean EVERY body is beautiful! I enlisted the help of Good American, the clothing brand founded by Khloe Kardashian and Emma Grede to dress the models - a really nice link up as the Good American brand ethos is all about promoting body positivity and extreme inclusivity, and the results are absolutely stunning.
Featuring Kelly Knox, one of Britain's most influential models with a disability who is devoted to motivating future generations and inspiring those who need to develop confidence, Nicky Griffin who stands for women of all ages to show that beauty is ageless and knows no bounds and Lucy Knell, a Curve model who proudly flaunts her size 18 physique to show that when it comes to success bigger really can be better, the images are striking, pioneering and something I am incredibly proud of.
I am extremely passionate about promoting diversity in the industry. I believe it's so important for the next generation of women to be celebrated in every form and I will do whatever I can to change people's perceptions, mix it up and keep it fresh. Fashion was becoming boring and stale and I think this is a really exciting time in the industry as boundaries are being pushed and beauty ideals are more diverse than ever. MiLK's ethos always was and still is to herald diversity and I feel we are doing that and making a difference. I want to continue showing the world how important diversity is and shoots like this are a really effective representation of getting that message out loud and clear.
Anna Shillinglaw, founder of MiLK Management http://www.milkmanagement.co.uk/ @milkmodelmanagement
Photo credits: Jakub Koziel
