Plus-size model's Gok what it takes
Nina Blakemore is, quite literally a role model. Blonde, beautiful, and with enviable curves, the 29-year-old from Wolverhampton has made a successful career as a model. But forget size zero, Nina's voluptuous figure is a 16-18.
Nina Blakemore is, quite literally a role model. Blonde, beautiful, and with enviable curves, the 29-year-old from Wolverhampton has made a successful career as a model. But forget size zero, Nina's voluptuous figure is a 16-18.
While size 16 can be quite average for us mere mortals, in the world of fashion it's a plus-size.
And it's as a plus-size model that Nina has made it big in the modelling world – with the highlight of her career seeing her take a starring role in Gok Wan's How To Look Good Naked makeover show.
Nina, of Lower Penn, is a shining example of how girls of all shapes and sizes can be models.
But the curvy 5ft 9in blonde is well aware of the pressure to look thin.
When she first started modelling 11 years ago she was a size 10. But she admits she struggled to maintain her weight.
"I've never been skinny naturally. I was always quite a big girl, especially around my bum and thighs," says Nina.
"When I first started out I was size 10 but I always struggled to keep my weight down.
"But within a year or so my agency suggested I start working as a plus-size model.
"I was a size 16 then and decided to give it a go.
"And I actually get more work as a size 16-18 than I ever did as a size 10 model," she admits.
"I struggled to keep my weight down and in the end I realised I had to be myself.
"I'm happy with my weight and the way I look and I wish there wasn't so much pressure on girls to be so thin.
"And many girls just see the glamourous side to modelling.
"They see pictures of models looking fantastic and they don't realise they've spent hours in make-up, they spend a lot of time in the gym, they may have been airbrushed and they may have had plastic surgery," she said.
And while big is beautiful, Nina, with her Marilyn Monroe-esque hourglass figure, is certainly not fat.
"It's hard work being a model of any size.
"I have to maintain a healthy lifestyle. I exercise and eat healthily. I have to to keep in shape," she says.
In the past 11 years, Nina has worked with a number of companies worldwide from Elvi and Matalan to catwalk shows for House of Fraser, John Lewis and Marks & Spencer.
She's also appeared on GMTV, Ideal World and QVC.
Her work has taken her to America, Germany, Holland and India over the years.
"I've travelled all over doing the job I love. I'm very proud of my curves and I'm pleased to promote a healthy body image."
The highlight of Nina's modelling career to date is appearing as a model on what is no doubt TV's most touching makeover show, Gok Wan's How To Look Good Naked.
Nina is one of five professional models on the show who take to the catwalk with the contestants who have been given the Gok treatment.
But her role is not just as a model, she also offers advice to the person under the spotlight in the build-up the catwalk show.
"It can be very nerve-wracking when you first take to the catwalk. I still get nervous now, so I understand how someone who has never done it before can feel. So I spend time talking to the person and going through what they have to do."
Nina has worked on two series of the show and is now looking forward to working on the next series.
"It's very exciting. Working with Gok Wan has been the icing on the cake for me. It's the most empowering show ever for the fuller figure woman," she said.
So it goes to show – you don't have to be size zero to be a gorgeous model.
By Maria Cusine.
