At a size 14, Lauren Burnett will be the 2nd plus-size model EVER featured in the history of Vogue Australia.

Lauren had only been signed with Australia’s premiere plus agency for 2 weeks before she was booked for Vogue’s ‘New Season Silhouettes’ story, after a 10 career as a size 8 model in New York.

Please contact darrianne@bgmmodels.com.au for further information, interviews or bookings.

Lauren Burnett – Vogue Shoot – The Body Issue
4th April, 2013

Leaving my home in Bathurst that morning I was very excited, trying to anticipate how the day would turn out, all the scenarios running through my head.
What could happen? Would I be treated differently, being a plus size model? What would the shoot concept be? Had I worked with any of today’s crew before?
Being the 2nd Australian plus size model ever to shoot with Vogue Australia, you can imagine I was a little nervous, and wanted to make sure I did a really fantastic job.
I arrived at a beautiful studio in Alexandria and was greeted by Muffie, Vogue’s photo editor. Muffie was so lovely, making me feel at ease right away.
As we walked into the studio, everyone was so up-beat and friendly that I instantly felt a familiar rush of excitement run over me, taking me back to my most memorable shoots here in Australia and New York.
Muffie introduced me to the crew who were busily shooting Josh Goot’s incredibly stylish assistant, Belinda. She looked stunning and oozed confidence, another reminder to bring my A game.
The Vogue stylist then called me over for my fitting; I tried not to drool over all the amazing clothes, shoes and accessories!! She had hand-picked a few items and asked me what I thought. The garments they had selected were all stunning pieces and I liked them all.
Having modelled for over 10 years I was so surprised that the Vogue team had been able to source any samples in my size – Historically, designers only produce samples for their new collections in a size 6 to 8, which means girls like me who are a size 14 would never get the opportunity to model in a preview collection shoot, let alone a designer collection at all!
Once I had made my selection I made my way over to makeup and hair and suddenly realised that I had forgotten to put a parking ticket on my car!
The gorgeous Muffie came to my rescue and ran out in the rain to move my car, a gesture I was so taken aback by. The down to earth, kind nature of the Vogue team really blew me away.
Sadly, it was too late to save my car from a ticket, but I think it’s a small price to pay to shoot with Australia’s fashion authority!
As I was chatting away with Natalia Sprem and Michelle McQuillan, Vogue’s hair and makeup artists, in walked Australian Vogue Style Editor Rebecca Caratti…… she was a beautifully tall, statuesque women and very, very lovely.
We started my interview, which was more like a friendly chat really, about my transition from being a straight size 8 model to a curvy size 14 with BGM Models, what my style is now and how it had evolved over the years.
It was enlightening to talk to someone who is on board with making a change in the way curvy models are perceived, and about taking us seriously as professional models.
BGM Models Director, Darrianne Donnelly, has been a pioneer in the world of plus-size modelling, carving out opportunities for girls like me and pushing the industry to consider changing its perceptions of ‘beauty’. And with the support of publications like Vogue I think we can expect to see some exciting openings for curvier silhouettes in shoots that inspire and encourage young women to embrace their natural figures.
The interview was over before I knew it, and it was then time to shoot with the iconic Hugh Stewart.
I had seen some of Hugh’s work before and had thought it was incredible, so I was very much looking forward to this opportunity.
A soon as we began the shoot, Hugh had this way of talking to you that took your mind completely off the shoot, so you moved more naturally, less posed.
Everyone came over to watch me shoot which was a little nerve racking but they seemed very happy. Hugh was a delight to work with and a really nice guy, I hope I get lucky enough to shoot with him again and again!
As we wrapped up, in walked the famous makeup artist Amanda Readon, who was also being photographed for the story.
We remembered each other from a Harper’s Bazaar shoot we both worked on a few years ago. She looked beautiful in the outfit Vogue had chosen and it was clear the stylist had captured her personality completely.
It was then time for me to leave, with the shoot and interview over. I was escorted to my car by Hugh’s assistant who carried a large umbrella over me to protect me from the rain.
As I grabbed the parking ticket from my windscreen, I smiled to myself and thought;
“I think you were worth it!!”

By Lauren Burnett, BGM Model

Watch the moment that Lauren received the phone call from Darrianne Donnelly telling her she had been booked for Vogue Australia.

To see more of Belma’s images please visit her portfolio.

We are thrilled with the result’s.

While in New York Laura completed a test shoot with photographer Enrique Vega and make up artist Joanna.

The image’s are beautiful.