Darrianne Donnelly: CEO
Darrianne Donnelly founded BGM models with the sole aim to ensure that healthy, beautiful, real and authentic women are accurately represented in the world of fashion and media. A model herself, Darrianne has for the past 16 years been privileged to see how far the industry has come, in the ‘good old day’s’ back when only very tall and very thin models worked as models. It is good to know that we have come full circle, because now more often than not you can pick up a magazine and see a BGM Model.
In the 80′s, Models were lorded and fussed over and only a few became household names, now there are many models who have made their mark on this industry, namely Natalie Wakeling, Elizabeth Green and now Laura Wells – they have all carved out very nice careers for themselves in Plus-Size Modelling.
In 1997 Darrianne was asked to predict the future of Plus-Size modelling and where she thought it would be in 10 year’s time…She remembers saying “hopefully we would see models of all different shape and sizes parading on the catwalk, that you would be able to pick up a magazine and see a model and think ‘what a lovely looking model’ no reference to size or shape just a gorgeous model, and that an Australian model would be able to break the mould and work and live as a model internationally”,
Her predictions came true (albeit it took a little longer than 10 years) but Darrianne always knew that it was a work in progress and an absolute certainty.
Now Plus-Size or “Authentic” models are the new breed of model, and it is BGM models that everyone is talking about. Darrianne is proud to have had such a core connection to progressing the idea and image of what it means to be a model in 2012, and you will be sure to see her tightly involved in the industry for many years to come.
Natalie Wakeling: Model Manager
Natalie Wakeling has long been known within the fashion industry as a successful model, and was the first plus-size model to be featured as a “regular” model in Cosmopolitan magazine. Now, she has taken her talent in front of the camera and transferred it to a behind-the-scenes role as the BGM Model Manager.
Her role is to nurture and guide models in their career, providing a very authentic style of management and representation.
“It’s only natural that you start to see how things work behind the scenes, and it’s something that comes only with time and experience.”
“I understand and have the patience to help a new girl get the shot’s she needs to kick start a career, so it was a real natural progression for me to take up the role as a guiding model manager and mentor at BGM.”
All the BGM Models have constant contact and training with Natalie to continuously improve their skills and knowledge of the industry. Her role and involvement ensures that the career of a BGM model is a long and lucrative one.
Dara Donnelly: Brand Manager
From as far back as she can remember, Dara has been watching her mother tackle the fashion industry head-on with her determination to change the perception of beauty. She has grown up side-by-side with the fashion industry, and from a very early age had a constant interest and involvement with the creative side of BGM. Seeing very quickly that her mother had the level of influence that could get a whole school talking (“Did you see Dara’s mum on A Current Affair last night?!“), she has been very supportive of the BGM drive to combat negative body image and increase the consciousness of self-acceptance.
A Brand Strategist by trade, with a keen interest in all things communication and design, Dara has taken up the supportive role of Brand Manager for BGM, which encompasses all things from brand strategy and communications to web design. Having known her mother all of her life, Dara knows that her mother will continue to enhance the world of fashion with grace, professionalism, respect and above all, authenticity with the work of BGM. She is proud to be a part of the family business.