Style Insider: Plus size model Brenda Mang shares her fashion hacks and how to feel fabulous this Summer
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- 01 Jun 2022
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RSVP Live caught up with stylish Dublin blogger and Plus size model Brenda Mang about styling your shape, why flattering underwear is everything, finding confidence and being vibrant in your fashion choices.
Brenda, you’re a model as well as a blogger and body positivity advocate - what is your advice for a young person who aspires to get in to plus size modelling?
I have been a plus size model since 2010 and it can be so much fun but sometimes very harsh. There is more to modelling than the glam and end product you see in magazines, online and on tv. It is a job and like most jobs, you have to build up your skills. Studying your favourite models, watching behind-the-scenes of photoshoots on Youtube and practising your posing and model walk is key. You can start building your portfolio before you approach agencies. And yes, you have to approach agencies yourself because gone are the days where models were often "discovered". If you are a university student, take part in your university's fashion show. Most universities have an annual fashion show and it is a great way to gain experience. The auditions are great way to get a taste of what castings will be like. Even if you don't get or want an agency, build up your online presence and approach brands with that and you would be surprised how much work you can get from just connecting with the right people online and building great relationships with brands. Put yourself out there really, the worst anyone can say to you is "No"
What has been your career highlight to date?
I have worked so much being on different TV shows, runways and some magazines modelling clothes but my career highlight so far has been contributing on RTE Player's show, The Talk. I really was honoured to be given such a huge platform to discuss Body Image and my experiences as a plus size woman. My modelling and blogging definitely opened the door to that and I am still so grateful for the opportunities that come from that because for me, it is more than just posting about nice outfit pictures and makeup. I want people to take something valuable from what I share and hopefully feel more confident in themselves if they were struggling.
What is your favourite outfit you have ever worn?
I don't know if I can pick just one! I love putting together outfits and I am such a girly girl and that always shows in my style. But if I had to choose, I would pick this dress from ASOS. It was such a hit when I posted the picture on my Instagram and I use any excuse and occasion to wear it! I love the colour blocking with the red and pink as well as the off shoulder style. It is definitely a show stopper!
When shopping, where are your favourite places to purchase outfits to style up?
I am admittedly a fast fashion girl. I think as a plus size woman in her early 30s, even when I was younger, I struggled to find affordable and sustainable brand that catered to young, plus size women. It was hard to find trendy, stylish brands 10 years ago but now fast fashion brands have filled that gap. My online faves are Pretty Little Thing, SHEIN and ASOS. On the high street, you will find me in New Look, Penneys and Dunnes Stores.
What is your hero brand that you shop from the most?
Like most Irish girls, it has to Penneys! They have a great range of sizes and you can find anything from basic wardrobe staples to trendy items too. There is something for everyone!
Do you feel brands could do more to embrace sizing inclusivity?
We have definitely come a long way in the last 5 years when it comes to inclusivity in fashion. But Rome was not built in a day so I glad we are moving in the right direction. Irish brands, the bigger high street brands are great with their plus size lines but the smaller brands still need to work on that. A lot of brands that are launching, usually only end up considering plus size after the fact. I often get excited when I see my favourite Irish celebrities/influencers launching a clothing line and then end up terribly disappointed when I see the lack of range in their sizes. I am not sure what the logistics are behind making clothes for bigger people but a wider range of sizes needs to become the norm. Read More...
