Anita: I'm the plus size ambassador for Models of Diversity I have the pleasure to be interviewing Louise O'Reilly (Curvy and chic, 22 year old Louise O'Reilly has become a hot topic in the fashion world promoting curves on the catwalks. She has gone strength to strength modeling throughout Ireland and Europe with agencies based in Ireland Germany and Milan and was recently nominated for Readers Choice award as their Favourite Plus size model in the U.S. Currently Studying International relations at the prestigious DCU university, Louise's educated mind-set along with her warm contagious personality and humble attitude is set to send her very far in the media and world fashion.)

Anita: When did you start modelling?

Louise: I started about a year and a half ago . I entered the Simply be' search for a curvy girl competition towards the end of 09 . Gok Wan was our judge, he was fantastic. It was a very positive thing for women in Ireland to experience because issues surrounding the topic of plus size at that time was still quite a hush hush topic. There was about 6500 applicants and though I reached the final 15 and didn't get much further, I got a taste for it. I knew I wanted to test myself and see if could really be a plus size model in Ireland. A week or two later I had my first contract with a top Irish agency I was over the moon!

Anita: what's been the best work you have done?

Louise: I have had the pleasure of modeling for television which I absolutely love. I think there is such a great buzz about working at big TV stations because there's always an exciting atmosphere over something happening. ( I try my best not to stalk celebrities...I swear! haha.) I've modelled for pieces also different designer circles and have had some amazing shoots. The best would have had to have been the shoot I did for this month's Irish Stellar magazine. I was their first ever plus size model to be featured in the magazine. It's one of the most popular fashion magazine for girls and woman aged 17 to 35. It made it even more meaningful for me because its targeted a very important age group to show that curves can be just as fashionable and fabulous as a size 8. They gave be a ten page spread in the magazine and though it was only released yesterday the feedback already has been incredible.

Anita: WOW!!! That's amazing Louise Have you always been a model?

Louise: No, to be honest I never thought it was possible because I knew I didn't have the typical model body type for plus size modeling in Ireland. It's still very small in proportion to other countries but I am delighted to see how much the country is starting to embrace on curves and different bodies types.

Anita: What do you consider to be plus size?

Louise: That's a hard question to answer, on the high street some might consider plus size as anything from a size 18 and upwards, others may argue that it is a size 14 in line with the U.S. As a model I take a positive stance on the term plus size and consider it to be more about clothing targeted at the curvier figure. In plus size modeling in Europe it start from about a size 12 and upwards.

Anita: What are your views about the fashion industry in not using plus size models ?

Louise: Like most women it can be quiet dragging. During my teenage year I was a size 22/24 . I had no role models I could truly aspire too, someone to make me feel good about myself because both the media and fashion didn't give the opportunities to curvy women that they do now. I do feel though that the industry has excelled in the past two year. Designers such as Mark Fast, Mark Jacobs and Jean Paul Gaultier have become huge promoters of the curvier physique. The developments of plus size lines with companies such as Littlewoods, Asos and H&M. I think are creating a boomerang effect back to the fashion houses to say "look curves do sell" which is a very important factor as we all know. I think with positive shifts like this and some more positive media of what woman really want (more curves!) ; Designers will embrace plus size models all the more but it will be a slow process, there's no doubt about that.

Anita: Who is your favourite designer and why ?

Louise: Anita!!That's like asking who would you pick to go on a date with out of any man in Hollywood!hahah.( Mathew Mc Conaughy or George Cloony probably in case you're wondering!:P ) Though unlike my men... I tend to change my mind when it comes to designers depending on the season.. Lanvin is a personal favourite at the moment I love the bold colors and everything in the latest collection is extremely flattering for most body types. I'm a big accessory type of person, handbags and jewellery are my weakness so Marc Jacobs,Lanvin and Luella tick all my boxes there.

Anita: ( would definitely have to be Brad pit!!!!!!) Julian McDonald has been known for his outrageous comment on plus size models, what do you think about this ?.

Louise: Julian is a highly established designer who has worked closely with Karl Largerfield in the past. As most of you may know Mr.Largerfield didn't comment to highly on plus size models yet last year was found to use Crystal Renn for one of his collections on the catwalk. I actually had the pleasure of meeting Julian McDonald and I have to say he was one of the nicest designers I've spoken with. He complemented me on my curves and even remarked that it's refreshing to see a proper plus size girl that's a 14-16 in the fashion world and wished me the best of luck. I'm going to be honest with you it was something I never in my life expected to hear because of the remarks he may have made in the past to women. Step by step designers such as Largerfield and McDonald are changing their attitudes towards size issues which is fantastic and very important to see, but it's important to keep promoting curves and diversity every way that we can.

Anita: What would you advice to other plus size models who may be thinking of going into the modelling industry i.e. teenagers?

Louise: 1.No matter whether your a plus size or a straight size model, getting a good education is still very important (just as something to fall back on). 2. When applying to agencies you don't have to have professional photographs to apply, a simply head shot and full length photo will do. Most good agencies will organize test shoots for you that won't be too costly :). 3. Look after your general well-being, clients like healthy glowing models. So make sure you drink water regularly and look after yourself. I like to go to the gym or go to a taebo class just to keep myself fit and to de-stress after a long day.:)

Anita: What do you think about Crystal Renn

Louise: An incredible human being. In my eyes she is a vital contributor in kick starting the plus size trend in fashion. She has modelled for the most exclusive and prestigious international designers that even some of the most beautiful straight size models have not had the opportunity to work with. In the past year she has been subjected to a lot of media surrounding her sudden weight loss, but , Gary Darkin (Her ford agent) noted that her measurements are neither straight size nor plus so she's somewhere in the middle. I think regardless of size, it is extremely important to note that Crystal has been a huge role model for so many people. She has spoken freely about her eating disorder issues in the past through her book Hungry, whilst standing up to the fashion world and trying to promote healthier women on the catwalk and in media. All in all , I think it's refreshing to see that this stunning creature is still human , we all have our insecurities and to me she will always be a huge role model no matter what shape or size, because she had a principle and create a change for women for the better.

Anita: what do you hope to accomplish this year.

Louise: I hope to finish off my degree in University, then go to new york for the summer. It's something I have always wanted to do. New York is an amazing city so I'm really excited and hopefully given the right opportunity I would love to be able to model over there too. After that a few months in the U.K with my family would be fantastic as I want to take a gap year out before I decide on what Masters course I want to do.

Anita: Finally what do you think about models of diversity

Louise: I think it's a fabulous organization, something which is greatly needed in society. MOD raises body awareness and of course a sense of equality in the fashion industry. Shows such as America's next top model highlight these issues every now and then but there needs to be a Stable platform like this where young girls and women and even men can constantly relate to and feel good about themselves. I applaud everything you all do and I have to say I am absolutely thrilled to be interviewed today.

Thank you.