Plus-size models 'hot property in 2010'

Industry experts are predicting 2010 will be the year of the plus-size model, with the country's top full-figured fashion stars now earning more than $300,000 a year.

Australia's leading plus-size modelling agencies expect demand for larger models to surge in the next 12 months as consumer calls for real women in the media reaches a critical mass.

Director of Sydney agency BGM models Darrianne Donnelly said a backlash over Jennifer Hawkins' nude untouched spread for Marie Claire and the decision by US magazine V to devote its latest issue to plus-size women showed how attitudes had changed.

"It's almost like has someone switched on a light bulb and someone went, 'oh my God you can actually ring an agency and you can get a beautiful, gorgeous plus size model'," Ms Donnelly said.

Bella Model Management director Chelsea Bonner agreed.

"This is going to be the year of the plus-size model. I can say that because we're really seeing the build-up in the amount of bookings we're taking, the momentum is here."

Ms Bonner said plus-size models were now earning big money, especially overseas.

"Our top model Abby Valdes is stunning and is a size 14 to 16 ... she earns well in excess of $300,000 a year and gets to travel all over the world doing it," she said.

Australia's top fashion magazines such as Madison, Marie Claire and Cosmopolitan were now regularly booking plus-size models, Ms Bonner said.

"In the latest issue of the Australia's Woman's Weekly we have 15 pages featuring our models .... that is incredible. We only ever used to get the token one or two pages," she said.

There had also been an upswing recently in the number of women wanting to become plus-size models, Ms Donnelly said.

"I've had 25 applications so far today. It is actually occurring to women now that there is that possibility of applying to a modelling agency and getting work."