Squeeee!!! Just found out this week that Curvy Kate is bringing their “Star in a Bra” competition stateside! That was my number one question I wanted to ask them at the Curvexpo next week, but their Facebook page already answered it for me.
The details are few right now. Nothing has been announced other than an approximate date (April 2012), and the criteria that entrants must be at least a D cup and at least 18 years old. For those of you to whom the competition is unknown, it’s an annual contest that Curvy Kate runs in the UK to find D-plus models for its lingerie campaigns. It’s going on its fourth year now, and apparently has become pretty big over across the pond, with over 2,000 girls having entered last year. The winner receives a yearlong modeling contract and, of course, a new lingerie wardrobe. She’ll appear in retail photos and Curvy Kate’s promotional materials.
I really love this competition, and the fact that Curvy Kate uses non-airbrushed, non-professional models at all. Just looking through their catalogs, you’ll see that the models cover an array of sizes, from petite to amazon, and slender to super curvy. Not only does it celebrate the beauty of different shapes, but it’s also a great advertising tool—unlike the plastic-looking Photoshopped monstrosities that Victoria’s Secret traffics in, it gives you a real view of what the garments look like and how they fit…so you can make an educated purchase. It really makes me want to support the brand, if for no other reason than I so admire what they stand for.
Personally, I can’t wait to enter. I’ve had a thing for pin-up style and imagery for a while now, and have wanted to try getting involved with modeling for a long time. But it seems like the only opportunities for big-busted modeling or anything even remotely resembling pin-up work is erotica (especially when you’ve got a healthy smattering of tattoos on your body, like me), but that’s really not my thing.
For further updates on the Curvy Kate USA Star in a Bra competition, check the brand’s Facebook page and Twitter. I’ll be hounding them for details next week, but if you have anything specific you want to ask, leave a note in the comments. Here are my initial questions:
- Is there an age limit?
- How do they feel about tattoos and piercings?
- Where will the competition be centered (I’m guessing LA or NYC)?
I’ve been tweeting about your post and coming up w/ a ton of questions:
1. Have they ever had entrants in their 40’s? (I suspect that isn’t their target market, but the competition sounds so fun it’s almost tempting.)
2. How do contestants weight the benefits of being a finalist w/ its attendant publicity against having future potential employers googling them before deciding whether to offer them a job?
Great! Regarding #2, FullerFigureBust has a great post from earlier this year about her experience as a finalist, and finding photos of herself in her underwear on the first page of Google results: http://fullerfigurefullerbust.wordpress.com/tag/rules-for-star-in-a-bra-curvy-kate/.
That’s a tough one, though…
I do have one question for them. I saw posts on their normal brand page (not the US page) where ladies where saying you had to be a “natural” D cup, 18 years old, etc. There is a large number of women in the US that have implants. I’d love to know if there is a limitation for natural breasts.
A second question I have is in regards to sizing. I’m sure there are tons of women that could enter, but they think they are a 34C, not a 28E/30DD. Obviously there is limits in what CK can do to get sizing information out there, but I’d love to know if they have any plans on how this SIAB contest can improve sizing in the US. I am sure it will increase their customer base too, just helping women size down in band sizes.
I’m so excited to see one of my favorite bloggers entering as well! I too had a few questions- regarding specifics such as dates and where the finalists will be going- but I’m mostly just concerning myself with even getting into the top 30 (or will it be 20 like Australia?), much less anything further. It’s very daunting and I fear I’m not “curvy” enough at a 30F, but still exciting. I can’t wait to see you in the competition! With your attitude and your blog, you’d make a great ambassador for their company.
Thanks! CK USA has announced that the competition is opening on April 5. For more news, keep an eye on their Facebook page (facebook.com/CurvyKateUSA). I wouldn’t worry about not being “curvy” enough. The only rule is that you must be at least a D cup. Plus, I think CK’s ethos is all about embracing different body shapes, not just extreme hourglass figures.
You know, I’m not sure about the number of finalists. I just assumed it would be 30, but if Australia is only 20, it may be the same here. I hope it’s 30, though! Either way, I’ll be trying not to get my hopes up TOO high that I’ll make the finals—there are going to be hundreds (thousands?) of beautiful ladies to compete with, after all :]
I’ve been religiously checking the FB page daily, haha. It’s fun getting caught up in the hype.
And I know it’s about embracing all body types and whatnot. I didn’t mean it in the sense that curvy must always mean a little extra weight. I was saying I fear I’m neither busty or hippy enough to be deemed curvy, y’know? But I think most of us entering all have insecurities and doubts, which is why I love the idea of it. It makes us put ourselves out there, and forces us to love our bodies regardless of its size or shape. It’s a very noble concept and I’m excited it’s coming to the states, truthfully. We need more body acceptance (of ANY size!) here.