Plus-size models shine a spotlight on presence, strength, and purpose
Monique Cartwright This series is truly made for plus size models. and It’s a great way to start.
Before we get into her story, let me explain why this Spotlight series exists in the first place.
Reason for launching TCF plus size model spotlight series
in curvaceous fashionistaI keep getting emails and DMs asking the same question. How do I become a plus size model? Are you looking for models? Where do I start? Who should I follow?
We’ve spent years covering plus size fashion, culture, and community, but the reality is this. Modeling is an ecosystem in itself. It is shaped by lived experience, professionalism, access, boundaries, confidence, and industry knowledge, and goes far beyond what a single article or checklist can responsibly answer.
So instead of pretending to have all the answers, we decided to do what we do best. make the light shine.
of TCF plus size model spotlight series Created to feature plus size models like Monique Cartwright– The models we know, love, and deeply respect. These are individuals who are blazing their own path, claiming visibility in their own way, and actively shaping what the future of fashion looks like. Some are signed by the agency. Some are independent. They are all noteworthy and worth knowing.
This series is not about casting calls or a single “correct” path. It’s about expression, transparency, and celebration. It’s about learning directly from the models at work and creating a space for richer, more honest conversations about what modeling is really like today.
Now, back to Monique.
At the beginning of the series: Monique Cartwright
To open our Plus Size Model Spotlight series, start below. Monique Cartwrightan Atlanta-based plus-size model whose work is rooted in truth, professionalism, and presence.
Monique doesn’t stand in front of the camera hoping to be chosen. She shows up knowing she belongs. Her approach to modeling reflects exactly what this series is about. That means carving your own path, honoring your lived experience, and showing up fully in an industry that doesn’t always make room for you.
And from the moment she starts telling her story, it’s clear…this isn’t about seeking visibility. it’s about claim it.
Recognize yourself in the lens
Some models show up to be seen, and some models show up to be seen. know They belong. Monique Cartwright Fashion passes through the energy of the latter. This down-to-earth, purposeful, and unapologetic plus-size Atlanta-based model is more than just in front of the camera. she responds.
For Monique, modeling wasn’t about realizing that the camera loved her. It was about recognizing myself in it.
“My starting point is not to discover the camera, but to recognize myself in it,” she said. “Cameras respond to truth, but my camera is rooted in lived experience.”
That lived experience is present in every image she creates. Her work reflects resilience, presence, and purpose shaped by years of advocating for expression, collaborating with creators who see the power of plus-size beauty, and mentoring others to boldly step into their own visibility. Over time, that energy is no longer just transmitted through the lens. It echoed back to me.
Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Monique is 5’7” tall, wears a size 18, and considers herself plus. Although she is not currently affiliated with an agency, her work speaks for itself. It’s not rooted in professionalism, clarity, and performance, but in practiced confidence.
Unauthorized visibility
When asked what advice she would give her younger self before stepping in front of the camera for the first time, Monique Cartwright didn’t hesitate. Her answer was both a reminder and an instruction.
“You don’t have to wait for permission to occupy space,” she said. “You don’t have to shrink, pose small, or apologize for your body to be lens-worthy.”
She’s intentionally trying to break down the idea that plus-size models need to soften themselves in order to be accepted. For Monique Cartwright, the camera responds to presence, not perfection.
“Trust that your confidence, your story, and your lived experience are enough,” she explained. “Learn your angles, of course, but more importantly, learn your power.”
She believes that power comes from being prepared, professional, and open while respecting yourself. But never at the expense of self-erasure.
“Never compromise yourself in order to be ‘bookable’. The right creator will see you and the wrong room is not meant to accommodate you.”
For Monique, expression doesn’t start on set. It starts internally. She believes in boundaries, self-respect, and that fame is not earned. That’s something to claim.
Learn the language of the camera
Monique credits much of her understanding of existence and intention to her longtime fashion icon and model muse. Tyra Banks.
“Tyla not only modeled, she commanded the camera,” Monique said. “She taught a whole generation that modeling is about presence, storytelling and knowing your power in front of the lens.”
Watching Tyra wasn’t just about learning poses. It was about learning that confidence is an active choice that shapes how you react on camera.
“What inspired me the most was how fearless she was in taking up space, creating opportunities, and redefining what it meant to be a model on her own terms,” Monique said. “That energy is directly reflected in who I am today: unapologetic, expressive, and fully aware that my body, the way I walk, and my story belong in the fashion space.”
In Monique’s world, modeling isn’t about fitting in. It means giving form to it.
Rebellion comes first, expression is always
When asked what being a plus-size model means to her: rebellion, representation, or runway takeover, Monique Cartwright doesn’t differentiate between the three.
“Being a plus-size model is all three of those things, but it starts with rebellion,” she said.
For Monique, rebellion means refusing to cower, be silenced, or accept outdated narratives about beauty. Every time she steps in front of the camera, she challenges the idea that visibility is reserved for narrow standards.
“That rebellion creates a space for visibility that is rooted in confidence, style, and presence, not just token expression.”
And once the expression is established, something changes.
“And it becomes a takeover. The plus-size runway takeover is not about seeking inclusion, it’s about ownership. It’s about showing up with authority and recognizing that we belong here and always will.”
Her work is about more than fashion. It’s about movement, power, and making sure the next generation doesn’t have to fight so hard they can’t see it.
The journey of dreams and the moment when they become reality
Monique’s vision board includes two brands that represent the full scope of her modeling identity. Christian Siriano and Eroqui.
In Siriano’s case, she imagines high drama and sculptural intent.
“I envision myself wearing a gown with strong shoulders, a cinched waist, and flowing movement. Something bold and unapologetic,” she said. “A look that celebrates architectural curves rather than hiding them.”
For Eloquii, vision moves into wearable power.
“I envision something tailored, sexy, and modern. A sharp suit or a statement dress that represents plus-size fashion can be trend-setting, elevated, and approachable.”
She says walking for both is more than just a career milestone. That would be a statement. Proving that plus size fashion is not a niche thing. That’s power.
Bold, intentional, and unapologetic in style and life.
When asked to describe her style in three words, Monique didn’t hesitate: “I love my style. bold, purposeful, unapologetic.
That philosophy extends to the boldest thing she’s ever worn: her first bikini.
“For a long time, I didn’t believe bikinis were for people who looked like me,” she admitted. “When I wore it, I felt like I was crossing an invisible line that I had been taught not to cross.”
Standing figure is fully visible, there is nothing Hiding in the background was both vulnerable and freeing.
“What struck me most was how much confidence I had. Not performative confidence, but real, grounded confidence. I wasn’t wearing it to prove anything. I was wearing it because I wanted to wear it.”
In that moment, her relationship with her body changed, and it carried over into every shoot and runway she’s seen since.
“Boldness doesn’t necessarily mean loud,” she reflected. “Sometimes you just want to be seen and love the way you feel.”
What the industry still needs to get right
For Monique, the pressing issue of body diversity remains.
“Plus size is not a body type,” she clarified. “Big belly and small belly, big breasts and small breasts, the difference in height, shape, and proportion.”
Too often, one “acceptable” version of plus size remains front and center, leaving too many people invisible.
“Getting it right means not just amplifying straight-size patterns, but designing, casting, and styling for real bodies. When people see the full range of plus-size bodies, they don’t just see clothes; they see themselves.”
And that, she believes, is when fashion makes a change.
Why spotlighting plus-size models is important
more 67% of US women wear a size 14 or largerYet, plus-size bodies continue to be underrepresented across fashion media. That gap shapes confidence, purchasing behavior, and cultural perceptions. Especially for the younger generation who are still forming their sense of self.
Monique understands why visibility is important not just as a trend, but as a fix.
“Representation is not about asking for participation,” she previously shared. “It’s about ownership.”
It is because of this belief that this spotlight exists. curvaceous fashionistanext to us Curvy CEO Spotlight, Features for plus size influencers and creatorsand Plus Size Book Author Spotlight. Style, leadership, creativity, and storytelling come in many forms, and they all deserve the light.
Follow Monique. Share her work. Support your vision.
Shared visibility increases expressiveness.
Follow Monique Cartwright. Let’s get to work on her. Let’s celebrate her presence.
Want to be noticed next?
Are you a plus size model ready to get noticed and share your story?
Apply to be featured in Plus Size Model Spotlight
Because the future of plus-size fashion isn’t waiting to be invited.
Monique said it perfectly:
“The future of plus-size fashion will be built by us and for us.”
Source: The Curvy Fashionista – thecurvyfashionista.com
