Interview with Eva Fontaine Plus Size Model (British Plus Size Fashion Weekend)

Ciao Bella,

Photo by Gergő Pejkó

Plus size fashion and the British Plus Size Fashion Weekend know no boundaries – this truly international event attracted the aspiring Hungarian plus size model, Eva Fontaine as well who participated in the open casting in December. She did not have to arrange airplane tickets or accommodation as this 21 years old beauty has been living in London for 1.5 years. But before telling me about that particular day last December, I wanted to know how she started plus size modelling and her answer definitely surprised me.

Cupcake&Pearls: Thank you Eva for dedicating time for this interview! Before talking about BPSFW, lets go back in time to the beginnings!

Eva Fontaine: I started to be interested in fashion photography when I was 14 and after high school I moved to Budapest and enrolled in a Photo School at Práter utca. In line with my studies I also started my intern as an assistant for 2 famous fashion photographers who taught me a lot! This is how all started!

C&P: I believe your photographer background serves well for you as a model since you have perfect overview at yourself, from both sides of the camera!

E.F.: Exactly – I feel blessed to experience both sides as they complement each other. I can easily help my colleagues, no matter which side of the camera I stand.

C.P.:And then they asked you to move in front of the camera?

photo by Gergő Pejkó

E.F.: In a way, yes but it was a long journey to get there. 3 years ago I saw foreign magazines’ plus size fashion editorials and I thought „Why not to do something like this?”. I shared my idea with many people who liked it but back at that time plus size fever did not break into Hungary. After 1 year of pursuiting my dreams I got a possibility from Marie Claire magazine to participate in their September issue (2011).

C.P.: If I am well-informed, Marie Claire was just the beginning?

E.F.: Yes! After the photoshooting I met Patrícia Manheim who was in the process of establishing Plus Size Model Agency Budapest so timing was perfect. Before moving to London we could discuss everything and planned our cooperation. Since then I work for her agency and always fly home to Hungary for various modelling projects.

C.P.: Which types of works have you done as a plus size model in Hungary so far?

E.F.: As a model I worked for magazines like Glamour, Instyle, Nők Lapja (Hungarian women’s magazine) and for Marie Claire not only as a plus size model but also as photographer. I had several online interviews and printed as well in Diéta&Fitness Magazine, Marie Claire and I was also invited to D. Tóth Kriszta Show (Hungarian TV talk show).  All of these were incredible and inspiring experience and I am proud that my curves reached such media levels!

Glamour magazine, 2012

C.P.: Speaking of your curves – how would you describe your personal style of clothes?

E.F.:  I love the sophisticated basic pieces as those are the easiest to combine – a particular detail or a fantastic piece of accessory can really make miracles! My favourites are the feminine style dresses which show the best parts of my curves. I believe that style does not depend on money – back at home and here in London I always find special treasures in second-hand shops, too! Since I was always curvy, during the years I learned how to enhance my best bodyparts – I think this is the most important: to know and to love your body! Experiment new styles gradually and then it becomes easy to pair the right dress with the right accessories – whether it is a classical trench coat or a bold pair of colourful high heel shoes.

C.P.: Your words are full of fashion and you can not deny your passion for it!

E.F.:  That is correct – fashion has been part of my life for years and still remains in London! I love it!

C.P.: London brought one of the most important milestone in your carreer so far – tell me about the British Plus Size Fashion Weekend!

E.F.: It all started on 1 December when Patrícia and me with 2 other models went for the casting. The organizers, with whom you already made interviews, were really kind and the atmosphere of the casting was friendly and relaxed. We had a nice chat while they flipped through my model book and then the waiting began. Before the holidays I got the fantastic news and for couple of days I hardly believed that I was selected to be one of the 10 plus size models to participate at the fashion show! This is a huge possibility and honour as I am the only model from Eastern-Europe who will be on the catwalk of the British Plus Size Fashion Weekend!

C.P.:Congratulations, I am really proud of you! Your story is so inspirational – do you have any advice for Hungarian women how to accept their curves?

E.F.:  I am proud of what I stand for: I believe that every bodytype can be loved. Everybody can be beautiful – the secret is to believe you are beautiful! Regarding the appearance – accessories can make a difference as a piece of jewellry, shoes or bag can make a simple dress particular! Just please avoid the „sack” dresses, unless you pair them with a belt! :)

C.P.: Thank you for the interview and we will continue in person – in London!

Nők Lapja magazine, 2012

Eva carried me away with her charming personality, her modesty and kindness. When I asked her to reveal the most important key factor to become a model, her immediate answer was humbleness. She told me one of her favourite stories when she had the chance to work as a photographer with the internationally known and successful model, Enikő Mihalik who perfectly combine professionalism with humbleness. „It is important to know where you come from, where you are heading and be aware how much you still have to learn”

Despite her young age, she has a mature mindset and her constant smile showed how happy she is with herself and her life. Eva also told me a funny and sweet story which happened to her in London: in the middle of Soho a British guy literally fell on his knees to propose to this beauty and even if she did not say yes, the memory definitely stays with her forever. With all my heart I wish to make BPSFW a memorable event which brings international success for this talented, beautiful girl!

Find Eva on:
Eva Fontaine Plus Size Model Facebook
EvaFontaine Fotoblog  

British Plus Size Fashion Weekend:
Official website of British Plus Size Fashion Weekend
Official Facebook page of British Plus Size Fashion Weekend

xxx
Susie