A plus-size figure is no longer a barrier for people aspiring to become models but an advantage sometimes.
对于有志成为模特的人来说,体型过大不再是一个烦恼,有时反而是一种优势。
Now in China, plus-size modeling has become an emerging career opportunity, which is led by the introduction of Western fashion trends, along with the rise of China's online shopping and people's needs for foreign trade clothing.
目前在中国,由于西方流行趋势的引入、以及中国网购和对人们外国服装需要的增加,大码模特已经成为一个新兴的就业机会。
With a weight over 154 pounds and a height of more than 1.65 meters, those people who are aged below 25 meet the basic requirements of a plus-size model.
大码模特的基本要求是体重在154磅以上、身高在165厘米以上,年龄不超过25岁。
Some media reports suggest the top plus-size models can earn as much as 2,000 yuan (around US$292) per hour, and their monthly income could easily surpass 70,000 yuan.
有媒体报道称,最顶级的大码模特时薪可以达到2000元(约合292美元),月收入很轻松就可以超过70000元。
"Currently the industry is mainly composed of university students, majoring in English, architecture, foreign trade, music, art and even diplomacy. Many of them are taking this part-time job as a way to earn tuition fees," said Huang Fei, an agent of plus-size models.
一位名叫黄斐的大码模特经纪人表示:“目前这个行业的从业人员主要是大学生,主修英语、建筑、外贸、音乐、甚至外交的都有。许多人都利用这份兼职工作来赚学费。”
Huang says she has hired over 40 male and female models, from places including Zhejiang, Shanxi and Henan provinces; some are even from foreign countries like Germany, Mexico, Brazil, and Russia.
据黄斐表示,她已经雇佣超过了40名男女模特,分别来自浙江、陕西以及河南各省,还有些则是来自德国、墨西哥、巴西和俄罗斯等国家。
"This job offers a new world to those 'big' girls, which encourages them to regain confidence and to live a healthy, happy and beautiful life," said Huang.
黄斐说道:“这份工作给那些'大'女孩提供了一个新的世界,鼓励她们重拾自信,活得健康、快乐和美丽。”