Interview with Lara Kulpa: Plus-size model and woman extraordinarire

I would like all of you to meet Lara Kulpa of the blog Lady de la Luna. Lara is a shining example of a woman whose life is in PLAY. She is an aspiring plus-size model, has appearances in two upcoming movies, has come this close to being on two well-known reality shows, and is an internet business owner. We think Lara is cool because she is going after her dreams with confidence, focus, and joy.

BISJ: You have such a fascinating background Lara. We'll jump straight into the issue of models and weight. Recently, there has been a slew of talk and debate about fashion models being too skinny. Now, you are in the world of plus-size modeling where I'm assuming different kinds of debates occur. 

Can you share with us some of the prominent issues in plus-size modeling, and your experience with those issues? As well, can you just quickly tell us what the modeling agents are looking for in a plus-size model today?

Lara: Thank you for the invite, Stephanie! It's an honor to be able to discuss these things with you, and share with your readers.

You're right when you say that different debates occur in the world of plus size modeling. "How plus is too plus?" is a big one. The opportunities change dramatically with each dress size. For example: Two very well known "plus size" clothing store chains only sell a size 12 and up. It's the "industry standard" that once you hit 12, you're considered "plus". 

However, with both of these chains, the models,, used in pictures around the store and in the windows, are only a size 10. Their "mannequins" are always wearing shirts that have been pin-tucked, so even the mannequins are smaller than the clothes they sell. In all reality, a true plus size model can't even get a shoot for a plus size clothing store. 

BISJ: Interesting. So, even in the “plus size” clothing stores where they are “targeting” a larger-size demographic, there is still this push to sell smaller.

Lara: Yes. There's debate on this, as usual. If you ask the talent agents who represent those stores, they'll tell you that the industry standard has dropped to 8 being the cutoff. My answer to that then is, "Well then why doesn't the store carry sizes 10 and up?" To which of course, there is no valid response.

In another example, there is a clothing line targeted to women sized 20’s up to 30’s. They’re style is very "gothic" and "punk". However, I, currently at a size 20, am too small to model for them. So in reality, I'm "in limbo" when it comes to fashion modeling. So for now, I've chosen other kind of modeling work. For example, I was a Redken hair model at the New York State Hair Expo for two years in a row.

BISJ: So, what are the modeling agents looking for in plus size models?

Lara: The bottom line is that in order to get any real work in the plus size fashion industry, you can be "bigger" but you can't really have any rolls on your body. Women carry their weight in so many different ways, and it's imperative in plus modeling that your body is proportional, even though it's thick. 

It's okay to have some belly fat, but a crease in it won't work. You can have a bigger rear end, but it has to look "lifted" if you will. Of course, a body that fits this standard is just the base - plus size models also need to maintain the traits that "regular" models have like clean skin, shiny hair, and bright eyes. If your weight looks appears as a burden on you, or if you don't take extra care of everything else, then you'll be quickly passed over.

BISJ: So, can you give us an example of your experience?

Lara: I learned all this the hard way, as most people do when they're newbies. I've always been told that I had a pretty face and great hair. One of my best friends - Tina - had already been doing modeling work for a number of years, so fortunately, I had her to help me find the best resources, and to help me submit the right photos. She actually varied from plus to non-plus and back over the years, so we could often work together on assignments.

My first real success was winning the REAL Magazine model search competition in August of 2004. Tina and I dragged our mothers down and entered together. They were looking for "real women" with interesting stories. In one room, I saw so many absolutely beautiful women! I was actually the last called out of a final group of seven women, and had actually written off winning by that point. 

I thought for sure that I didn't make it, but I did! As they were calling out my name, it still didn’t sink in until the announcer got to "certified zookeeper and volunteer firefighter" that I broke down and started to cry. My mother and I just looked at each other and it was one of the most exciting moments of my modeling career. I just hoped I wouldn’t trip on my way up to the stage (I didn't)!

Sadly, REAL Magazine never printed the issue. No one ever contacted any of us. When I pressed them, they told me something about the photos getting damaged, and that they were sorry. There was no “prize” for the contest, just an opportunity to be featured in the magazine. Shortly thereafter, REAL merged with "Fit" Magazine, and I'll say this once: Don't think for a second that the words "sell out" never entered my mind. It just goes to show you that the modeling industry is one of the most volatile out there, and even clothing stores and magazines are subject to having to break the rules in order to make money.

BISJ: Right now you are chronicling your weight loss journey to get into a size 12. On your blog, you even post a weight tracker, and daily food goals like calories, fats, and carbs. Most people don't get that detailed, or are hesitant to put up personal info like that. Do you find that making this information public is helping you in your efforts? And, what kind of comments about your stats have you received from other people who come to visit your blog?

Lara: I actually get a lot of comments about the way I'm so open about things. At one point, I even had my "bikini shots" up there, but I took those down for professional reasons, and because people I knew in real life were going to the site, and frankly, they're just not people I want to see me half-naked!

It does help me to be so public with things though. I've never been one to be shy or withdrawn, and anyone who knows me will tell you that no topic is off limits for discussion with me. Everyone I know is aware of my efforts over the years, and I'll be the first one to turn down dessert with, "No thank you - I didn't bust my butt to lose 30 pounds for nothing!" Usually that gets me some gasps and congrats and "how'd-ya-do-it's". 

I don't mind talking about my weight loss journey one bit. Most people have been really supportive. Loyal readers have always stayed tuned regardless of whether my stats were going well or not. That's something I really love about the internet, the communication and how you can meet so many people in so little time - you can teach and learn at the same time - it's why I do what I do!

The other reason I do it is so that maybe I can help someone else who's too shy to do the same thing, or doesn't know how to ask about what they should eat or what have you. The site has a long way to go in terms of where I'd really like it to be, even though it's been online for 10 years now. It's only been the past couple of years where I've taken my weight loss efforts to my site, and I'm really having fun with it for the most part.

Tomorrow, Part II of the interview with Lara on movies, reality shows, and her "Mo'Nique scandal."