Louise O’Reilly HNS Model Ambassador

Louise One look at Louise O'Reilly and it's clear

that she's not your average model. Between shoots, she's finishing her DCU degree in a B.A of international relations,

not to mention she lives with the debilitating condition called ME. Oh, and

she's unashamedly, unapologetically, uncompromisingly plus size.. At the start of 2011 she was nominated for a U.S

Readers' Choice award as their Favorite Plus size model. She has clearly earned her title as one of Ireland's top plus size

models, having just signed with the most prestigious European agency - Models 1, who have represented supermodels such as Kate Moss, Yasmin le Bon and Naomi

Campbell. This Irish fashionista has become a hot topic in the fashion world,

promoting curves both on and off the catwalks.

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Why do you feel this movement is so important, and why do you want to be a part of this change?

Health and well being are vital aspect of everyday life. For years media and fashion have miscommunicated, and given people the wrong impression about what healthy really is. I think this movement is SO important because it doesn't differentiate between body types or sizes. It does not create a barrier between plus size ladies, and petites. Ultimately, it fuses everything together, and promotes health whether you’re a size 6 or a 20. That is why I want to be apart of this movement, because it is unbiased, positive… and brilliant!:)

“I want to be a part of this movement, because it is unbiased,

positive… and brilliant!”

If you could go back to high school and give yourself a message from the future what would it be and why? I would tell her not to be so hard on herself about her weight! Those thoughts limited my ability to embrace all the good things I had in my life like school trips, sports, and other outings. I feel so silly for thinking that way now that I look back at it!

Why do you believe in Healthy is the New Skinny?

When I was a teenager I struggled with my weight, but ever more, I struggled with my confidence. I always felt so different. I had a few extra pounds for sure but thought to myself "Oh well, I'll never be as "skinny" as other girls with my bone structure, so why bother?" The problem is, I was mixing up the importance of health, with . I now exercise 4-5 times a week whether its walking the dog or going to the gym , but its something I like doing . I'm now healthy, I'm happy and I'm curvy.. I know I will never be a stick figure but it doesn't bother me one bit. My family and my amazing friends love me for who I am not my jeans size.

What is the funniest, most awkward, or embarrassing thing that has happened to you working as a model?

I turned up to a job totally unaware of what it was for. It was in my first few weeks of modeling. It

turned out I had to wear Spanx  (Bridget Jones pants) on live television. It aired on replay for weeks. All I was wearing was the Spanx, and a bright pink bra they gave me to go with them! My family

would fall on the floor laughing every time it came on TV!

Pink!  Its happy, bubbly, friendly,

and it seems to be an easy

going color that gets along well

with all the other colors! :)

If your inner beauty sparkled, what color would it be and why?

“I would like to see more and more women

concentrate on their inner beauty, to work on having

fun, and not worry so much about having perfect hair, bodies, and clothes like

they see on T.V and reality shows.” - Louise

Louise O’Reilly Height: Tall Size: Healthy Weight: Who cares….. Representation: Models 1 http://www.models1.co.uk “Nothing is

impossible if you really want to

achieve it.”-Louise

HEALTHY IS THE NEW SKINNY