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Name: Iman McDonnaugh
Age: 22
Hometown: Long Island, NY
Ethnicity: Trinidadian, Italian, Jamaican, Irish.
Measurements: 37, 29.5, 44
Agency: Wilhelmina Models
I was discovered: Before my last semester of college I got pictures taken by a fashion photographer in NYC who I'm still friends with to this day. I posted the photos online and my mother agents found me, signed me and put me in contact with Wilhelmina New York. My dreams have been coming true ever since!
I'm currently working on: Building my portfolio and working as much as I can. I want people to get to know me and my work and enjoy it.
My best feature is: I love my shape, my eyes, my hair, my lips, all of it!
I'm beautiful because: I do what makes me happy despite anything else. I have chosen a lifestyle not a lot of people can handle and not a lot of people believe has a happy ending. But I do it because I love it all, I don't focus on the negatives and I believe in every single one of my dreams. I don't let anything stop me from doing what I believe in and what I'm passionate about. High risk, high reward and I love the risk!
My favorite thing to wear to feel special is: Long gowns. That's not something you get to wear everyday, so having the opportunity to wear a gorgeous one definitely makes me feel special. On more casual days, I love a bright lipstick and boots or platform heels!
My beauty routine is: I have somewhat sensitive skin so I wash my face day and night with Cetaphil and I moisturize with Cerave. They are the only cleansers and moisturizers that have treated my skin really well, especially when my skin gets dried out from the weather. I also use an acne cream at night before my moisturizer to prevent bumps.
My health routine is: All about balance. I like to eat a lot of greens and drink a lot of water but I also enjoy my fair share of pasta and meat, and sometimes sweets. I love chocolate. It's important to be healthy, but being healthy doesn't mean you can only eat spinach all day long. Good health requires a good balance. I've gotten into juicing lately which is so yummy and so good for you! I also like to go to the gym several times a week to get in some cardio and weights.
The best trick I use to flatter my curves is: I have a small waist, so I love to accentuate it along with my hips in fit-and-flare dresses, crop tops, and high-waist bottoms.
My pet peeve when it comes to curvy girl fashion is: Shirts that are too tight on the arms. Also, pants that only fit my thighs if the waist band is too big and only fit my waist if the hip area is too big!
My secret solution to this is: Getting to know the brands that fit well for my body and buying clothing with a little stretch in them. A little stretch goes a long way!
My advice to budding plus size models is: Be confident, be humble, be grateful, be prepared and do your homework! Always study poses and what's current.
I get into the zone while shooting by: Saying a little prayer and not drinking too much coffee so I can close my eyes and relax a bit in hair and makeup. I also always dance a lot on set which always loosens me up!
My curvy style icon is: I would be lying to you if I said I had just one. I get style inspiration from all over and definitely from fellow curvy girls that I always see at Wilhelmina or at castings.
My favorite places to shop (online or stores): I am a big online shopper! I love to shop ASOS. I also love to shop little online boutiques quite often, there are always great finds online. In store, I love Top Shop, Urban Outfitters, Uniqlo for basics, and Zara.
Favorite style blogs? The Sartorialist and Models.com are two of my go to faves. I love to see all the fashion photo blogs on tumblr as well.
What projects are on the horizon? Essence was a big one for me! I also recently had the opportunity to shoot the look book and ad for the Isabel Toledo for Lane Bryant summer collection which will be out soon and walk the runway show which was so amazing!
What I loved most about working on ESSENCE's 'Curve Appeal' story in the April issue? Working the 'Curve Appeal' story was incredible! To be in Essence Magazine so soon was such an honor and every last person on set was so kind and created a fun and relaxed work environment which makes for great teamwork and final results. I think my favorite look was definitely the white turtleneck and pumps. It was such a fun and lovely look with just a little sass. I loved the Marilyn Monroe inspiration behind it!
