It’s been a long time coming but brands are finally realising that beauty is very much in the eye of the beholder. In fact, there is now a much wider realisation that no two people – let alone a whole globe full of us – are ever likely to agree what makes an individual beautiful. […]
Published 10th March 2026
It’s been a long time coming but brands are finally realising that beauty is very much in the eye of the beholder.
In fact, there is now a much wider realisation that no two people – let alone a whole globe full of us – are ever likely to agree what makes an individual beautiful.
Beauty standards have changed over the centuries and even decades – and also vary greatly between countries and cultures.
The concept of being body positive, self-loving and proud of who we all are as individuals is gaining momentum and brands are realising they need to keep up with the times.
The days of willowy blondes being the ideal that all women aspire to and of men needing to be tall, muscular and tanned are now behind us.
In fact, why don’t you spend a little time examining the models that appear on your TV screens and social media posts – or those who smile out from billboards and promotions?
They are now more and more likely to be of all shapes, sizes, skin colours, ages and looks.
In addition, more and more brands are actively choosing to hire models with glasses, piercings and tattoos.
You will see more models with unique and distinct features, such as freckles and birthmarks.
And you will see more men, women and children with disabilities taking centre stage.
Recognising just how different each of us is shows a brand is forward-thinking, modern and inclusive, which is why we are now seeing more and more of them redefining their beauty standards.
Here at Models Direct, we could not, of course, be happier.
Since launching our business more than 35 years ago, we have been at the forefront of body positivity, inclusivity and diversity.
We have always promoted models of all ages, backgrounds, body shapes and looks – we have always celebrated our differences and driven change.
In addition, however, to celebrating body positivity because, quite simply, it is the right thing to do, brands are also increasingly realising its value in marketing.
After decades of trying to sell us their products through aspiration, they now realise we are far more likely to spend if the products and services are actually aimed at people like us.
We want to see people who truly represent us on screens, pages and hoardings – because most of us just do not identify with that willowy blonde or muscular young man.
This is why Models Direct is proud to have all sorts of different models on its books to put forward for assignments with clients.
Clare, for example, one of our female models, has a movement disorder called dystonia and was selected to star in a campaign for smart home provider Hive.
She told us afterwards:
“Yesterday, I had my first assignment with a company called Hive and I had a fantastic first shoot. They sent me a taxi to get to the location and I arrived in good time.
“Everyone was so friendly and reassured me as I was slightly nervous with it being my first assignment.
“I had to try on some different outfits to play wheelchair tennis.
“When they chose the outfit that they liked the best, I then had to do action shots with a tennis racquet as if I was leaving my house.
“Everyone from the wardrobe stylist, photographer and producer was amazing and put me at ease. They also arranged for a taxi to take me home.
“They were all very helpful and accommodating towards my disability.
“I can honestly say that I really enjoyed my first shoot and I look forward to more in the future!
“Thank you so much, Models Direct, for all of your help in getting me my first assignment and keeping in touch regularly and giving me all of the information that I needed for the assignment!”
And plus-size model Neri has been booked for a variety of jobs.
This is what she told us in her feedback after an assignment with Ideal World TV:
“I made the decision that perhaps I could become a plus-size model.
“I woke up one morning and decided I could show off my size 20 skills, just as well as those size 10 ladies.
“After about 10 minutes on Google, I didn’t stop to consider if I should apply, I just did it.
“I’ve always known I looked different, but Models Direct was the first one to see it as a potential selling point.
“Who knew my first assignment would end up being my regular income!”
If you are interested in finding out more about modelling with us and our emphasis on body positivity, simply fill in our form and wait for us to contact you.