Rising star on how she puts super-skinny models in the shade to land lingerie jobs around the globe
“When I was 18, I moved to London and the work just took off. There is a big market for curvy models and it just keeps growing.
“The world of modell ing has definitely become more versatile, with many of the big fashion houses being banned for using underweight models.
“Being super-skinny is fine for the catwalk where models are wearing designers’ samples but the high street stores are selling clothes for real women and they now want curvier and more natural girls to model them.”
Melissa, who is also signed to agencies in London, Milan and Hamburg, added: “I am constantly busy doing work for stores, magazines and websites. There is
a massive market for and we like to see each other do well. My first modelling job was with my sister for Schuh magazine when I was 10. I suppose, since then, she has been my inspiration.”
Melissa, who has just celebrated her 21st birthday in Croatia and Thailand, would love to become an actress.
She said: “When I was little, I always wanted to be an actress. I would copy the child actors on Disney Channel, which drove my parents crazy.
“I’m taking acting classes in London in between my modelling jobs and my dream is to sign with a modelling and acting agency in LA.
“I like making people laugh so I would love a funny girl role.”
Melissa, who describes her style as boho chic, added: “Modelling has given me the strength to tackle the world of acting. Both have the ability to mess with your mind but modelling has taught me not to take knock-backs personally.
‘‘If someone closes the door, it’s not because there is something wrong with you, it’s because they had a different look in mind during casting.
“I’m loving life at the minute and am looking forward to more shoots, lots of travelling, hard work and fun. Going down the modelling route is the best decision I ever made.”
Alison Bruce, of Colours, said: “Melissa is a fantastic model, with an incredible work ethic, who will succeed at whatever she sets her mind to. She has an amazing figure and the amount of work she gets is testament to the diversity and versatility of today’s model ling business.”