Greater Sudbury Northern Life  
Reitman's Group plus-size division, which includes Addition Elle, Penningtons and MXM and LOULOU Magazine, has launched Canada's Plus Size Model Search.
They are working with Montreal-based Specs Model Management.
The first of its kind in Canada, the Plus Size Model Search has been developed to create a nation-wide "buzz" that focuses on women size 14+ and to get across the message that plus is beautiful no matter what your shape or size.
"We are thrilled to partner again with LOULOU Magazine and for the first time, with Specs Model Management on this new and exciting venture," said Kerry Mitchell, president of Addition Elle and Penningtons, in a release.
"The contest is an extension of our mandate to empower full-figured women with a positive self image and we fervently believe in the premise that all women, no matter what their size, can look beautiful, fashionable and feel self-confident. It's who we are as a company."
The contest officially opened on Saturday, November 1st, and the deadline for entries is Dec. 30, 2008.
On Jan. 6, 2009, 10 semi-finalists will be selected and these lucky contestants will be flown to Montreal for a professional photo session which is scheduled for January 11th.
The grand finale will be in March, 2009 when the overall winner will be announced.
Contest prizes are a dream-come-true for any aspiring model and include:
     -   a one-year model
contract with Specs Model Management
     -   a $2,500 Shopping Spree
at Addition Elle, Penningtons or MXM
     -   a chance to appear as
the signature model in a company advertising
         campaign
Entries can be made online at plusmodelsearch.com, or by visiting additionelle.com, penningtons.com, mxm.ca, LOULOUMAGAZINE.com, and specsmodels.com.
Responses from interested contestants are already pouring in thanks to an early advertisement featured in the November, 2008 issue of LOULOU magazine's plus size supplement LOULOU for YOU.
"I'm excited that LOULOU magazine is associated with such a model search," says Claude Laframboise, editor-in-chief for LOULOU. "LOULOU magazine features fashion for women of all shapes and sizes, so it makes sense for us to be involved in finding plus-size models. I'm looking forward to helping discover a new plus size girl - and to find out where in Canada the winner will be from."
