Hey Lu,

I am a 6ft African American model with dreadlocks. My measurements are 34-29-43 and I am 176lbs. I have an excellent runway walk and I love true fashion, but it seems that due to my super amazon body type, I am only being approached by "men magazine" types. When I do go to fittings for shows most of the clothes are sizes 2-4 and can't fit me. I recently felt like I should try to lose a lot of weight to conform to the "runway" body type. Is there real fashion work for a model of my size? Should I tone, or seriously try to lose weight and inches? I am extremely happy with how I look, I have great self esteem, but I also want to be a real model. Not just urban fashion shows and spreads. I don't want to go the men's magazine route either. What do you think?

Dear Great Self Esteem,

How old are you? Age plays a big factor in this and your weight has certain limits. Lets face it.
Facts:
1. Size 2, 4, and 6 are High Fashion runway.
2. You must have an agent to make a living at modeling.
3. No job is worth making yourself sick! (anorexia and bulimia are not options)
4. America still considers dread locks as urban.
Have you considered full figured modeling. They make great money and sound like you would be perfect.

-Lu

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