Anna Scholz Blog

Australian Super-model Robyn Lawley’s career keeps going from strength to strength. She has appeared on the covers of Italian Vogue and French Elle. She is also the first plus-size model to grace the pages of Australian Vogue.

And…(pssst- lean in closer) just to let you in on a little secret…she is the model for Anna Scholz’s Spring-Summer 2012 White Label collection campaign. Stay tuned for those stunning photos shot on location in Marrakech!

Here, Robyn answers Anna’s special questionnaire with flair!

What is your favourite part of your body?
My legs

Your personal Oscars : Favourite male actor/ favourite female actress ?
Tom Hanks, Jodie Foster

Where will you be in 5 years?
Modeling, dj-ing and hopefully designing

Who would be your dream date?
Brad Pitt

What superpower would you like to possess?
Teleportation– Then I wouldn’t have to fly anymore (hahaha)

What has been your greatest achievement?
Being on the cover of Vogue –It has not been an overnight success

What has been your happiest moment?
When I was overseas for nearly a year, returning to Australia to see all my family there at the airport waiting for me will always be my most cherished memory.

What is your greatest fear?
Losing my sisters

What makes you sad?
Animal cruelty

How do you relax?
Watch movies that remind me of home

Heels or flats?
Flats

Black or white?
Black

Where would you like to be right now?
In bed

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
Be kind

What is your favourite song?
Probably Radiohead’s “Everything in Its Right Place”

What is your guiltiest pleasure?
Nutella

What do you appreciate most in your friends?
Honesty

What is your idea of happiness?
Being content with who you are

Originally from North Carolina, but a Londoner since 1990, Jocelyn Brown has been a successful R&B and dance music singer and writer for many years.

Anna definitely danced to Jocelyn’s hit song “Somebody Else’s Guy” when she was growing up. And Jocelyn has been wearing Anna’s designs with much flair for many seasons.

Oh, and here’s an interesting bit of trivia: In 1990, the electronica group Snap! Sampled the line “I’ve got the power” (yeah, that one…you all know it!) from Jocelyn’s 1986 dance hit, “Love’s Gonna Get You” for their worldwide hit song, “The Power”.

What is your favourite part of your body?

My toes

Where will you be in 5 years?

Singing and writing in my house in Spain

Who would be your dream date?

A handsome, strong, God-fearing man who isn’t BROKE

What superpower would you like to possess?

One to cure cancer and all other health problems

What is your favourite movie?

The Color Purple

What is your favourite restaurant?

Mr.Chan

What has been your greatest achievement?

Creating some great music

What has been your happiest moment?

Giving birth to my daughter

What is your greatest fear?

Fear of heights

Which living person do you most admire and why?

My sister! Against all odds, she is strong and surviving

What trait do you most dislike about yourself?

I can be so soft

What makes you sad?

War, babies suffering, people not having homes or clean water

How do you relax?

Write songs and listen to gospel music

Who is your favourite designer?

Anna Scholz

Heels or flats?

Flats

Black or white?

Black

Where would you like to be right now?

Somewhere in the Caribbean

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

That you must have faith

How would you like to be remembered?

That I was a loving and caring person that loves God

What is your favourite song?

“Walking” by Mary Mary

What has been your biggest disappointment?

Watching the music business take advantage of young artists and musicians

Have you ever said ‘I love you’ and not meant it?

NO

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

CHOCOLATE CAKE AND FRIED CHICKEN

What is the worst thing anyone ever said to you?

That I would never be nothing

What do you appreciate most in your friends?

Their honesty and love

What is your idea of happiness?

Being loved and appreciated

If not yourself who would you like to be?

An explorer

Aimee Cheshire is the owner and driving force behind Madison Plus, the blog and web shop for the fashionable plus-size woman. Madison Plus is an interactive and personalized shopping experience and guide. It offers shopping, style tips, trends and street style, info on plus models, the latest news in the plus-size fashion industry and celebrity news. Madison Plus has been a great source of information and inspiration for the Anna Scholz blog. We have done a little guest blogging for each other as well.

What is your favourite part of your body?

My lips and legs.

Where will you be in 5 years?

Running Madison Plus and maybe in the world of mommy-hood.

Who would be your dream date?

Eugene Hutz of Gogol Bordello. I have a crush.

What superpower would you like to possess?

Invisibility would be handy because I am nosey.

What is your favourite movie?

Amelie, and the original Hairspray. Tracy Turnblad showed me my shape shouldn’t matter.

What is your favourite restaurant?

No clue where to start but if I could do any meal again it would be the tasting menu I experienced at La Truffiere in Paris. It was full of all the decadent things I love in life: red wine, fois gras, bone marrow, and cheese. I live in Brooklyn so I am very lucky to have a good collection of restaurants at my fingertips like Rye, Fette Sau and Traif.

What has been your greatest achievement?

Being able to watch my dreams unfold with Madison Plus.

What has been your happiest moment?

Meeting my hubby– I knew immediately my world of dating was over.

What is your greatest fear?

Losing my support system of family and friends.

Which living person do you most admire and why?

Natalie Manhasset. I love that she has been able master the work/family balance while creating Net-A-Porter. I am all about working, but without a proper balance you end up losing your passion, drive and vision.

What trait do you most dislike about yourself?

I have the memory of a goldfish. I would like it to be more like an elephant.

What makes you sad?

When polar bears die.

How do you relax?

For immediate relaxing I love yoga, a book and a bottle of wine.

Who is your favourite designer?

L’Wren Scott. She doesn’t follow the trends and has an elegance that she adds to the pieces she makes. Now we just need to get her to do plus.

Heels or flats?

Flats, with a heel or two here and there. I am a casual girl at heart, but I know how to do it up when needed.

Black or white?

Black– I’m a New Yorker

Where would you like to be right now?

Mountain Lake, my family’s cottage, where I can totally disconnect from the world by rowing a boat, swimming, playing cards, reading and staring at the stars. It’s a good place to be.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

To persevere. When things are difficult and anything but fun, I keep the mindset that this is happening for a reason and all will be fine once it’s over. The greater plan always reveals itself.

How would you like to be remembered?

I hope that my work in the plus industry will make a difference and, of course, being the best wife ever.

What is your favourite song?

Such a tough question. I have so many favourites it depends on my mood, time of day….Here are a few from my top played on my iPod: The Constellations – “Setback”, Gogol Bordello – “Pala Tute”, Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – “40 Day Dream”.

What has been your biggest disappointment?

I’ve had quite a few; don’t be disappointed if I don’t mention them.

Have you ever said ‘I love you’ and not meant it?

I am sure it’s slipped out a few times; sometimes you just can’t stop yourself from saying it.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

Can I have more then one? If so, then I have at least a handful. Here is a selection pack: fois gras; a bottle of Chateau Rayas; an email-free day; bacon.

What is the worst thing anyone ever said to you?

There is a famous Hollywood actress I crossed paths with many moons ago who I overheard speak very badly about my shape. While it was far from the worst thing, it always stuck with me and then she became famous, and now I get to remember it every time I see her.

That being said, I am sure she is just lovely now. You’re not always at your best when you’re young.

What do you appreciate most in your friends?

Loyalty, humour.

What is your idea of happiness?

So many equations in life that will equal happiness. I know I experience happiness in its purest form when I am at home with my husband, friends and family.

If not yourself who would you like to be?

Renzo my cat; he leads a very relaxing and cozy life.

California-based denim designer Jessica Svoboda is loved by women worldwide for her amazing jeans for the curvier figure. She and Anna Scholz have collaborated on jeans designs in the past, and she runs her own popular website, svobodastyle.com.

Here she gives us the skinny on the woman behind the perfect plus-size jeans.

What is your favourite part of your body?

My brain

What superpower would you like to possess?

I know it doesn’t sound very exciting, but I really wish I was a whiz at math.  Does that count?

Jessica Oscars : favourite male actor / favourite female actress?

To be honest, I am tired talking about actors & actresses.  There are amazing men and women doing things we never get to hear about – men and women who are creating, thinking, and making advances far more important to the world and its future than entertaining the masses. But we don’t have the pleasure of being exposed to or inspired by these men and women, because the press is too busy covering the latest celebrity divorce, breakdown, etc.  I think it is time they focus on the real life stories, real people, and not just regurgitate the stars’ press releases.

Which living person do you most admire and why?

Oprah.  I think “why” is self-explanatory.

Where will you be in 5 years?

I’d love to say that I have a 5-year plan; but 5 years ago I couldn’t have planned where I was going to be today, and I don’t think I should put a limit on what the next 5 years will bring.

Who is your favourite designer?

Probably you! It is very hard for me to choose a designer outside the plus-size realm, because it is all I get to really experience.

What is your favourite movie?

Dances with Wolves

What is your favourite restaurant?

This is a hard one, there are so many. Urth Café in West Hollywood – I frequent it often enough.

What is your favourite song?

I love indie music. I tend to prefer smooth female voices or solo male guitarists. Right now, I am listening to: “I’m Gone” by Sumter Pendergrast and “Star Fucker” by Ninja Betty and the Nunchix (a group headed by my friend Natalie Ferraro).

What trait do you most dislike/ like about yourself?

These two go hand and hand.  What I dislike about myself is that I am a slight procrastinator.  The thing I most like about myself is that once I have committed, I am able to pull off, in short time, what others could never with a ton of planning.

What has been your greatest achievement?

I would hope I haven’t achieved it, yet.

What is your greatest fear?

Most fears are irrational, but death (of yourself or your loved ones) can only be delayed (not eliminated entirely) – so why fear it, right?

What makes you sad?

A person with without hope, dreams or a life to truly call their own.  i.e., children sold into slavery, women married off to old men when they hit puberty.

Heels or flats?

Heels on everyone else. Flats on me.  Is that fair to say?  Visually, I love the concept of heels, but there came a point in my early 30s when I could no longer stand to wear heels.  In fact, I simply refuse.

Black or white?

Shades of ivory, grey and brown – in clothing, and in life – because it is in these colors where everything is possible and nothing is absolute.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

That no one is ever defined by or limited to our past.  In this global, digital world, absolutely anything can happen.  You can reinvent yourself or be obsolete in less than 3 months.

How would you like to be remembered?

An imperfect person with perfect intentions.

How do you relax?

A $125 aroma therapy scrub massage from my favorite Korean Spa!

What has been your biggest disappointment? Your happiest moment?

It is a funny thing.  I don’t really remember the lows or highs.  To be honest, I can’t think of one – either way.

Have you ever said ‘I love you’ and not meant it?

No. It may be that I say “I love you” often and to many people, but love is something I give away pretty freely – so, in that very moment, if even only for a fleeing second, my love is true; it’s mine to give and I am giving it to the person with whom I am offering those three words.

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

The freedom to do whatever I want, whenever I want.

Where would you like to be right now?

I guess where I am.

What do you appreciate most in your friends?

Intense intelligence. Brutal honesty.  The ability to share and listen openly, in a non-judgmental way. Loyalty. Affection.

What is your idea of happiness?

A quiet evening on the patio of my parents’ lakefront home in Minnesota.  Great food, wine and conversation surrounded by the sunset, my parents, my husband, my siblings and the ones we love.  Absolute bliss are the nights when dinner is followed by songs and s’mores around a beach bonfire.

If not yourself who would you like to be?

I would love to be someone brilliant like Bill Gates. Someone influential like Oprah.  I also think I would have found being Condoleezza Rice or Hillary Clinton (during their time as the Secretary of State) pretty damn interesting.

We’re having a lot of fun with our latest blog feature in which we bring interesting people closer to you!

Recently, Gary Dakin lent his usual mix of humour and humanity to Anna’s questionnaire.

Gary Dakin runs Ford 12+ with Ford Models in New York– the most famous plus-size division in the world! He represents Crystal Renn (he even walked her down the aisle at her wedding) and Tara Lynn, among others, and is responsible for their increased visibility in mainstream media.

He has always championed plus models in the fashion industry, and equality in the world overall.

What is your favourite part of your body?
Does my voice count? If not, then my lips.

Gary Oscars: Favourite male actor/ favourite female actress?
Colin Firth this year and, of course, Natalie Portman.

Where will you be in 5 years?
Ushering in the next stars of the industry during the week and relaxing on the beach on the weekends.

What would be your dream date?
Ice skating in Central Park followed by a nice walk through the snow toward Bethesda Fountain. (Actually happened!)

What superpower would you like to possess?
Invisibility

What is your favourite movie?
Dangerous Liasons

What is your favourite restaurant?
LaConde Verde in NYC.

What has been your greatest achievement?
Having been a part of a movement that accepts women of all sizes in more areas of fashion than ever before.

What has been your happiest moment?
They keep getting better, so I will let you know when the big one comes!

What is your greatest fear?
That the happiest moment occurred and I didn’t recognize it.

Which living person do you most admire and why?
My mother. She has always pushed me to get the hell out and live my dreams whether I was afraid or not. She continues to inspire me with her support and love always!

What trait do you most dislike about yourself?
I am quite possibly the most stubborn person you will ever meet.

What makes you sad?
Inequality

How do you relax?
Rose on the beach with friends.

Who is your favourite designer?
Lanvin

Heels or flats?
Women should always have a HOT pair of heels in their bag if not on their feet!

Black or white?
Both

Where would you like to be right now?
Here in NYC.

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?
“No” is not an option.

How would you like to be remembered?
As someone who stood up against inequality and hopefully made even a small difference.

What is your favourite song?
“Dear Mr. President”.

What has been your biggest disappointment?
The inability for others to be self-aware.

Have you ever said “I love you” and not meant it?
Hel-lo, I am in fashion.  ;-)

What is your guiltiest pleasure?
REALLY bad TV, and shopping.

What is the worst thing anyone ever said to you?
No

What is your idea of happiness?
Fire Island at 7am with my dog, a cup of tea and no one in sight.

What do you appreciate most in your friends?
They call it like it is and always listen to me even if they couldn’t care less about how “tough” my day was.

If not yourself, who would you like to be?
Pretty content to be me. Wouldn’t mind being me with a little more cash though.

We’ve got an exciting new feature on our blog in which we bring interesting people closer to you!

This time, fashion photographer, model and plus-size icon Velvet D’Amour has fun with Anna’s questionnaire.

Your Oscars: Favourite male actor/ favourite female actress?

JOHN MALCOVITCH/DAME JUDY DENCH

Where will you be in 5 years?

OFF ON YET ANOTHER ADVENTURE!

Who would be your dream date?

MY LOVELY FIANCE

What superpower would you like to possess?

THE ABILITY TO FLY

What is your favourite movie?

AVIDA, OF COURSE, LOL

What is your favourite restaurant?

TOO MANY TO NAME

What has been your greatest achievement?

RAISING 54,000 EUROS FOR MISSING AND ABUSED CHILDREN

What has been your happiest moment?

TOO MANY TO MENTION

What is your greatest fear?

I HAVE ALWAYS HAD A FEAR/FASCINATION OF SHARKS, CROCS AND SNAKES. AND I FACED MY FEAR OF SNAKES WHEN IN SOUTH AFRICA, ONLY TO GET BITTEN! VERY INTERESTING EXPERIENCE INDEED!

Which living person do you most admire and why?

I ADMIRE PEOPLE WHO ARE PHILANTHROPIC: OPRAH, ANGELINA JOLIE AND BILL GATES, AMONG OTHERS

What trait do you most dislike about yourself?

IMPATIENCE AND LACK OF TECHNOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE

What makes you sad?

PREJUDICE

How do you relax?

SWEDISH MASSAGE AND A HOT CANDLELIT BUBBLE BATH

Who is your favourite designer?

I LOVE THIERRY MUGLER, ALEXANDER MCQUEEN AND, OF COURSE, GALLIANO AND GAULTIER

Heels or flats?

HEELS

Black or white?

WHITE

Where would you like to be right now?

MALDIVES

What is the most important lesson life has taught you?

TO REVEL IN EACH PRECIOUS MOMENT

How would you like to be remembered?

SPREADING SUNSHINE

What is your favourite song?

“TO BE REAL”!

What has been your biggest disappointment?

I HAVEN’T REALLY HAD ONE AS I BELIEVE THAT EVERYTHING WE EXPERIENCE HAPPENS FOR A REASON AND IS ANOTHER CHANCE TO GROW AND DEVELOP

Have you ever said ‘I love you’ and not meant it?

NEVER

What is your guiltiest pleasure?

NO PLEASURE MAKES ME GUILTY– THUS, DECADENCE!

What is the worst thing anyone ever said to you?

WE ARE OUT OF DARK CHOCOLATE

What do you appreciate most in your friends?

MY FRIENDS ARE MY TRUE FAMILY AND IT IS THEIR ABILITY TO MAKE ME LAUGH THAT I MOST OFTEN APPRECIATE

What is your idea of happiness?

TO LOVE AND TO BE LOVED

If not yourself who would you like to be?

I WOULDN’T WANT TO BE ANYONE BUT ME!