The 2017 Face of Torrid Maria Gimena

Plus size retailer Torrid announced today, that the new face of the brand for 2017 and winner of their second annual model search contest is Uruguayan-born and New Jersey based, Latina plus size model Maria Gimena.

Gimena, won the title after over 10,000 plus size women applied for it by attending live casting calls  in Miami, Los Angeles, Nashville and New York. Last year the winner was chosen by a panel of judges but this year the fans voted for the winner on social media.

As part of her new role as the 2017 Face of Torrid, Maria received a modeling contract and Torrid wardrobe. She is also going to be hosting Torrid store openings and events as a brand ambassador, be featured in their seasonal fashion campaigns, as well as appear on the brand’s social media channels throughout the year.

The 2017 Face of Torrid Maria Gimena

Kate Horton, Torrid SVP and General Merchandising Manager had this to say about the model search and about Maria: “Last year we launched the model search to make one customer’s ultimate dream come true: to be the next Face of Torrid“, she also added: “This year we wanted to include our customers even more, so we let America vote and choose the winner. The results are in and Maria Gimena is their girl—and now, she’s officially the 2017 Face of Torrid. Maria is absolutely gorgeous, fearless and fashion obsessed. She’s everything Torrid is. And best of all, our customers love her”.

Maria took to Instagram to say thanks for her win:

Wining the face of torrid has been a blessing, and what feels to me a one in million opportunity. To know that I was picked by you guys out of so many amazing women it’s just un real to me, specially because I had the change to meet the top ten and when I say amazing women, I meant it. Torrid as a brand is an incredible platform for me to reach so many people and inspire them to do great. One thing about is that I may not be the best at something but I believe enough in myself to try again everyday and with that you get better! 😘 I hope that with Torrid’s help I can inspire other people to go after what they want with confident and to redefine the shallow misconception of beauty, because after all confident and beauty comes from within 💕🙌🏻 #torridxmaria @torridfashion a big thank you for making my dreams come true! 😘

A photo posted by M A R I A G I M E N A (@mariiagiimena) on Jan 18, 2017 at 8:52am PST

Congratulations to Maria, I am proud to see a Latina Plus Size Model making strides in the plus size fashion industry and congratulations to Torrid also for doing the model searches and giving all of this undiscovered talent an opportunity to shine. I look forward to seeing her shine bright.

To find out more about Torrid and their annual model search contest visit www.torrid.com for details.