MODEL
District of Curves · Est. 2014

DOC Next
Top Model
Year Two.

This is not a traditional modeling competition. We are looking for someone who owns her presence, represents her community, and is ready to show up — on camera, on the runway, and in every room she walks into.

Apply Now Applications Open June 1, 2026 · Winner Announced November 15, 2026
DOC Next Top Model
CALLOUT BAR
Applications Open June 1, 2026
Public Voting Opens July 1, 2026
Winner Announced November 15, 2026
Open To Nationwide
INTRO
About the Competition

The DMV's home for
plus-size talent.
Since 2014.

District of Curves has been the DMV's home for full-figured fashion since 2014. Every year, we put plus-size talent on the runway and in front of the camera. As a result, DOC Next Top Model has become the place where the next face of this movement gets discovered.

This is not a traditional modeling competition. Instead, we are looking for someone who owns her presence and represents her community. She is ready to show up — on camera, on the runway, and in every room she walks into.

Applications are open now. Additionally, the winner will be announced live at the Annual DOC Fashion Show on November 15, 2026. Don't wait — this is your moment.

Liesl Michelle — DOC Next Top Model Year One Winner Year One Winner — Liesl Michelle
LIESL WINNER SECTION
Liesl Michelle — DOC Next Top Model Winner Announcement
Liesl Michelle on the runway
Liesl Michelle on the runway
Year One Winner DOC Next Top Model · 2025

Liesl
Michelle

@liesl_michelle

Liesl Michelle made history as the first-ever DOC Next Top Model winner. She took the title in front of a live audience at the Annual DOC Fashion Show. From there, she stepped into a full year of brand activations, runway appearances, and editorial features under the District of Curves banner.

She showed up. She owned the room. As a result, she became the face of the movement. Now we're looking for Year Two.

Liesl Michelle — DOC Next Top Model Winner
Liesl Michelle
Liesl Michelle on runway
Liesl Michelle studio shoot
PRIZE
What the Winner Receives

More than a title.
A platform.

01 Professional Promo Shoot

A full production shoot with wardrobe, hair, and makeup all covered. Furthermore, your images will be featured across DOC promotional materials throughout the year.

02 Year-Long DOC Feature

Featured placement on DOC flyers, ads, signage, and digital content for the following year. In other words, you become the face of the movement.

03 Brand Partnership Access

When DOC secures brand deals, our winner is part of the conversation. Because of this, you get first access to brand opportunities as they come through the platform.

Finalists are required to attend the Annual DOC Fashion Show on November 15, 2026 at UMD Riggs Alumni Center. Attendance is mandatory — the winner will be announced live on stage.
TIMELINE
How It Works

Five phases.
One winner.

01
June 1, 2026 Applications Open

Submit your application and two videos. Free to apply. Open nationwide.

02
July 1, 2026 Public Voting

The community votes online. Your supporters matter — mobilize them.

03
TBA Semifinalists

Top contenders selected based on votes and panel review. Additional video challenges required.

04
TBA Five Finalists

Five finalists selected. Attendance at the November 15 show is mandatory — this is where the winner is announced.

05
November 15, 2026 Winner Announced

Live at the Annual DOC Fashion Show — UMD Riggs Alumni Center.

ELIGIBILITY
Who Can Apply

Built for women
who are done
being overlooked.

  • Women who wear a size 12 or above
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Open to applicants nationwide — not DMV only
  • All experience levels welcome — first-time and experienced models encouraged to apply
  • Free to apply — no entry fee
DOC Next Top Model
VIDEO REQUIREMENTS
Application Requirements

Two videos.
Your moment.

Your application includes two videos — no studio required. What we're looking for is presence, authenticity, and confidence. In short, show us who you are. Below you will find the requirements for each video.

Video 01 Why Do You Want to Be DOC's Next Top Model?

Tell us who you are, where you're from, and why you deserve this title. Make it personal. Make it real.

  • Maximum 5 minutes · MP4 or MOV
  • Film in a well-lit space — natural light or ring light both work
  • Look your best. Dress the way you'd show up to a professional opportunity — hair and makeup done.
  • Speak directly to camera. Remember, confidence and authenticity matter more than perfection.
Video 02 Runway Walk

Show us how you move. This is your runway moment — own it.

  • Maximum 5 minutes · MP4 or MOV
  • Before your walk begins, state your name, the date, and your location on camera
  • This must be an original video filmed for this application — no footage from another organization's runway or a previous competition
  • Wear something that reflects your personal style and makes you feel powerful. Hair and makeup done.
  • Walk as if the runway is yours. Posture, presence, and confidence are everything.
SEMIFINALIST ROUND
Semifinalist Round

Make the cut.
Then show us more.

Semifinalists will be notified and asked to complete two additional video challenges. Specifically, this is where we separate contenders from competitors. Both challenges test how well you know yourself and your community.

Challenge 01 Style Challenge

Film yourself putting together a complete look from your own closet. No shopping allowed. Show us how you style for your body and your taste. Then explain your choices on camera.

Challenge 02 Community Voice

Tell us what plus-size representation means to you and why it matters right now. However, don't give a speech. Instead, talk to us the way you'd talk to your followers.

DOC runway
Liesl Michelle
APPLY CTA
APPLY
DOC Next Top Model · Year Two

Think you have
what it takes?
Prove it.

Applications open June 1, 2026. Best of all, it's free to apply and open to women nationwide. The winner will be announced live at the Annual DOC Fashion Show on November 15, 2026.

Apply Starting June 1 → Questions? Contact us  ·  @districtofcurves

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