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Answering a Reader Question #77

Marla Wrote:


Hello again! I've been wondering, what is the height requirement for commercial fashion? Can one really do it at less than 5'7"? I thought jobs for down-to-earth catalogues and things like that still went to more commercial looking fashion models as opposed to commercial print models. 

Hey, Marla! Great question. Commercial fashion is a subcategory of commercial/print and according to industry standards, the preferred height range for female models in this field is between 5'5"-5'7". So yes, print models do mainly get submitted for catalogs and other similar print work for commercial fashion. However, this is mostly the case for medium to smaller modeling markets. The larger markets (NYC, LA, etc.) have recently started submitting their fashion girls for commercial fashion, although they must possess more "commercial" features and a mainstream look that would appeal to consumers.

Model hopefuls that want to do commercial fashion in particular should not only fall within the height range I mentioned above but be on the slimmer side (not necessarily catwalk slim, though)--after all, there is fashion involved--but even though the clothes aren't on the haute couture level, models are still required to work with sample sizes. The strength of a model's agency, in addition to their location, will play a huge factor in booking these kinds of gigs.
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Marla said…
Thanks for the quick answer!

I guess the main reason why I'm confused is because I always hear that a tall model is important because of the designer's sample sizes. But the "commercial fashion" beyond the runway, in catalogues or at the mall is made for women with an average size of approximately 5'5" to 5'7", right? Or am I mistaken here?

So, are high fashion sizes different or do the designers want the whole focus on the dress (as opposed to how a dress looks worn) which is easier if you're really tall and really skinny and in effect a human hanger?
May 3, 2010 at 6:13 AM
Marla said…
And speaking of height; in the morning, after getting up, I'm 5'6.5" - but until the evening, a person can shrink up to an inch, until the spinal discs can "relax" and soak up moisture during the night again.

When exactly do model agencies want one to measure one's height? Or haven't they ever considered this phenomenon?
May 3, 2010 at 6:49 AM
Dania Denise said…
Hey, Marla! You'll find answers to each of your latest questions in their own posts, titled "Answering a Reader Question #78 and Answering a Reader Question #79."
May 14, 2010 at 10:25 PM
yourfriend:) said…
Hi Dania! My name is Mahri and I am 14. I was just signed with Ford models and I am 5' 7. Does this mean that I am strictly going to be doing print/ commercial work? I really wanted to go to a higher level, such as high fashion, I know that is a long way off though :) and advice would be appreciated!
June 17, 2010 at 6:32 PM
Dania Denise said…
Hello, Mahri, and thanks for the question! You'll find your answer in its own post, titled "Answering a Reader Question #81." Thanks for reading!
June 20, 2010 at 8:45 PM
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