Skip to main content

Answering a Reader Question #266

Noelle Wrote:


Hi, Dania. I'm 15 and more likely than not not 5'8" like I've recently dreamed of being ever since I saw Rosie Huntington-Whiteley in Transformers 3: Dark of the Moon. My Dad is either a solid 6'0" or 6'1", but my mom is a severely disppointing -5'0". I will admit that i have fussed over my disapointment in not meeting the height requirements and have (I am sorry to admit) been slightly depressed about "not being good enough" for something so spectacular. I have looked up modeling agencies after having taken the initiative and joining my High School's Modeling Club and (again, sorry to admit) have cried over the fact that there are probably more beautifully petite models than there are beautifully prefered Sumpermodels. But I can't get over the fact that I have more likely than not reached the height requirement to become a Victoria's Secret Model, and, in the future, a Victoria's Secret Angel. I knwo it's time to quit moping around and start working for what I want. (I apologize for slightly venting and now on to my actual question) I would very much liek to know if there is any chance that, even with my not meeting the height requirement, that, if I was the best model I coudl be and signed with the right agencies, would Victoria's Secret quite possibly consider me to be a model? (And yes, I know about the age requirement also, and I've only got 3 years to go, thank God. and sorry for the ridiculously long comment and the more likely than not oddly worded question, lol.) 

Hi, Noelle! No apologies needed for venting...trust me, I've had my tantrums about the whole height issue over the past few years, lol. It is indeed frustrating to know that your options become dramatically reduced when you don't meet the industry's standards. However, I am glad to hear that you're ready to get in gear and try to make the most of things by working with what you have. To date, Victoria's Secret hasn't made any such exceptions for agency represented models that didn't meet the height requirement, among the other criteria. So at this point, I would say that the odds of such a thing happening would be super slim--I never say "impossible" but not likely. Sorry, sweetie. Right now VS has stuck with its magic formula and I doubt they would see any reason to change things the way they are. But I'm sure if a change or exception were to be made, we'd all know about it!

I know that's not the answer you were hoping for but please be encouraged by the fact that if you are currently a height that agencies would represent for modeling, you should go for it and see how far you can take it. Even if you don't become a VS model, if your agent markets you to the right clients, you could end up doing big things for another reputable company/client and establish yourself that way. Remember 5'5"-5'7" is ideal for commercial/print and 5'8"-6'0" is ideal for fashion/runway/editorial...petite modeling has yet to really gain a stronghold to the point where agencies are actively signing them on, although they are out there--it's just not as easy to begin a career in this category.

Good luck!!!
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Modeling and Weight

One of the first things I hear potential models ask is what the weight requirement for modeling is. Sometimes that is the main issue they worry about when it comes to pursuing modeling. Let me tell you right now that weight should NOT be one of those concerns. Obviously, the height requirement reigns supreme when measuring up to the modeling standards sought out by agencies. If you meet the height requirements--whether it's for fashion and runway or commercial/print--that is the first step towards starting on the path to modeling. How much you weigh shouldn't be your biggest fear. It is rare that anyone can look at someone and say, "Oh, my gosh, he/she looks like they are 5 pounds over our weight requirement!" It just isn't realistic. If you look at many modeling agency websites, they clearly list the age and height requirements--rarely, if at all do they list any weight restrictions. The general rule of thumb when it comes to weight is that for models who ...
6 comments
Read more

Modeling & Pay Rates: How Much Should You Charge?

(This post is more targeted towards freelance models and not those with agency representation, although it may apply to those that have an agent but continue to find their own work.) A part of being a successful model is making money from the jobs that you book. However, being a freelance model comes with many challenges--figuring out what you should charge is one of them. I will say upfront that there are no established black and white rules when it comes to pay rates. Each modeling job is different, each client is different and budgets vary. Ultimately the factors that should influence what you charge should be the amount of experience you have, the strength of the images in your portfolio and the client's budget/needs. Not every client is going to pay what you want to charge. There may be times when you will be skipped over for charging too much or taken advantage of for charging too little. It's going to happen so be prepared for it and do not take it personally. It...
37 comments
Read more

Want to Be a Victoria's Secret Model?

(*Due to the number of comments and questions I get from aspiring models about working for VS, please be sure to read my post on this very carefully. If you don't meet all of these requirements then you cannot become a model for VS. If you are not tall enough, if you are not signed to a top agency, your chances are not good.  If you don't meet the requirements, please don't be too upset about it. Find another field of modeling you may be good for. There are plenty of other modeling opportunities for models outside of being a VS angel. They may not be as good or as well-known as VS but it's better than nothing.) I know I’d jump at the chance to be offered a gig modeling for Victoria’s Secret (although I think they’d be irritated by Photoshopping my stretch marks HAHA, yeah, I said it, I’ve got stretch marks!). All silliness aside, the gals of Victoria’s Secret are probably the inspiration for a majority of aspiring models out there. Not only do they get to wear the s...
358 comments
Read more