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!!!