Skip to main content

Answering a Reader Question #96

Lady J Wrote:

Hi,

My question is, can models that are my height 5'4 actually have successful high fashion modeling careers and what does it take to get to that level? 

Hey, Lady J, thanks for the question, which I am sure is one that many have on their minds. At this current time in the industry, having a model at 5'4" in the high fashion modeling world is about as close to impossible as you can get. Petite modeling and commercial/print have always been alternatives for shorter models but the high fashion realm continues to be one that has managed to cling to the stringent height requirements for decades.

While some will mention exceptions to the rule, Kate Moss is not 5'4" and even though Devon Aoki is probably the shortest model to successfully strut down a high fashion catwalk, her modeling career was brief and she quickly pursued an acting career instead--not to mention that Kate Moss was her mentor. In essence, unless you are super connected on the Kate Moss level, the chances of being 5'4" and leading a purely high fashion career is slim to none. From agencies to designers and others involved in the industry, there is a lot of opposition in place for shorter models hoping to be taken seriously in this particular field.

Before you tell me that I'm negative and no better than the people trying to keep shorter models off the runway, let me explain. The answer I've provided above is the truth for the industry right now as it stands. However, I am optimistic that in the coming years shorter models will have their turn in the spotlight. I believe in everyone having a shot but that doesn't mean I'm going to sugarcoat what the industry is really all about. It does discriminate in many ways in order to maintain the facade they've come to know and associate with. It takes a long time to change a system and way of thinking. But in addition to sharing cold hard truths, I also believe in challenging the system and tossing out the old ways and welcoming new ideas.

Could things for shorter models change? Of course. The Bella Petite movement in particular is one organization that is making strides to gain public attention for shorter models and break the height barrier when it comes to all types of modeling. Only by drawing national attention and gaining a momentum of supporters, will shorter models have a shot at appearing on the runways and gaining the respect of all in the industry, instead of receiving widespread criticism. I highly suggest visiting the Bella Petite website, if you haven't done so already, to find out how the organization is helping to form a voice for women 5'5" and shorter.
Labels:

Comments

J. Bella said…
I appreciate the fact that you didn't sugar coat anything. I know some people have a problem hearing the truth, but please know that it was appreciated.
November 25, 2010 at 9:47 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

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

Male Models & Height

(This particular post is in reference to male models seeking to do fashion and runway modeling only, not commercial/print.) So I realize that many of my posts are directed at female models because, well, there are so many of them out there! But I do acknowledge and recognize the male models out there, too, and believe me I do my best to try and squeeze in posts that relate to you guys as well. While I will say that much of the information I provide (casting calls, submitting to agencies, etc.) can be applied to male modeling as well, I don't want anyone to get confused or feel they have to sort out exactly what applies to females and what applies to males so I decided to start trying to do more posts for male models or those aspiring to be one. The height factor is not just an issue with female models but male models as well. Unfortunately, there are even less "exceptions to the rule" when it comes to male models than female models. There are definitely the Ka...
61 comments
Read more

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