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Height in Modeling
Usually the less 'catwalk' heights are seen in editorials, many of the models at LMFF 2007 sat around the 6'1" mark. But there is always the exception to the rule - some of the models, notably some supplied by Viviens, seemed to be around the 5'6" mark, which is the same as the lovely Kate Moss.
LMFF the 'short' girls were 5'8", the 'average' girl was 5'10" and above. Though height is becoming less of an issue as BMIs are being looked at. If you can count your ribs in a swimsuit you won't get any work regardless of height. A lot more designers seem to be sampling a large 8 or even a 10 which was almost entirely unheard of 5 years ago.
I think it's great designers are making their samples larger. I worked in London for a short while 2 years ago and I ended up quite ill from being told to slim down constantly (I'm a small uk size 10) Luckily I escaped from it before I caused myself any real damage but some girls aren't as lucky!
Height in modelling is pretty enforced unless you have 'it'. Something that makes people sit up and notice you and make them take a chance. I'm referring to the legitimate agencies here, not the ones that charge a joining fee and take some snaps of you then never contact you again.
In terms of print work and commercial work (television ads etc) you can get away with being shorter. Its a little know fact that most models in car ads are quite petite so that the cars look bigger and roomier for example.
All of this said, I am only 5'2", and I model regularly. I'll never be in Vogue, but I love the work I'm doing. I'll also never be signed with an agency because of my height. But instead of stewing over that I went and made my own luck :)
(I should add that I have done runway work, but I'll never trot the boards at AFW. Not unless I know a designer who wants to make a statement, lol)
In terms of print work and commercial work (television ads etc) you can get away with being shorter. Its a little know fact that most models in car ads are quite petite so that the cars look bigger and roomier for example.
All of this said, I am only 5'2", and I model regularly. I'll never be in Vogue, but I love the work I'm doing. I'll also never be signed with an agency because of my height. But instead of stewing over that I went and made my own luck :)
(I should add that I have done runway work, but I'll never trot the boards at AFW. Not unless I know a designer who wants to make a statement, lol)
Post Last Updated: 05.04.2007 at 18.44
Height is an issue and virtually an absolute barrier for most top international agencies, usually at about 5ft 9.
The rationale for this is that top agencies wish to only focus on where they see the big money/kudos coming from and that is from the top designers/companies and especially haute couture. They look to fulfil the requirement from these clients for long lean girls and the dimensions are fairly tight on not just height but also bust waist and hips. The clients want girls like this for many reasons; that the clothes look better on long lean models, that their customers aspire to look like that, that their brand should not be connected with small dumpy women, that there is some unspoken relationship between long and lean and sophistication and wealth, (not true lol), and many more reasons. The accepted norm therefore, for runway models, is to be of that shape and stature and despite what you may read in the press, I have seen very little change in this. Donât believe all of this hype about BMI checks etc, It is all PR spin. My BMI is below 18 as are some others. We are though very healthy and extremely fit; you have to be at this level.
If, as well as having the right body dimensions, one also has a new and striking face, then not only will your chances of being contracted be increased but also the work you get will be larger, Gemma and Lily are prime examples and can lead to campaign work.
Top runway modelling is though just one of many types of modelling and there are opportunities in other fields for shorter girls. It is important that you are proportioned for your size though. Being a bit tubby/big breasted will just lead you to the lower ends of the modelling.
So donât despair if you are under 5 9 ish, but equally, be realistic that it is very unlikely one of the normal top agencies will take you on.
Moi
x
The rationale for this is that top agencies wish to only focus on where they see the big money/kudos coming from and that is from the top designers/companies and especially haute couture. They look to fulfil the requirement from these clients for long lean girls and the dimensions are fairly tight on not just height but also bust waist and hips. The clients want girls like this for many reasons; that the clothes look better on long lean models, that their customers aspire to look like that, that their brand should not be connected with small dumpy women, that there is some unspoken relationship between long and lean and sophistication and wealth, (not true lol), and many more reasons. The accepted norm therefore, for runway models, is to be of that shape and stature and despite what you may read in the press, I have seen very little change in this. Donât believe all of this hype about BMI checks etc, It is all PR spin. My BMI is below 18 as are some others. We are though very healthy and extremely fit; you have to be at this level.
If, as well as having the right body dimensions, one also has a new and striking face, then not only will your chances of being contracted be increased but also the work you get will be larger, Gemma and Lily are prime examples and can lead to campaign work.
Top runway modelling is though just one of many types of modelling and there are opportunities in other fields for shorter girls. It is important that you are proportioned for your size though. Being a bit tubby/big breasted will just lead you to the lower ends of the modelling.
So donât despair if you are under 5 9 ish, but equally, be realistic that it is very unlikely one of the normal top agencies will take you on.
Moi
x
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