Room157 wrote:
I didn’t read all that…

Height matters because designers cut their samples to fit a certain type model. They don’t waste time cutting samples to fit models of all height and weight etc.

Agencies hire models with a specific height and build to fit those samples.

^This

Every job has certain requirements, if you don't meet the requirements find a different job.  I know it sounds harsh, but that's the way it is and it isn't about to change any time soon.  Yes, girls who are not agency standard can make it through internet modeling if they can find a niche and work really hard.  But Milan fashion week doesn't care how big the stars in your eyes are, they need the clothes to fit properly.  Designers make clothing a certain size and they will select the models that fit the clothes.  It's difficult enough to make an entire collection in time, let alone have the collection in all different sizes.  Plus a fashion show is a show- it's a presentation, it needs to look professional.  Have you ever noticed that in high fashion shows all the models look the same?  Same height?  Same look?  They do that for a reason.  It's not because a short model can't necessarily walk down the runway as gracefully, it's because it will look silly if you have a handful of really short girls sandwiched between 5'10"-6' girls.

Little Alice wrote:

^This

Every job has certain requirements, if you don't meet the requirements find a different job.  I know it sounds harsh, but that's the way it is and it isn't about to change any time soon.  Yes, girls who are not agency standard can make it through internet modeling if they can find a niche and work really hard.  But Milan fashion week doesn't care how big the stars in your eyes are, they need the clothes to fit properly.  Designers make clothing a certain size and they will select the models that fit the clothes.  It's difficult enough to make an entire collection in time, let alone have the collection in all different sizes.  Plus a fashion show is a show- it's a presentation, it needs to look professional.  Have you ever noticed that in high fashion shows all the models look the same?  Same height?  Same look?  They do that for a reason.  It's not because a short model can't necessarily walk down the runway as gracefully, it's because it will look silly if you have a handful of really short girls sandwiched between 5'10"-6' girls.

This is true in any job. If you train to be a pediatrician, you may have trouble getting a position as a gerontologist. If you train to be an auto mechanic, you may have trouble getting a position as an airplane mechanic. I suspect that modeling, like sports, requires certain physical attributes over which you have no control- if you're 5'0" you will have a lot of trouble wanting to play in the NBA- if you're 6'7" 250# you may have a lot of trouble wanting to play professional tennis.

Unlike many other careers, modeling has a similar set of physical requirements, which no amount of training or studying or schooling can overcome. This is not to say that there are no options, but it takes extra effort to overcome the requirements of one type of modeling if they are physical requirements out of your control.

Selentia-Group wrote:
I'm quite sure a 5'4 model would sleep more comfortably in a cage than a 5'8' model.

Mate - That's just stupid - build a bigger cage...

GAF Pix wrote:
the issue with this is designers have to create for different sizes and lengths for people of different height.

No, they don't.

Shon D.- Femme wrote:
No, they don't.

I tried to point this out earlier but the myth persists.
So as most of the size 8/10 AP samples were made on me did they have to do a new lot of stuff for Silvia Dimitrova who is 3 inches taller? Of course not. And I did runway with her too.

Yes height is most definitely a barrier in fashion but let us not make up silly reasons why huh?

Samantha Schiumo wrote:
Just Curious...

Why does Height matter in this industry????

I'm 5'4 & 130lbs (mostly all muscle)

You're cute, but you'd look like a dwarf on a runway and the clothes would all drag on the floor.





Just my $0.02

Ciao
Stefano

www.stefanobrunesci.com

Stefano Brunesci wrote:
You're cute, but you'd look like a dwarf on a runway and the clothes would all drag on the floor.





Just my $0.02

Ciao
Stefano

www.stefanobrunesci.com

My new catwalk shoes

Make me 5ft 11". I would defy the average 5ft 11" model to take two steps in them; and her head would drag on the ceiling 

SCOUT wrote:
^ Many of the shoes on the runways lately are taller than those, the 5'11" girls did just fine. ;-)

Taller girls make the clothes look better with less retouching and less work. Even  more commercial fashion clients like JC Penney's and Macy's are requesting that the girls be 5'10 and above - and that's for Juniors.

I have also seen taller models unable to walk in heels well under 6 inches.
As I said I did runway for Agent Provocateur and was their size 8/10 fitting model for 18 months; everything made on me so I think it would look ok on me no?  Anyway I had no complaints. Two runway shows booked in London too shortly so I guess I must look okay. I am not an editorial model but I think Kate Moss doesn't cause too much retouching; she is about the same height as me.

It is harder of course; and one doesn't get as much fashion work as a tall model; but these retouching and fitting excuses are really, really lame.

Eliza C wrote:

My new catwalk shoes

Make me 5ft 11". I would defy the average 5ft 11" model to take two steps in them; and her head would drag on the ceiling 

5'11" models in these shoes become 6'4".

Eliza C wrote:
I have also seen taller models unable to walk in heels well under 6 inches.
As I said I did runway for Agent Provocateur and was their size 8/10 fitting model for 18 months; everything made on me so I think it would look ok on me no?  Anyway I had no complaints. Two runway shows booked in London too shortly so I guess I must look okay. I am not an editorial model but I think Kate Moss doesn't cause too much retouching; she is about the same height as me.

It is harder of course; and one doesn't get as much fashion work as a tall model; but these retouching and fitting excuses are really, really lame.

How are they excuses? You were a FIT model who had an exceptional career (or at least you were the exception for one lingerie brand that you got to walk for.) You are not the rule, you are the exception.  The girls walking runways for major clients now are nowhere NEAR a size 8 and they are certainly not short. I don't really understand why people object to the truth. Designers are not going to go out of their way to find clothes that fit the model. They are going to find models that fit their clothes. That is why the template exists.

Shon D.- Femme wrote:
-  The girls walking runways for major clients now are nowhere NEAR a size 8

I'm guessing Eliza's referring to a UK 8 (US 4).

Shon D.- Femme wrote:
I don't really understand why people object to the truth. Designers are not going to go out of their way to find clothes that fit the model. They are going to find models that fit their clothes. That is why the template exists.

Agreed.

However, lingerie is a bit of an exception in that it's more about fit/shape on the body than about draping/hang, and therefore the shape of the model may be more important than her height in some cases. If Eliza was a fit model for AP then I guess it made sense for her to walk in their shows too, especially if they were solely lingerie.

Eliza C wrote:
My new catwalk shoes make me 5ft 11". I would defy the average 5ft 11" model to take two steps in them; and her head would drag on the ceiling 

'Your' catwalk shoes? Why are you not wearing the shoes the designer picks out for you like all the other girls? If a 5'11" girl's head scrapes the ceiling in heels then it must be a pretty low ceiling!

You may have been an exception for AP and may have a relationship with your clients that gets you some runway work at times. Nobody's disputing that. But in general terms, 5'6" is too short for runway work and 99% of 5'6" girls will be turned away by agencies for that reason, let alone 5'3" girls like the OP.




Just my $0.02

Ciao
Stefano

www.stefanobrunesci.com

Samantha Schiumo wrote:
Just Curious...

Why does Height matter in this industry????

I'm 5'4 & 130lbs (mostly all muscle)

I've been told by MANY photographers that "You're too muscular to do editorial" "You're too short for fashion" "You're too fat to even model"
Just like EVERY model in this modeling world, I've heard every critique in the book. Now, it doesn't get under my skin anymore...except the height issue.

I know there are petite agencies out there but, I believe there isn't enough compared to the high fashion world. For years I've been trying to get represented either in the fitness, commercial or petite field but, the majorirty of agencies all focus on the beautiful 5'8 & up models. I feel like us "little people" deserve more credit than we recieve. Why are we..well..neglected compared to the "tall models?" We breathe the same air so, why can't we walk the same walk or pose the same pose?
I'm pretty sure if you put a $10,000 diamond necklace piece on a 5'8 model, it'll look just as good if a 5'4 model wears it.
I'm pretty sure if a 5'8 model struts her stuff on the runway wearing Victoria Secret lingerie, it'll look just as sexy if a 5'4 model does her diva walk.
What do "tall models" have that "We" don't? Just longer legs or am I missing something? I don't get it.

For example, I met with an agent yesterday & she was shocked to hear I was 5'4. She said in my photos I looked 5'8...Also, not trying to toot my own horn but a few years ago I did a runway show & it was me & another petite model surrounded by five other tall beautiful skyscrapping woman! After the show the owner of the fashion line pulled me aside & said I was the best walker! Ofcourse hearing these compliments build my confidence yet I can't help but it go through one ear & out the other because my height will never take me to "new heights!"

I believe all models are equal yet unique in their own way! We're not perfect but we do share the same passion! We have our strengths & weaknesses! I just don't understand why popular agencies are strict regarding height..No matter what size we are, we all deserve to prove our talent is one of a kind

**And please don't misinterpret my message into thinking I have grudges against "tall people!" I'm just honestly & sincerely curious on who made this "rule book" on why it seems like the taller you are, the further you succeed in modeling.**

God Bless!!!!

About half of this is about your weight.  You make it clear that people keep telling you that both your height and weight are a problem, but you go on to say that it's only your height that stopped things.  Were the people saying you needed to lose weight under the impression that if you lost weight you could be a petite model?  There are short girls who do quite a bit of beauty and commercial work.  There are some heavy short girls who do commercial work.  It's about making connections and booking work in the right field for you.  You aren't right for fashion because designers want to see the clothes on tall thin girls because it looks like a hanger.  Personally I don't understand the point of tall plus runway models, but that's a different story.  A short girl could possibly do a jewelry shoot, if she had the righ features and hands etc.  The concept that you have to be tall and thin to model isn't true.  It's just that a lot of modeling jobs are fashion related so there isn't as much work for a short girl.

Eliza C wrote:

My new catwalk shoes

Make me 5ft 11". I would defy the average 5ft 11" model to take two steps in them; and her head would drag on the ceiling 

So... how are your efforts progressing trying to convince the 5'11" models to wear flats on the runway to accommodate you???

udor wrote:
So... how are your efforts progressing trying to convince the 5'11" models to wear flats on the runway to accommodate you???

In shows the models do one of two things . They either wear their own shoes; or the designer provides them; or a bit of both. Naturally the shorter girls wear the higher heels. This happens as a matter of course; or has done in every show I have done for a variety of designers and boutiques.

Shon D.- Femme wrote:
How are they excuses? You were a FIT model who had an exceptional career (or at least you were the exception for one lingerie brand that you got to walk for.) You are not the rule, you are the exception.  The girls walking runways for major clients now are nowhere NEAR a size 8 and they are certainly not short. I don't really understand why people object to the truth. Designers are not going to go out of their way to find clothes that fit the model. They are going to find models that fit their clothes. That is why the template exists.

No we are not the exception to the rule. On the contrary; all the day in day out stuff showroom stuff and small shows; is done by fitting models with maybe a spattering of agency models. Unless it is London fashion week you just don't see the agency or top fashion models. I have not had an exceptional career just pretty normal journeyman stuff. With boutiques; young and new designers; college fashion shows etc  - and all the good ones do little shows - the normal thing is models like us; no way could they afford agency models but they want a liitle experience. Provincially the boutique shows can pay really well because they basically want a couple of good models to help girls with little experience but can't afford agency models. This is most of the paid journeyman fashion work; not the high fly glamour stuff people see a couple of weeks a year in the magazines.
There are four divisions below the premier league in soccer and dozens of regional leagues below that but it employs most professional footballers; even if they don't get a fraction of the money the premiership players are on. It is the same in fashion. Every now and again one of those players may get the chance with a premiership side.

I think the problem here is that people think 'fashion show' and they think the big designers; Milan shows etc. That is a very small % of paid work in fashion shows; and then you will get exclusively tall girls but even then you will get the odd Kate Moss. So does she look silly next to the 6ft models?

I have never come across a tall fitting model actually. As I stated my flatmates partner much shorter than me also did a lot of fitting modelling. It is the stats they want; and for the clothes to look good; enormous patience and input and the ability to model. So when they have done something you have to do your stuff then they make the alterations. In lingerie that is very important. If the stuff is designed on you it is going to look better on your than anyone so that is why they use fitting models in showroom (private shows for a few clients) and in runway shows.

I agree that taller girls get all the agency work. But not fitting; and fiitting is what an awful lot of us do; but you have to be in a metropolis famous for fashion. London is.
So the idea of a 5ft 11" template isn't right. I have done other fitting not just lingerie too. A 5ft 11" model may float a dress down the runway better but that doesn't mean it was made on someone her height; and to the eye of someone who does this work I think one can sometimes tell. Especially when they haven't much of a bust.

And yes size 3 (UK 8/10) is a US size 4.

That is the truth Shon. Below the tip of the iceberg of fashion height is still a factor but not so much. And Model Mayhem is generally going to be pretty much below the tip of the iceberg; but plenty of the journeyman paid work. Don't get me wrong; height is still a factor but stats and shape (and each designer has different requirements) can be more important. And yes of course; if you are shorter as a fitting model be prepared to stand in 6" heels day in day out.

I think part of the problem here is that many of the fashion photographers only see the top of the fashion iceberg and judge everything by that.

Stefano Brunesci wrote:
I'm guessing Eliza's referring to a UK 8 (US 4).


Agreed.

However, lingerie is a bit of an exception in that it's more about fit/shape on the body than about draping/hang, and therefore the shape of the model may be more important than her height in some cases. If Eliza was a fit model for AP then I guess it made sense for her to walk in their shows too, especially if they were solely lingerie.


'Your' catwalk shoes? Why are you not wearing the shoes the designer picks out for you like all the other girls? If a 5'11" girl's head scrapes the ceiling in heels then it must be a pretty low ceiling!

You may have been an exception for AP and may have a relationship with your clients that gets you some runway work at times. Nobody's disputing that. But in general terms, 5'6" is too short for runway work and 99% of 5'6" girls will be turned away by agencies for that reason, let alone 5'3" girls like the OP.




Just my $0.02

Ciao
Stefano

www.stefanobrunesci.com

I think actually the average height of most shows has been around 5ft 8 and that is other shows besides AP. And in one show I did I was far from the shortest yet was the only non agency model. I checked their profiles. They all had taller than they were. Nobody questioned it. I have done plenty of other shows besides lingerie. Most of them small shows but I would say height is not the issue it is at the top events; and as I say height differences are generally ironed out with shoes. At one show recently I was asked to bring my AP thigh boots but as they are hidden platforms they made me tower above the other models so I didn't use them in the end. I would be about average height I'd say for a fitting model. And I know quite a few; and as you say it makes sense for designers to frequently use the models the clothes are fitted on.

I am not suggesting height isn't an issue. Just the idea that fitting models are the 5ft 11" template or that we all wear the same size heels. That is not true. Fitting models if they are used for showroom (which they are generally) in addition have to be able to talk with the clients. So things like that are more important than height. My friend I was talking about two inches shorter than me is an actress; very well spoken and you can imagine how such skills can woo foreign buyers. It is still the 1950's when it comes to these shows; and also provincial shows frequently - you walk around tables of buyers etc giving the chat and showing drape; instead of or in addition to the runway show. Photographers are not at such events. But it is still an important part of the fashion business for models (and designers and boutiques) . Indeed; that is all paid work; always; and it is more regular than the odd London fashion week or big show. Sometimes runway shows - and especially 'cool' ones - I see in castings are not paid. I actually think it hysterical when they demand minimum height if 5ft 10 which would mean that Silvia Dimitrova and even Kate Moss would not be able to apply; like any MM cast show would get anyone like that.

For the record as we saw some rather silly pictures earlier demonstrating height difference; let us look at another Does Kate look stupid next to Naomi? How about Annabel Neilsen McQueens muse?


If I was a designer would I say nah I can't use you Kate and Annabel because you are too short next to Naomi you will look stupid?
That doesn't mean height isn't a factor for most; but it isn't the sole factor quite demonstrably.

udor wrote:

Hi Sam!

Here is a post that I have written a few years back that puts runway and model height into perspective. It's not complete as an explanation, but shows a facet of the reasons on why...

===============================================

"Why runway shows need tall models:"

Originally posted on February 11, 2006, revised on January 24, 2007

Since this question seems constantly to come up, I did some extra shots at this current Fashion Week (Fall 2006 Collection) here in New York City (with the purpose of doing an informative thread on my own... soon... but here's the "preview").

The girl in image 1 and 2 is NOT a model, she's one of the finalist designers for "Project Runway", I shot the show on Friday morning... and thought that this is an excellent example for showing the visual effect of "short models" mixed with tall, high fashion models.

The first shows her alone, she's is somewhere around 5'2" and  has actually a pretty face.

The second image shows her walking behind her models, wearing her designs... this shows how funny it would look like if you put a short model into the mix.

The third image is from the show of the designer Chado Ralph Rucci. I shot this image for the purpose of demonstrating the size of the showrooms at major fashion shows... and why very tall models are mandatory, so that the audience far away are able to see the model and the garment she's presenting.

There are actually a few more rows... but I would have cut out the model... and it was necessary for me to demonstrate the room and the model.

In short (pun unintended ), there is a very practical reason WHY runway models have to be tall!

Agencies like to sign models that are versatile and can be used for many different applications..., the more a model is limited (height in this case), the more is the earning capacity limited for the agencies.

It all boils down to economics!

Short "model", finalist of Project Runway, could "pass on her own, if a tad slimmer, but(!)...



... here is the "short model" in comparison to regular runway models... looks funny, doesn't it?!



Putting height and major fashion show in perspective... Would the garment on a five foot model be seen by the fashionistas in the remote seats?

I'm sorry, I agree with all the explanations being given here for why short models can't do (high)fashion, except for "because the rows in the back can't see a short model on the runway". Where did that come from exactly ?

there are so many types of runways (and I do mean architecturally) that visibility is not really an issue. and if yoou're sitting in the back of a runway that doesn't give a fuck about how much the back row can see, you're going to see very little anyway. most people after the third row can only see half the outfit anyway...

Visibility as an argument = huh?

Eliza C wrote:

My new catwalk shoes

Make me 5ft 11". I would defy the average 5ft 11" model to take two steps in them; and her head would drag on the ceiling 

runway models can walk in heels, even the "average" ones.
And it's not like you get to bring your own shoes for shows at that kind of level...

Maria Michaela wrote:
runway models can walk in heels, even the "average" ones.
And it's not like you get to bring your own shoes for shows at that kind of level...

what kind of level is that Maria?
I am talking about the MM level ; the fitting model with a bit of runway I did day in day out for two years. The kind of 'fashion' modelling that actually pays the bills.
And fyi yes; they do give different size girls different height shoes frequently.

Eliza C wrote:

No we are not the exception to the rule. On the contrary; all the day in day out stuff showroom stuff and small shows; is done by fitting models with maybe a spattering of agency models. Unless it is London fashion week you just don't see the agency or top fashion models. I have not had an exceptional career just pretty normal journeyman stuff. With boutiques; young and new designers; college fashion shows etc  - and all the good ones do little shows - the normal thing is models like us; no way could they afford agency models but they want a liitle experience. Provincially the boutique shows can pay really well because they basically want a couple of good models to help girls with little experience but can't afford agency models. This is most of the paid journeyman fashion work; not the high fly glamour stuff people see a couple of weeks a year in the magazines.
There are four divisions below the premier league in soccer and dozens of regional leagues below that but it employs most professional footballers; even if they don't get a fraction of the money the premiership players are on. It is the same in fashion. Every now and again one of those players may get the chance with a premiership side.

I think the problem here is that people think 'fashion show' and they think the big designers; Milan shows etc. That is a very small % of paid work in fashion shows; and then you will get exclusively tall girls but even then you will get the odd Kate Moss. So does she look silly next to the 6ft models?

I have never come across a tall fitting model actually. As I stated my flatmates partner much shorter than me also did a lot of fitting modelling. It is the stats they want; and for the clothes to look good; enormous patience and input and the ability to model. So when they have done something you have to do your stuff then they make the alterations. In lingerie that is very important. If the stuff is designed on you it is going to look better on your than anyone so that is why they use fitting models in showroom (private shows for a few clients) and in runway shows.

I agree that taller girls get all the agency work. But not fitting; and fiitting is what an awful lot of us do; but you have to be in a metropolis famous for fashion. London is.
So the idea of a 5ft 11" template isn't right. I have done other fitting not just lingerie too. A 5ft 11" model may float a dress down the runway better but that doesn't mean it was made on someone her height; and to the eye of someone who does this work I think one can sometimes tell. Especially when they haven't much of a bust.

And yes size 3 (UK 8/10) is a US size 4.

That is the truth Shon. Below the tip of the iceberg of fashion height is still a factor but not so much. And Model Mayhem is generally going to be pretty much below the tip of the iceberg; but plenty of the journeyman paid work. Don't get me wrong; height is still a factor but stats and shape (and each designer has different requirements) can be more important. And yes of course; if you are shorter as a fitting model be prepared to stand in 6" heels day in day out.

I think part of the problem here is that many of the fashion photographers only see the top of the fashion iceberg and judge everything by that.

fit modelling is an entirely different branche. not really comparable. and why would fashion photographers take interest in fit modelling?

Eliza C wrote:

what kind of level is that Maria?
I am talking about the MM level ; the fitting model with a bit of runway I did day in day out for two years. The kind of 'fashion' modelling that actually pays the bills.
And fyi yes; they do give different size girls different height shoes frequently.

if we're talking about MM level, then the answer is simple:

height doesn't matter. neither does age, size or looks. just have fun, and if you want to make money: find people who are willing to pay for that.


but her question wasn't about MM modelling.

Maria Michaela wrote:
if we're talking about MM level, then the answer is simple:

height doesn't matter. neither does age, size or looks. just have fun, and if you want to make money: find people who are willing to pay for that.


but her question wasn't about MM modelling.

Yes but she is asking it on MM. And height is going to be an issue; but if she happens to get a fitting job it is by no means out of the question for her to work in fashion; though it will be a barrier of course. Or for example gets work from a local boutique and they use her in ads etc. What some on here call fashion is just the tip of the ice berg; and as I have shown height isn't always a factor in that either.

Eliza C wrote:
but her question wasn't about MM modelling.
Yes but she is asking it on MM. And height is going to be an issue; but if she happens to get a fitting job it is by no means out of the question for her to work in fashion; though it will be a barrier of course. Or for example gets work from a local boutique and they use her in ads etc. What some on here call fashion is just the tip of the ice berg; and as I have shown height isn't always a factor in that either.

Maybe, if she was 5'6" and already in-demand locally as you are.

But she's 5'3" and just starting out on MM so I think height is going to be more of an issue for her, especially as she appears to be hoping to get signed to an agency.



Ciao
Stefano

www.stefanobrunesci.com

Maria Michaela wrote:

fit modelling is an entirely different branche. not really comparable. and why would fashion photographers take interest in fit modelling?

This is the model forum not the photographers forum.
And only a tiny percentage of a model's income comes from photography unless she is a top editorial model. Fitting modelling is regular, paid, and hugely important to anyone who want to work in fashion.

Eliza C wrote:
This is the model forum not the photographers forum.
And only a tiny percentage of a model's income comes from photography unless she is a top editorial model. Fitting modelling is regular, paid, and hugely important to anyone who want to work in fashion.

I did fit modelling, I know it pays well and it is nice regular work. now that that is out of the way: the OP is talking about agencies, agencywork, getting signed and editorials and why height is important in these things. How awesome fit modelling is has nothing to do with that. and even if it did: the OP is 5'4. the chances of her doing fit modelling are still very slim.

Stefano Brunesci wrote:
Maybe, if she was 5'6" and already in-demand locally as you are.

But she's 5'3" and just starting out on MM so I think height is going to be more of an issue for her, especially if she's hoping to get signed to an agency.
Ciao
Stefano

www.stefanobrunesci.com

Quite. I wouldn't get signed by an agency either. I have a couple of other fitting model friends shorter than I who are with an agency but it is mostly parts work or fitting. Hands one of them's speciality; and lingerie fit.

But yes it would be impossible to get signed by an agency unless it was for something like that. But fitting; not impossible though again unlikely at 5ft 3ins. except for petite; which again is an important part. Especially with a great deal for exports for Japan, Korea and China.

So not impossible though a definite barrier for most work. It is for me. Most castings ask for more height than I have.

What I object to here is solely the ideas that
1. height differences are stupid on the runway: look at above pic of Kate and Naomi. What designer will go for two identical size models rather than those two all other things being equal?
2. The fitting templates are for tall girls: rubbish.
3. Dressers don't juggle shoe heights: of course they do.
4. All fashion modelling is about editorial and runway. It isn't; and that is the dream stuff not the regular journeymen stuff open to MM models. And there is a ton of it. Only lack of imagination stops models here going for it because they are aiming at the stars and don't appreciate most of it is hard graft and not so glamorous stuff. Unfortunately the glam side IS the side that most photographers see. Just like you get a load of photographers at a premiership football match or Royal Ascot; hardly any at the day in day out soccer or racing stuff that most particpants make their living at.

Maria Michaela wrote:
I did fit modelling, I know it pays well and it is nice regular work. now that that is out of the way: the OP is talking about agencies, agencywork, getting signed and editorials and why height is important in these things. How awesome fit modelling is has nothing to do with that. and even if it did: the OP is 5'4. the chances of her doing fit modelling are still very slim.

I agree. But slim is better than impossible! And as two of my friends get an awful lot of work via fitting and are that height (and one is agency signed as a result) it is the best way for her. She has no chance otherwise. And the obvious would be petite fitting; or local boutique work.

And in any case; I have said throughout height is a factor; just questioned the rather silly arguments as to why eg fit templates are always tall girls. I have yet to see a tall one actually.

Eliza C wrote:
4. All fashion modelling is about editorial and runway. It isn't; and that is the dream stuff not the regular journeymen stuff open to MM models.

I'm sure somebody has already suggested to the OP that her height won't be an issue if she decides to start shooting glamour and/or nudes - and as we all know, that's where 99% of the modelling income earned via MM is generated

Eliza C wrote:
And in any case; I have said throughout height is a factor; just questioned the rather silly arguments as to why eg fit templates are always tall girls. I have yet to see a tall one actually.

I think people were saying that in general terms designers make their runway samples for a standard size/height - ie. 5'9" - 5'10" and UK 6/8 US 2/4 because they look better, not that they always use 5'11" fit models.



Ciao
Stefano

www.stefanobrunesci.com

Stefano Brunesci wrote:
I'm sure somebody has already suggested to the OP that her height won't be an issue if she decides to start shooting glamour and/or nudes - and as we all know, that's where 99% of the modelling income earned via MM is generated



Ciao
Stefano

www.stefanobrunesci.com

There are an awful lot of 'I don't do nude' ports that appear to be earning a living. I think 99% is a slight exageration. It accounted for about 20% of mine. And no glamour. In fact; I only really know a couple fo glamour model here personally.
If one looks at the castings here I'd say about 50-50 fine art nude/glamour to fashion/promo. Check yourself London paid.

And they don't make two lots of samples one for fit and one for runway in my experience; they make for the stats. I am the perfect size 3; (8/10) so it all gets made on me. Though maybe the haute couture designers do make it for taller girls sepecifically for show. Some of you guys may get to photograph that stuff; some MUAs may get to participate but there won't be many Models or designers here that would. So I think my experience is more relevant here.

Eliza C wrote:
There are an awful lot of 'I don't do nude' ports that appear to be earning a living. I think 99% is a slight exaggeration.

We have no way of knowing whether the "NO NUDES" models a) actually make a living from modelling (as opposed to picking up £50 in pin money once every few months) and b) whether they in fact shoot nudes under an alias, as many models do...

I'd be willing to bet that the proportion of non-agency models on MM making a living from modelling while never shooting nudes or glamour is vanishingly small.

Eliza C wrote:
And they don't make two lots of samples one for fit and one for runway in my experience; they make for the stats.

They're not going to have to make two sets of lingerie samples because (unless we're talking about full length negligees) lingerie isn't really that height critical..



Ciao
Stefano

www.stefanobrunesci.com