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!!!!

Height matters because of the cut, shape, style of the dress. Im not going to fit well in this...though it was fun to do that shoot and a fantastic experience, the dress was dragging the ground , as you can see. The right side of the dress is puckering at the shoulder as well. It worked well for print work but if that were a runway, boy would I be in a mess!



Another reason height matters is the illusion of a grand fantasy rarely reached, same as how we view celebrities. They are not unattainable, but we certainly like to hold them in high regard.

Commercial work may or may not be your thing, where it CAN incorporate various aspects of modeling (fashion included) but it will be rare to find (fashion) unless its local.

God bless and just enjoy the ride while you can!
Never know what will happen, as fashion and modeling changes almost daily!

Amanda_G wrote:
Simply put, clothing hangs better on tall models.  Designers want their fashions to be seen, and seen well.  Tall models have a presence on the runway that short models simply do not. 

I'm not saying that shorter models aren't as pretty, or can't pose as well, etc...that's not the case.  That's a moot point.

But in short, that's why height matters.

Large bill boards that walk....lol