I am fed up hearing the words “If only you were taller”.

I have been modeling since the age of 17 and if I had £1 for every time I heard that phrase then I wouldn’t need to work again. I understand it’s meant as a sort of compliment, but my height is something I sadly cannot change (no matter how much I have willed my legs to grow in the past) so I have decided the only thing I can do is become comfortable in myself. I fully appreciate that the 5’8 + girls we see taking to the catwalks each season are the best candidates for the job, after all the description of a ‘model’ is literally to act as a human clothes hanger, so their long limbs and broad shoulders carry the clothes in the best possible manner, I want to be clear that I do understand this.

However, fashion is the fastest evolving industry in the world, the public’s perception of ‘the perfect body image’ is becoming ever more inclusive, and thankfully we are now beginning to celebrate every body type, so one thing I cannot comprehend is when top brands such as Topshop, ASOS, Miss Selfridge to name a few, offer excellent petite ranges, why don’t they use petite models? I feel it’s only fair to their customers that they should see a true portrayal of what the clothes will look like on them?

For example, if a size 8 model was used in a plus size campaign, there would no doubt be outrage, and rightly so. So why use a 5ft8+ girl to advertise clothes for girls of 5ft4 and under? Surely this is only logical? I find I am often deterred from ordering clothes online as I can’t gauge the fit of the garment from the model on the screen.
The reason behind this post, is to stress the point that I have seen countless beautiful girls fall under the radar and struggle to book jobs due to their height. I believe it’s time for that to change, I personally plan to no longer apologise to photographers/stylists/agents for my small stature & would really rather not stand on boxes to reach the other girls’ level, I’m finally happy with my view from down here! There is room for every body type in the industry and if there is a want for petite clothing then there should also be a want for petite models.

Above are a few models who have broke the mold, including my personal favourite; the ever iconic Twiggy, her 5'6 self is known as the most famous model of the 60's.

Left- Devon Aoki, standing at just 5'5 Devon replaced supermodel Naomi Campbell as face of Versace in 1998 and went on to model for fashion houses such as Chanel, Moschino and Fendi to name a few.

Right- Eva Pigford (now better known as Eva Marcille) again measuring up as just 5'5, Eva won season three of America's Next Top Model and continued to model for the likes of Cover Girl and DKNY.

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