Friday, December 3, 2010

Petite Modeling


The standard height for a fashion model is approximately 5 feet 8 inches or taller. These models are best suited for fashion and runway modeling, which earns a substantial amount of income if marketed in the right cities (New York, Los Angeles, etc. and Paris, London, etc.). Runway models become supermodels (aka cover girls) because they can do it all: print, runway, television, and film.
In the fashion industry, a petite model is usually shorter than 5 feet 7 inches which does not meet the criteria of fashion or runway model, but there is plenty other types of modeling. See my blog Types of Modeling. There are designers and stores that focus on petite models and clothes. Starting out as a petite model may force one to work free for a while. Sometimes one will need to work in exchange for prints or digital photos to build a modeling portfolio. Looking for a petite modeling agency will be hard because they are not called Petite Modeling Agencies (if they are, be cautious). They are usually called Commercial and Print Agencies. They are not fashion agencies. If you are a petite model, keep in mind that newspapers, grocery stores, colleges, and magazines need models.


Ways to Approach Agencies
  • I have a lot of energy, great skin, and I would love to be involved with your commercials and print work.
  • I am interested in modeling. I would be great for ____ and ____ modeling. I have a lot of energy and I would like to bring that into your print ads and commercials.
  • I would be great for commercials or print ads involving shoes or handbags.
Do not mention your lack of height. Focus and emphasize on what you DO have and that is talent, skill, and a beautiful smile.

KNOW WHAT YOU WANT, EXPRESS IT, & GO FOR IT!
PERSISTENCE & DETERMINATION

Modeling Agencies that work with Petite Models:


Fifi Oscard Agency
110 West 40th St. 16th Floor
New York, NY
( 212-764-1100
R & L Models
203 West 23rd St. Ste 200
New York, NY
( 212-935-2300
Gilla Roos Miami
1000 5th St. Ste 203
Miami Beach, FL
( 305-357-0601
Flaunt Model Management
35 West 35th St. Ste 901
New York, NY
( 212-679-9011


In 2009, the successful model reality show (now at season 15), America’s Next Top Model, hosted by American model, actress, and businesswoman, Tyra Banks casted for petite girls for the first time ever for season 13.  This season was filmed in Los Angeles; season 12 was filmed in New York City. The winner received representation and management by Wilhelmina Models, a $100,000 contract with Cover Girl cosmetics and a six-page spread with Seventeen magazine. The winner was 18 year old, Nicole Fox from Louisville, Colorado, and she is 5 feet 7inches.


A Successful Petite Model
A well-known petite model is Josie Maran, an American model and actress, currently 32 years of age, and 5 feet 7 inches. She works mainly in editorial modeling and advertising/image modeling. Modeling since at the age of 12, Josie was signed with Elite modeling agency of Los Angeles, at the age of 17. Josie has appeared in over 25 commercials, been in the Sport Illustrated Swimsuit Issue for two consecutive years. She has appeared in three films such as Little Black Book, one of Dracula’s brides in Dracula, and a co-star in Van Helsing. In 2007, Josie launched her owned natural cosmetic product line, named Josie Maran Cosmetics.

Starting out as a petite model may be hard, but can be rewarding in the end, with the right business tools to market what you represent. If you are under 5 feet 7 inches chances are that you will not become a runway fashion model unless you can make miracles happen and grow a few inches taller. So again, not focusing on what you can’t do and don’t have, focus on what you CAN do and what you DO have.

Ty and/or its affiliates accept no liability for the content of this blog or for the consequences of any actions taken based on the information provided. However, I do attempt to gather information from valid, trustworthy, and reliable informational sources.

I hope that you find the information provided helpful and insightful. I look forward to receiving your feedback, comments, and suggestions: all are most welcomed. All photos in this blog are sole property of the respective owners.