If you’re like me, and addicted to the dumbed-down fashion statement that is America’s Next Top Model (that’s right, I admit it), you know that the media’s going crazy over Tyra’s choice to cast short girls for Cycle 13 of the show.  Just one little change on the first page of the series’ eligibility requirements – “You must be AT OR UNDER five feet and seven inches (5’7″) in height” – has everyone, from the journalists at the morning papers to the know-it-alls in the fashion magazines, reeling.  The overwhelming consensus?  Short girls can’t, and shouldn’t, model.

Top-modelling agent Ellis told Vogue.com that even though she’s willing to take risks - she discovered the atypical Alek Wek, who is now one of the most well-known models on the runway - she “would not be looking for anyone under 5′ 9″ – 5′ 10″.  That’s the absolute minimum.”  For someone shorter than that to get a modelling contract, let alone super stardom, they would need “an amazing personality, an unbelievable body – something that made them stand above all the other pretty, shorter girls.”

So who stands out enough to buck the tall trend?  First, there’s the world-famous Kate Moss:

Moss has been nicknamed “the anti-supermodel” because of her height (5’6″) and waifish figure, but that hasn’t stopped her from kicking some tall model ass.  Since she was discovered at age 14, Moss has appeared on over 300 magazine covers, campaigned with major designers in both the US and Europe, and even collaborated on her own line with UK chain Topshop (which she’s wearing in the photo above, c/o TopShop and Vogue).  She’s the true Cinderella story of the modeling world: found at fourteen in an airport, launched to international stardom, romantically entangled with rock stars and idealized by young girls everywhere…height  be damned!

Moss also finds time in her busy schedule to do philanthropy work – she helped launch the Sam & Ruby Rose Charity and supports tons of other US- and UK-based projects – and mentor other short models, like Devon Aoki:

At only 5’5″, Aoki wasn’t so much “discovered” as she was begrudgingly accepted after a little bit of pressure by Moss and some monetary help from her dad, Rocky Aoki, who owned the Benihana restaurant chain up until his death last year.  Mr. Aoki wasn’t reluctant about funding his daughter’s career choice, and after some spendy test shoots with some notable photographers and a meet-and-greet with Moss, Aoki was on her way to stardom.  She’s already done some gigs with fashion houses Lancôme, Chanel, and Versace, and even acted in films like Sin City (watch for her in the 2010 sequel).

Last, but certainly not least, we have 5’5″ model Krista Ayne:

The coolest thing about Ayne is that the front page of her website isn’t filled with the typical marketing crap I’m used to seeing.  Instead, it asks you to sponsor her in the Komen New York City Race for the Cure.  (One issue, there, Krista: the donation page is from 2008.  As the daughter of a breast cancer survivor I’m always down with donations, but could you update your links? Kthxhugs.)

But back to modeling: Ayne has done print ads for Verizon Wireless and been on the cover of Rolling Stone with Kid Rock.  However, when she started modeling she was told that she wouldn’t get work because she was “height challenged” and knowing this has caused her to remain realistic about the work she does get.  She told the Chicago Sun Times: ”Clothes just seem to fall better on [taller models] and flow beautifully when coming down a runway. Not to say a women of 5 foot 4 couldn’t pull off haute couture — we just probably won’t see her on the catwalk anytime soon.”  Ayne’s work seems to fit that sentiment: she does a lot of print ads and acting, including videos for Jesse McCartney and films with DMX (check her website for all the details), but I haven’t seen her on the runway.

As an even-shorter girl (I’m only 5′ tall) I can’t help but cheer on Kate, Devon and Krista, no matter what the fashion news says about their height.  They’re bucking the tall trend, and reminding us littler people that our petite packages don’t make us any less sexy.  Knowing that they can rock the runway in haute couture or dazzle the paparazzi in a TopShop party dress makes me feel just a little bit sexier when I look in the mirror.

If you’re short like me, how do you embrace that shortness? What makes you feel super sexy and doesn’t lengthen you?  (We all look hot in a pair of five-inch platform stilletos, but if you’re trying to embrace your [lack of] height, heels are cheating.)  For me, it’s a pair of low-slung boot-cut jeans and a cute tank or tee - a la Kate Moss’ TopShop collection - with a pair of simple black flats.  Add some chunky jewelry and a coy smile, and I’m good to go.

What looks better on you than it does on the tall girls?

Can't Reach the Top Shelf, But I Can Be a Top Model, 5.0 out of 5 based on 2 ratings

To contact Jennifer Nicole, the author of this post, please send e-mails to jen@thedemoiselles.com or use our contact form.

Browse Timeline

• « TD Site Issues
• » Links à la Mode

Comments ( 23 )

Add a Comment