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Modelling is an industry that seems so warm and inviting but the reality is somewhat in contrast to the impression it creates. The real struggle is overcoming certain norms being followed from times immemorial, like having a good height, fair complexion, zero figure etc. One couldn’t even think of considering modelling if he/she was less than 5’8” back in the 20th century. Now the situation is tilting, for good. Professionals are open to break the barriers of narrow thinking and prevalent stereotypes. Stereotypes which serve no purpose and only hamper most of the aspiring models to refrain from this career, often to the loss of this industry only. Now with the industry witnessing this shift in traditions, it is getting serious and highly competitive. People from all sections of the society and having exceptional looks, with respect to the standard norms followed earlier, are finding their stand and even carving out a niche for themselves. A short or petite model is typically shorter than 5’7” but taller than 5’1”. So, their strength lies in their facial features and attitude. These models have left no room for excuses and excelled in their respective niches and emerged a leader with exceptional attributes. Let us take a look at some of the models that have overcome these age old norms and came out shining.
- Marilyn Monroe – 5’5.5”, she needs no introduction at all. The epitome of femininity and attractiveness, her career has been an example for today’s times as well. Her unique and enticing charm and soul can never be forgotten.
- Lottie Moss – 5’6”, sister of supermodel Kate Moss, she is one of the most successful models today. She has walked the ramp for leading brands and fashion houses like Chanel, Sonia Rykiel. She has been a part of numerous fashion campaigns like that of Bulgaria, Red Valentino etc.
- Sofia Richie – 5’6”, she is the younger daughter of Lionel Richie. Needless to say, she has got it in her genes to make it as a successful model. Despite her height, she has been associated with the top names in the fashion industry like Chanel, Tommy Hilfiger, Dolce & Gabbana, Adidas and many more.
- Laetitia Casta – 5’6.5”, she’s been a Victoria’s Secret model during the nineties and one of the most successful. She has been credited with making Victoria’s Secret fashion show the craze that it is today. A trendsetter in true sense, she changed the rules of the game with her bewitching looks. She has appeared on almost 100 fashion magazine covers.
- Eva Pigford – 5’6.5”, an internationally acclaimed model, she has walked the ramp for the most prestigious brands. Her ethnicity didn’t stop her from getting what she deserved. She is the winner of America’s Next Top Model (third season) and a winner against all odds for being a petite woman of colour. She has done shows for many of the most coveted fashion houses.
- Kate Moss – 5’7”, she is a true diva. Even a short career of hers (as often dubbed) made such a mark on the industry as to be followed by generations of models to come after her. She is one of the most iconic models of all time and an inspiration for aspiring models.
- Camille Rowe – 5’7”, she is the girl next door, effortlessly sexy and charming as well. She is a French-American model and a talented one as she has dabbled in acting as well. She has been the face of a number of campaigns for brands like Chloe, H&M, Louis Vuitton, Victoria’s Secret, Gap, Abercrombie & Fitch and Tommy Hilfiger.
- Lydia Hearst – 5’7”, she comes from one of the most powerful American mass media conglomerates in the publishing industry. She has made herself a sensation and covered many renowned fashion magazines like Vogue, Marie Claire and Elle. She was even chosen, for Naomi Campbell’s modeling reality competition, The Face, as a mentor.
- Yamila Diaz – 5’7”, she was discovered in Uruguay in 1996 and has never looked back since then. She rose to fame when she feature in ad for CoverGirls. She was the first Latin spokesperson in CoverGirl’s history. She also appeared in a Victoria’s Secret catalog.
- Lily-Rose Depp – 5’3”, daughter of legendary actor Johnny Depp and Vanessa Paradis. She is one of the youngest and shortest models in the industry. She has graced the ramp for Chanel multiple times. She has also appeared on a number of magazine covers and is now trying her hand out in the movie industry as well. She’s just 19 years old and already showing true potential of a star.
- Devon Aoki – 5’5”, she has been one of the most iconic brand ambassadors of Versace. Her unconventional looks, an embodiment of her multi-ethnic heritage, turn heads, for sure, in her favour. She has been the face of many renowned brands like Hugo Boss, Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel etc. to name a few.
- Twiggy – 5’6”, best known as queen of the petite models, Twiggy aka Lesley Lawson, was a prominent model in Britain in the sixties. Known for her androgynous looks she made it good as an actress and singer as well after retiring from modeling. She appeared on a ton of magazine covers including the cover of Vogue and also wrote an autobiographical book, ‘Twiggy in Black and White’.
- Jenny Shimizu – 5’6”, the most sought after model in the late nineties and early 2000s, she was one of the coolest models having androgynous looks. Brands like Calvin Klein, Jean Paul Gaultier, Banana Republic etc. lined up to get Jenny to feature in their ads. She was quite forthright in putting forward her views along with being a talented model.
- Emily Ratajkowski – 5’7”, she entered the industry at the age of 14 with modeling for Ford Models and quickly became the most desired short models of all time. She is also trying to make her way into the movie industry. However, she remains a frequent face on magazine covers or in fashion ad campaigns and will remain in that position for years to come.
- Georgia May Jagger – 5’7”, daughter of Jerry Hall, she carries a sincere impression of her mother in her career. She created waves in the fashion industry as soon as she walked the ramp for the first time. Being only 25 years old, she’s one of the class of up and coming models of this industry pitied against top class models to make it big in this industry in the coming years.
