Expert: Kitty Kavey - 7/8/2008

Question
Hi my name is Hailee and I'm really interested in modeling. I want it more than anything and it's the only thing I see myself doing, but I'm only 5'6 1/2. I'm 16 and i've been looking at alot of agencies open calls and most of them don't even want to see you unless you're at least 5'8. Alot of people come up to me and tell me I shoould be a model, but its kind of a tease because I really want to be but I feel like my height holds me back.
I heard Twiggy was 5'4-5'6 or something. And Kate Moss is is 5'6 or 5'7. Do I have a chance on the runway?

Answer
You're right, both Kate Moss and Twiggy are around your height, and began modeling at around your age.  What both of them shared, is a (at the time they began) unique look for modeling.  

Twiggy was purportedly 5'6, and weighed 90 lbs when she was 16 - and her short-haired androgynous look with long, fake eyelashes drawn under her bottom lashes became iconic.

Kate Moss was age 14/15 when she began modeling, and 5'6 (although a ever so slightly heavier than Twiggy), but herself made the "waif" look famous.

If you have your own unique look, perhaps you can be the next one to usher in a new look for models.  You can try submitting your information to the same agencies who represent Twiggy and Kate Moss, since they do make exceptions for height in rare cases.

Storm Model Management (http://www.stormmodels.com) represents Kate Moss.

Models 1 Agency (http://www.models1.co.uk) represents Twiggy.

Because of your age, you may also still be growing taller for several years to come.  In the meantime, do what you can to eat a healthy diet (fruits, vegetables, plenty of water - foods that nourish the body, skin and hair) exercise, and limit anything that is unhealthy (caffeine; particularly soda and some energy drinks, sugary, processed foods, high fats.)

That will also help your body feel it's best, look it's best, and maintain the perfect skin and healthy sparkle that will come through in photos and perhaps even the runway as well.

Good luck to you,
~Kitty