The world is full of models and IG-celebrities. The technology revolution makes me wonder if there is still iconic supermodels reminiscent of; Christie Brinkley, Iman, Naomi Campbell, Linda Evangelista, Cindy Crawford, to Gisele Bundchen who quite possibly may be the last supermodel standing. The fashion industry has always been an ethereal trainwreck, so I think we should take a moment to reflect and wonder about: who is a supermodel, today? What goes into becoming a supermodel? Is being 5’9″ and taller mandatory, or even relevant for one to be a supermodel? Ahh, and I hear your thoughts loud and clear wondering if there’s space for petite models?
Over the last 100 years, models do much more than wear clothes, swimsuits, and funky shoes, they are the conduits that challenge society’s perception of beauty standards, so basically, models impact the way we perceive fashion and beauty. They’ve taken us through the mod ’60s with the doe-eyed Twiggy, colliding in the ’70s with the wholesome beauty of Cheryl Tiegs.
Then followed by the ’80s-’90s dominated by Cindy Crawford’s trademark fake mole (or “beauty mark”) above her upper lip earning her the nickname “Baby Gia” after the late beautiful Gia Carangi. She arguably was the first real supermodel who ended life tragically, which she may have beckoned the heroin-chic look of the 90’s ala’ Kate Moss. Naturally, models influence societal perceptions like it or not, which aptly portray the evolution of the perpetual change of fashion and beauty standards.
Starting in the 2000s came the “body-positive movement” which was hyper-focused on plus-sized models that stood 5’9″ and taller, I know what you’re thinking where am I going with this fashion model history thesis? Bella Petite understands that this ever-changing amazing cycle leads us exactly to where we should be!
Think about it; to comprehend the importance of all this change, everyone needs to take a few steps back and focus on petite models. It is an indisputable fact that the shortest supermodels caught society’s limited attention span to foster the first steps to body positivism opening its doors for all kinds of models that we see today!
Bella Petite Magazine has been the vanguard of this paradigm shift. The next decade will be the most evolutionary fashion and beauty moments that we have yet to see. All the old fashion standards have eroded away, and we’re excited to be at the forefront of change with you!
Here are the 25 most influential famous petite models at 5’8″ and shorter to date. Please keep an open mind that in the fashion world you are considered “both petite and short” at 5’8″ and under that’s just the way it is and we like it! Guess who sets the standards now…
1.Adwoa Aboah 5’8″
2. Isabella Rossellini 5’7″
3.Yaya DaCosta 5’7″
4.Selita Ebanks 5’7″
5.Marissa Miller 5’7″
7.Charlotte Free 5’7″
8.Camille Rowe 5’7″
9.Kate Moss 5’6″
12.Eva Pigford 5’6″
17.Jenny Shimizu 5’6″
18.Yamila Diaz-Rahi 5’5″
Real height for models and celebrities seems to elude us, LOL! The two-inch rule likely applies to everyone on this list, meaning subtract a minimum of two inches from what the agency lists and what the celeb may say. The Hollywood rule is in play!
The takeaway, yes there are real petite models and you see them every day here at Bella Petite, in the media, movies, editorial campaigns, and shown here in our compilation of 25 of the most influential petite models proves it. Do try and remember models are an elite group no matter your height, age, weight, ethnicity, beauty quotient, etc, not everyone gets in who tries that’s life with any career.
The fashion status quo as you’ve read will continue diversifying to reflect the ever-changing cycle of an imaginary rule of arbitrary standards. As the old saying goes “rules were made to be broken.” Let’s keep breaking them! Written by: Ann Lauren
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Thanks for putting this inspirational list together!
You are welcome! Thank you for being a Bella Petite subscriber 🙂
A good read! Luv Bella Petite’s new look and I can’t wait to get my Bella Petite tee 🙂
I adore Bella Petite it’s my fav destination! I want to become a model and get a t-shirt going to sign up so excited!
Emily Ratajkowski has been out and about on the streets of New York City recently. Which isn’t exactly surprising in and of itself, except for the fact that’s she been doing so with a new hairstyle. Last week, the model unveiled a red dye job in a certain fiery shade that has been all the rage amongst celebrities recently.