In the fashion world, a height of 5’9″ or taller is usually expected from models. However, shorter models have always had a place in the industry. Kate Moss, who is 5’7″, broke the mold in the 90s, and earlier, Twiggy, who is 5’6″, made her mark in the 1960s.
In modeling, there are always people who challenge the norms. In this article, we’ll celebrate seventeen successful short models who have conquered runways, magazines, and ads, despite their smaller height.
What’s the usual height for a model?
You should know that professional models are typically 5’9″ and above.This means the industry considers any height below that number as short.
1: Kate Moss
Height: 5’7″
Kate Moss made the “heroin chic” style famous in the 90s. She walked for top brands like Calvin Klein, Louis Vuitton, Tommy Hilfiger, and Chanel.
Kate has been the face of many major fashion labels and appeared on British Vogue’s cover 40 times. She has also appeared on the covers of Vogue Paris, Vogue US, and Harper’s Bazaar US.In 2016, she founded her own modeling agency, the Kate Moss Agency.
2: Cara Delevingne
Cara Delevingne, with a height ranging from 5’7″ to 5’8″, depending on the source, boasts a substantial Instagram following and has strutted the catwalk for renowned fashion labels like Saint Laurent, Burberry, and Fendi. She has appeared on numerous magazine covers worldwide and actively supports LGBTQIA+ causes, using her influence for social justice.
Her height has sparked discussions; in an interview with Into the Gloss, she noted, “I’m considered tiny for the runway! I’m around 5’8″ or 5’7″… many still say I’m too short.” Despite her transition to acting, she continues to appear on runways and in major advertisements.
3: Charlotte Free
Height: 5’7″
Halima Aden’s rise to fame in the fashion industry isn’t solely attributed to her height of 5’5″. She has also made a significant mark as one of the trailblazing models who proudly wear the hijab. Starting her journey from a Kenyan refugee camp and making her way to international fashion runways, Halima initially gained recognition for her unique display of the hijab and burkini during the Miss Minnesota USA pageant.
She even opened the label’s cruise 2015 show) and appearing in campaigns for the French house’s eyewear. Moschino designer Jeremy Scott also casts her in shows frequently.
4: Sara Sampaio
Sara Sampaio’s height falls around 5’7″ to 5’8″, depending on the source. She gained fame as a former Victoria’s Secret Angel. Just like Cara, her height has been a topic of debate. In a previous interview, she mentioned being similar in height to Kate Moss.
She shared, “Me and her are kind of the same height, so she always inspired me when people would say, ‘You’re too short for fashion, you’re too short for runway.’ But I don’t think I am; the other models are just too tall.” Despite being one of the shortest Victoria’s Secret Angels, it hasn’t hindered her career. She has also posed for the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue and stands as one of Portugal’s most successful models.
5: Hailey Bieber
Height: 5’7″
Hailey Bieber, formerly known as Hailey Baldwin, became famous through Instagram. She has walked the runway for top brands like Versace, Tommy Hilfiger, and Dolce & Gabbana. Her face has graced the covers of prestigious magazines such as Vogue Italia, Marie Claire US, Vogue US, and ELLE US.
Notably, Hailey has appeared in advertising campaigns for Levi’s, Ralph Lauren, Guess, and Calvin Klein (alongside her husband Justin for CK Underwear). With her impressive career, this blonde model demonstrates that shorter models can achieve great success. In 2021, she also showcased her business acumen by launching her skincare brand, Rhode.Laetitia Casta
6: Devon Aoki
Height: 5’5″
Devon Aoki, standing at just five foot five, is one of the shortest runway models, yet that didn’t hinder her from strutting her stuff in prestigious fashion shows like Chanel, Moschino, and Versace. Beyond modeling, Devon also made appearances in movies like ‘2 Fast 2 Furious,’ ‘Sin City,’ and ‘War.’
As one of the most successful petite models globally, her distinctive Japanese, English, and German heritage contributed to her iconic appearance, making her a standout model in the 2000s and beyond.
7: Laetitia Casta
Height: 5’7″
Laetitia Casta, who is just 5’7″ tall, has walked the runway for famous fashion brands like Victoria’s Secret, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli, and many more.
Besides her modeling career, Laetitia has also become a successful actress in France. She still models for top brands like Etam, Jacquemus, Ikks, and Dior.
8: Emily Ratajkowski
Height: 5’7″
Emily Ratajkowski became famous after appearing in the “Blurred Lines” music video. Now, she’s a highly successful figure in the fashion world. She has worked with top brands like Michael Kors, Miu Miu, Tory Burch, and Versace. Emily has graced covers of magazines such as Harper’s Bazaar US and ELLE UK. Besides modeling, she designs swimsuits and lingerie, launching her own brand, Inamorata, in 2017.
9: Iris Law
Height: 5’5″
Iris Law, who is 5’5″ tall, gained attention because of her famous parents (Jude Law and Sadie Frost), but she’s making her mark in the fashion world. She’s worked with top brands like Burberry and Miu Miu, combining classic English style with a modern twist. Iris has been featured in Vogue and stands out with her distinctive short bleach-blonde hair.
10: Camille Rowe
Height: 5’7″
Camille Rowe, who is 5’7″ tall, combines French elegance with American cool. She was discovered while studying in Paris and went on to model for top brands like Dior, Chloé, and Louis Vuitton. Camille’s charm and effortless style have made her a favorite for magazines like Vogue, Elle, and Marie Claire.
