Five minutes with Sarah Davies

Name: Sarah Davies
Age: 16
Hometown: Rockferry/ Wirral
Occupation: student

Tell us a bit about yourself: I am a 16 year old model who is 5 foot 3inches and find it very hard to get work in the fashion industry due to my height. I love modelling and really want to do it as a job. I also love fashion, meeting new people and animals.

What sparked your interest in modelling? I wanted to gain confidence and self esteem and I felt that modelling would help me in improving my confidence.

Can you please give an account of your experience in the fashion industry and as a petite model? I have been involved in various fashion shows, 12 photography jobs, editorial work and a television appearance.

Did you face any challenges or setbacks? And if so could you please state what they were? YES – I have been rejected by agencies such as boss and premier, due to not meeting their requirements, i.e. height.

How did you overcome these challenges/setbacks? My mum helped me through them. She would support me and convince me that there are more opportunities out there.

Can you please give your opinion on the strict requirements that are present throughout the fashion industry (for example, height, weight and body shape)? I think it is really unfair that the industry want models to be of a height and size that everyday women aren’t for example, size 0 and 5foot 8. I think they should give every shape and size a chance to show what they can do. It would be better if they had real women in the magazines to show young people that being a healthy size is the way forward.

Why do you feel that it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle? In order to stay healthy it is important to eat a healthy diet and exercise the right way ensuring that you don’t skip meals and definitely don’t crash diet or yoyo by doing so your body will be better off.

Is there anything else you would like to add? I have suffered anorexia for 4 years. I am in recovery and at a healthy weight. I am finding it hard but I get more work and compliments with me now being at a healthy weight.

Thank you Sarah.

Five minutes with Emily Jung

Name: Emily Jung

Age: 17

Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Occupation: Student and Summer intern at Studio Bert Forma in NYC

Tell us a bit about yourself: Standing only at 5'2, I have already accomplished many of my goals as a petite model. I have walked runways, been on billboards, buses, trains and websites. However, I am just getting started and people are about to see more of me. I strive to be the best and most renown petite model and I won't stop until I achieve my goal.

What sparked your interest in modelling? My first spark in modeling was from watching America's Next Top Model. I loved getting my makeup done and being styled in cute clothes! I love being pampered! Also I've always been some sort of a camera whore. I love taking pictures of myself and being in front of the camera. If you see a picture being taken, I'll run to be part of the picture!

Can you please give an account of your experience in the fashion industry and as a petite model? I started out modeling with my favorite mall; Willow Grove Mall, through a volunteer program called; Style Squad. I began walking on runways and then worked as a promotional model for stores such as Bebe and White House Black Market at the Willow Grove Mall. I then was chosen to be a model for PREIT's Back to School Shoot and after that I joined Modelmayhem.com where I worked with many photographers to build my portfolio to what it is today. Sometimes when I'm modeling for Willow Grove Mall, a stylist or photographer will ask to be a model for them.

Did you face any challenges or setbacks? And if so could you please state what they were? My biggest challenge is getting an agency that won't tell me to pay money upfront or that tells me to go into acting. I'm not an actress, I can't act but these agencies try to convince me into acting. I'm the worst actress in this world. I stink at lying! Being in front of a photographer and videographer is totally different!

How did you overcome these challenges/setbacks? I don't sign with anyone who wants money upfront or tells me to go into acting. I avoid them. I run from them.

Can you please give your opinion on the strict requirements that are present throughout the fashion industry (for example, height, weight and body shape)?

It's ridiculous. If you can take great photos and you're only 5'2, then be it! There are so many models who are 5'8 who take crappy photos compared to models who are 5'3. I've seen photos in magazines and thought to myself "if that girl's legs were shorter that picture would have come out so much better!" or "That girl looks too lanky for that outfit I could never see myself wearing it!" Clothes need to be shown so girls can relate to the models. 80% of American women are under 5'6 and not many are a size 0. How can women relate to models and find outfits if we can't see ourselves wearing the clothes because we are too short or too fat?

Why do you feel that it is important to maintain a healthy lifestyle? Eat healthy; lots of veggies, fruit, lean protein and whole wheat carbs. Also try to walk whenever you get the chance. It's the best source of exercise!

Is there anything else you would like to add? I come off very strong but it's because I believe that I am a great petite model. Have you seen my pictures? I can show emotion in every single shot. I wasn't taught, it's the way I best express what I am feeling.

Would like to say a big thank you to Emily for taking the time to do the interview.

What is a healthy body image?

Over the past few months I have been puzzling over the question, "What is a healthy body image?"

So in order for me to understand what a "healthy" body is I did some reading and found a lot of varying answers. This is what I expected to read. We all come in different shapes and sizes yet the vast majority of people tend to want to be tall and thin. Is this partly down to the "strict rules" that the fashion industry have set upon us? Is this the way in which society thinks? Have we become to caught up in what the media portray to be the "perfect" body? All of these questions and many more are what I would like to ask the public.

I have contacted some petite models and asked them to write down what a healthy body image is to them. And the answer's have been so interesting. I have included them below:

A healthy body image means to me not to skinny and not over weight everones bodys are diffrent. the one thing i like about myself is my flat stomach. i think promoting petite modeling is a good idea because its hard for smaller models to get work or do cat wal,k and i think women of all shapes and sizes should be aloud to do work that taller women are doing everyone has fasion in then just because your small doesnt mean you should be excluded from doing what you want to do and living you dream. (Penny Welsh,model)

Standing at a size 8-10, 5'9" you'd think I'd pretty much be sorted in the commercial/ fashion modeling world... but no... I'm not..

why?

Because I choose to modify my body - I have 12 piercings, and quite a few (large) tattoos.... and planning to get many more... To me they are part of me, they make me more complete with every thing committed to part of me, my life story is literally etched in my skin....

With reference to body image - My confidence in my own body image grows with every new modification I get, I feel closer to completion, it's hard to explain - but every step gets me further away from what I aim to do - model.

Now , those of you who know me know I live in the alternative modeling world... which I do fit into... and I am very successful and happy with it - but recently I got an email stating that I wasn't "alternative enough"... and it got me thinking... why the hell can't I go with my modifications to a casting for London Fashion Week any more? (I walked in 2006)...

I'm realising more and more that the never ending movement of discrimination in all of the modeling world, is infecting all the different genres... and there will be rejection at every turn... but it is important that you love what your body image is, as it is weather you have what you were born with or you've added some bits and pieces - you are who you are...

If you throw yourself in with your head and your heart, your body image will be secondary to your passion...

Look at Zombie Boy walking this year at LFW - tattooed head to toe...

Body image is something that should be personal to you and if you are happy then that's all that matters.

It doesn't matter if you are 5'0" or 6'5", a size 4 or a size 20.... tattooed head to toe or a blank canvas.... you are you! (Lisa Heidinger,model).

A healthy body image, is looking in the mirror and loving what you see. You've got to recognise that your body is your own, no matter what size, or shape or colour you are. You should be able to look at those around you, and not see sizes or feel jealousy, you should see beautiful people just like yourself.

By maintaining a healthy lifestyle will keep yourself feeling better and looking more confident. This portrays a healthy body image and is what I believe in.

The one thing I love about myself is my freckles and the fact the come out more when I've been out in the sun. I know that not everyone has them, and it makes myself somewhat more unique.(Morven Robb, model).

A health body image to me is someone who looks after themselves, is the body weight that is healthy for them, who eats enough but not too much and not too little, someone who's weight is just who they are and not from unhealthy diets. People often say they don't agree with size zero models being promoted and would like more over sized models who are clearly unhealthy themselves. Both underweight and overweight bodies can be unhealthy to the person, but someone who's a certain weight who eats right, enough, not too much and not too little, that to me is a healthy body image. Someone who may have curves but be a healthy weight for them, or someone who isn't as curvy but is a healthy body weight for themselves also. One thing I like about myself? The fact I am happy about my weight, I eat enough and I hope I'll never be dragged into feeling unhappy with my body, I always find it sad to see that. (Rebecca Boiston,model).

To me a healthy body image is about looking happy and healthy, no model should be limited to work because she's not super tall and size zero this is not a healthy look at all healthy models should be comfortable with how they look and shouldn't try and change just because there under 5foot 7 if someone has healthy skin etc shouldn't be turned down by an agency I'm only 5 foot 2 myself and I want to be successful so I'm not going to let my height obstruct my modelling career I'm going to dream big and achieve (: ! Sometimes I like the fact that I'm small and wanting to model, it makes me feel different.. And I like that. And I'm willing to give anyone the confidence boost they need if there cautious about there height ! Be true..Be you :) love rebecca x (Rebecca Wales,model).

As soon as I heard about petite modelling, I was extremely happy and excited: there's finally someone out there who is going to put short and curvy people like myself out there for the model industry to finally take notice of! The promotion of petite modelling is very significant not only to me, but also in todays society. There are far too many tall, skeleton-skin models on the front of my favourite magazines and when I look at pictures like this I feel sick and that it is totally unfair that agencies are requesting these types of girls and wont even glance at anyone under 5"8. I am half Asian and so, naturally I am really short: I come in at just over 5"4. I don't at all have problems with my height, in fact I think that everyone should love who they are, but it is so so annoying and difficult when model scouts and agencies wont even look at you if you're not tall enough. Not only is height an issue, but I am strongly against the advertising that skinny is the way to be - heck, it's not even skinny it's deathly looking. I do not believe that young girls should fall pray to horrible illnesses like anorexia and lets be honest - it's because of these models. Where else do you see it? What I love seeing in magazines are healthy looking girls who are happy with who they are. In saying "healthy" I meant that their faces don't look like life has been sucked out of them and their bodies don't have bones sticking out all over the place.....(also, has anybody noticed that most of these girls lack bums and boobs? Just saying.) Referring back to the point I made about feeling that everybody should love who they are, one thing that I love about myself are my legs because I especially hate skinny stick legs with no shape! Love who you are, stay healthy and don't be pressurised into nasty things like feeling you have to be skinny. This is the way to be a happy model and it will show in your work :) (Jessica Poxon,model)

I will be adding to this as soon as more people come forward to be a part of this project. If you would like to get involved please do so. I am looking for anyone who has a view on this.

Come meet the calender girls :)

For the past few months we have been looking for girls to represent Perfectly Petite in our charity Calender.

We have now chosen the girls and will be working on the calender very soon.

In no particular order here are our calender girls:

Nicole Abbott

Rhianna Bain

Gemma Chan

Claire Davidson

Natalie C Davidson

Macoula Dembele

Jamie Hawkins

Charlotte Huges

Rebecca C Jessica

Sareena Miller

Sophia Sargeant

Namate Silio

Thank you to all that applied. Please keep an eye out for our calendar

Tall trees, and slinky poles, New Petite model picks the perfect pose

On monday evening (30.05.2011) Perfectly Petite's competition winnder, Claire Davidson was invited for her photoshoot. This was her first ever photoshoot so we decided to make it a relaxed atmosphere and go to a location where it would be quiet. We were lucky enough that the weather was on our side and stayed sunny.It made shooting at Camperdown Country Park an enjouable experience for all involved.


So what goes on in a photoshoot...

First of all there is a lot of preparation to be done,some of which involves setting up lighting equiptment, sourcing a location and applying the make up. The make up artist (Fiona Lees) did a brilliant job and can even add to her C.V that she can apply make up in a tent! Fiona worked well with the Photographer (Douglas Kerr), the model and myself as director.


During the photoshoot Claire followed direction well and took on board any ideas that were given to her. This is what makes a good a model. Not only did she take note of what was said she was able to bring her own ideas forward too. Which for a first time model is a great achievement.

Douglas Kerr was very patient with Claire. He allowed her to take her time and answered any questions that she had. I felt this was important for Claire ,and as the shoot progressed you could see she was less nervous and began to enjoy the experience.



Here are a few photographs taken:

We will be seeing more of Claire when she joins the rest of the Perfectly Petite models in our Charity Calendar.

A big thank you goes to Douglas Kerr,Fiona Lees and everyone involved with the photoshoot.

Macoula Dembele - New Perfectly Petite Model and Promoter

Say Hello to Miss Macoula Dembele , who will be joining Nicole Abbott, Nicole Farrell and Emily Morton of Perfectly Petite.We would like to Welcome Macoula to the group and we look forward to working together.

Here Macoula explains why she wants to be part of the Perfectly Petite Team...

"Being part of the Perfectly Petite team means being able to contribute within the team and to participate in team work helping each other to promote petite modelling. This will be a great opportunity for me to be part of a group that aims to change the way the fashion industry thinks."

"I love what I do, modelling is my passion and sometimes I get put off due to height restrictions. I love Fashion and Catwalk but regularly find my height is a disadvantage to me."

"I'm passionate about Perfectly Petite, willing to help out at events and promote the group through my fully committed approach to modelling."

"Promoting Perfectly Petite will assist me in feeling more positive about my height as one of their main aims is to allow modelling to be open to everyone, especially petite models."

Jamie Hawkins- New Perfectly Petite Model and Promoter

Say Hello to Miss Jamie Hawkins , who will be joining Nicole Abbott, Nicole Farrell and Emily Morton of Perfectly Petite.We would like to Welcome Jamie to the group and we look forward to working together.

Here Jamie explains why she wants to be part of the Perfectly Petite Team...

Im 5'4 and a size 6. The reason why I would love to be a part of Perfectly Petite is because there are so many restrictions within the fashion industry which I am against. There is always a required height and us tiny girls can do equally as good shots! :) It will be good to show everybody what we have!

Sophia Francesca Sargeant - New Perfectly Petite Model and Promoter

Say Hello to Miss Sophia Francesca Sargeant, who will be joining Nicole Abbott, Nicole Farrell and Emily Morton of Perfectly Petite.
We Would like to Welcome Sophia to the group and we look forward to working together.

Here Sophia explains why she wants to be part of the Perfectly Petite Team...

"Personally for me I think promoting petite models is a step that we all need to take. A large population is classed as 'petite' and thus should be included within the modelling industry. When 'standard' models are used on the runway, we tend to forget the fact that petite models did not even have the chance to attend the casting; in fact, they aren't even considered in the casting call! I think petite models need a break through into the modelling industry. This would allow the majority of the population to be able to (for once) relate to a model they see in the latest high fashion magazine."

Natalie-Crystall Davidson - New Perfectly Petite Model and Promoter

Say Hello to Miss Natalie-Chrystall Davidson , who will be joining Nicole Abbott, Nicole Farrell and Emily Morton of Perfectly Petite.We would like to Welcome Natalie to the group and we look forward to working together.

Here Natalie explains why she wants to be part of the Perfectly Petite Team...



I feel its important to support perfectly petite as i believe that good things come in small sizes, just because we are not as leggy as the cat walk models down london does not mean we are not capable of being cat walk models. We as a force of smaller models need to stick together to make petite models a norm in todays society as we are todays modern models!

Rebecca C Jessica- New Perfectly Petite Model and Promoter

Say Hello to Rebecca, our newest Perfectly Petite member.
Here she explains what it means to her to be part of Perfectly Petite.

Promoting petite modelling is very important to me for the mere fact that I have a huge passion for both modelling and acting and I am determined to succeed in both of these industries. The modelling side can sometimes be made difficult due to my height. I have had times in which I've been considered for modelling agencies until I have told them my height and then suddenly I get an email telling me that I am not tall enough, this is incredibly frustrating. I also find certain casting calls with height limitations. I will never understand why height is an utter most importance when we have 12 inch heels and there are many girls capable of doing the catwalk or high fashion, why should our height make things that little bit more difficult when you're capable of doing what it is that tall models do? As someone who is 5 foot 4 and very determined to succeed in this industry, I am passionate about this subject, and I don't see how people will notice how tall a girl is in magazines etc. Hopefully petite modelling will become a more often thing in the future and petite models will find it easier to get work.

Namate Sililo - New Perfectly Petite Model and Promoter

We would like to welcome another member to the group to join Nicole Abbott, Nicole Farrell, Emily Morton and Gemma Chan.

Say Hi to Namate Sililo, here she explains what Perfectly Petite means to her.

I have always loved the idea of modelling but even better now, I love doing it. The best part is the Photo shoots - when it’s just me and the camera, and knowing for certain that height does not matter and that I am a happily certified Perfectly Petite Model at 5”5. But again, it is soo easy to be let down by the perception that an ideal model should be no less than 5”7, an ideology that always gets to me and the main reason why I am in total support of Petite Modelling . Yes, maybe for the catwalk, most highly named fashion organisers will be determined to choose the much taller girls than us petites, but I am determined to not let that discourage me or anyone else. Besides, body part modelling for example to me does not more or less has need height restrictions, so each time someone gives me the judging look of “aren’t you too short to be a model” I am always tempted to give an equally judging answer of “surely the portrait advert of Dior’s sunglasses did not need to be on a 5”7 model to make a sale”. Anyway, I believe if you have what it takes to make it work and put in a lot of effort, height means nothing, when being Perfectly Petite is all it takes.
Namate.

Gemma Chan - New Official Perfectly Petite Model and Promoter

Say Hello to Miss Gemma Chan, who will be joining Nicole Abbott, Nicole Farrell and Emily Morton of Perfectly Petite.
We Would like to Welcome Gemma to the group and we look forward to working together.

Here Gemma explains why she wants to be part of the Perfectly Petite Team...

In the fashion industry, we are bombarded with images of tall, beautiful women. Many modelling agencies , if not the vast majority of modelling agencies, have set a minimum standard of 5ft 8" in height for women to even be considered for modelling. I am 100% backing up the Pefectly Petite campaign, as I, and I'm sure many others will agree, believe that height is most definately not a hindrance when it comes to modelling. Petite models can exude just as much style, beauty and sophistication as their taller counterparts.

Nicole Abbott Promotes Perfectly Petite in an Interview for Creative Boom

Five minutes with... Nicole Abbott

Nicole Abbott is currently in her second year at the
University of Dundee studying child nursing. However,
acting and fashion have interested her from an early age
and are still her passions. Approximately five years ago whilst
acting she was asked if she'd ever considered being a model.
At that stage in her career Nicole was quite shy in front of the
camera even though she was confident on stage.

But she sought some advice and decided to give it a go.
Her first shoot was in London so she took her Gran along
for moral support. It went well, and she discovered a newfound
passion that grew stronger and stronger every day. Now Nicole
models throughout Europe as well as in Vancouver. We caught up
 with Nicole to hear more about what she's up to...

What are you currently up to? Are there any exciting projects ongoing?

My current dream is to be a successful model worldwide. I have formed a plan that at the moment involves getting my name out there with people at all levels in the industry throughout Europe. The next couple of months on my calendar involve a lot of travelling to begin my quest. As a petite model myself I have found it challenging when competing for work with taller models that the fashion industry tend to prefer. This has made me even more determined to succeed and I happily compete against taller models as I believe that everyone should be given the same chance. People in the fashion industry say that they use tall models to create a fantasy and an illusion but they forget that the average woman is 5’4". In my career I have met numerous petite models and members of the public who share the same vision as myself. This inspired me to found Perfectly Petite, a group for petite models who share a similar vision to myself. I aim to promote petite modelling through local events such as fashion shows.

Who or what inspires you?

I am particularly motivated by models of a similar height who have made great progress in the fashion industry. These models have managed to succeed whilst combating the various barriers that petite models come up against in the fashion industry. This drives me into putting in as much effort as possible. Hopefully one day I may enjoy some success similar to what they have had.

What's your best project/work to date?

To this date I have made several great achievements that I am most proud of. For my Miss Earth 2010 campaign I promoted environmental issues and recycling throughout my local community. I put a lot of planning and effort into this project. I produced a magazine documenting everything that I had carried out in my local community. I have worked with a number of industry professionals in order to create my current portfolio. I am most proud of what I have achieved from all of the photoshoots and planning. I am most grateful to everyone involved in giving me a portfolio of such a high standard.

Anything new going on? Or in the pipeline?

At this moment in time I am focusing on broadening my horizons in my modelling career. I am trying to make a contact base throughout Europe with my main focus being on working in England at the moment. However, I am always happy to shoot back home in Scotland. I am currently planning to do a calendar for 2012 along with other models from Perfectly Petite. I hope to arrange for the calendar to arrange funds for charity. I am also planning on doing a fashion show at some point in the future.

When you're not working, what do you like to do?

When I am not at university or doing photoshoots I spend a lot of time networking, contacting people in the industry, searching for ideas, developing my ideas and planning photoshoots. It can often be a lengthy process but when I receive the images it is more than worth the amount of time input beforehand. I also enjoy to take some time out as and when I can. I believe in keeping fit and eating healthily. I regularly visit the gym to stay in a good shape. I enjoy travelling (although this often involves a photoshoot) and exploring new places. I also enjoy spending time with my boyfriend, chinchilla and rabbit.

Finally, what tips or advice could you give to other creatives, just starting out?

Don't give up or change for anyone, stay true to yourself and fight for what you believe in. It may be tough but if you stay focussed in the end it will pay off.

Sublime Rush Digital Magazine Interview - Nicole Abbott & Perfectly Petite

Miss Nicole Abbott does her bit for Perfectly Petite and Promotes us in a recent interview with

Online Digital Magazine Sublime Rush

Nicole Farrell - Official Perfectly Petite Model and Co-Founder.

Hello beautiful people,

I'm Nicole Farrell and I have been modelling for around 4 years now,
I have been published in FRONT Magazine, Hudon Manilla's First Art Monograph 'One' and I have two images published in the Mammoth Book of Erotic Photography by Maxim Jakubowski.
I am very thin and altough I only stand at 5'6 I have very long limbs and I am always being told I have the perfect figure for fashion, but I have never really been given the chance of that because of my height and the restrictions that agencies and the fashion industry have.
I love the weird and wonderful model industry and everything its about, however I'd love to see petite models being given more of a chance when it comes to Fashion.
I understand that this is the way it is and has been for a very long time but I do believe its time to break the mould and that is why I am putting a lot of work into Perfectly Petite.

I look forward to the projects we have coming up to promote the group.

Yours,

Nicole Farrell
Lara-Nicole.Blog