Aww, thank you! I do wish I was a bit taller, and I think for the actually successful models, they are probably much closer to your height than mine (Kate Moss was a rare exception).
Any chance you're comfortable sharing what kind of stats the models typically had for bust/waist/hip? Curious to see if agencies are lying about those as well...
Sometimes I wonder if we all just dressed better, learned to do our makeup properly, knew how to pose, and took photos with strategic angles, if we'd all be able to look much better (rather than say, lose weight or undergo any other unrealistic measures). Models do get a lot of help in that arena.
I never checked anyone’s bust or hips or anything as I never did any fitting. I’m sure they do lie about those too! In fact it would make sense as generally you want samples to be baggy so you can pin them.
I think you’re probably right that a lot of the major names are closer to my height, but a fair few of them are surprisingly short, too. I am thinking through the most recognisable names I worked with and definitely none of them were ever taller than me, although agencies would have you all believe they’re 5’11 barefoot!
I suppose the thing is though that it’s not just about height. It’s about proportions, especially in photography. I’m an hourglass size 12 with a long torso and quite short legs for my height, so even though I’m tall overall, it’s easy for a 5’7 or 5’8 size 6 with skinny limbs to look taller (and look better in clothes!)
I can tell you I felt like a monstrous fat giant next to most models. It really messed with my self image. Can only imagine how bad it was for them comparing themselves to each other.
I'm curious to know if there are "tells" for when a model is naturally thin vs. really struggling/going to drastic measures to keep weight off. I tend to think ALL models restrict way more than normal people (ie. "I eat so much!" or "I never eat less than 2000 calories a day" is BS), but I do think it's easier to lose weight for some than others.
In my experience they were all naturally thin, but it’s never thin enough!
They were all trying to stay as small as possible, but there was definitely a difference in approach depending on their look. So, a lot of lingerie girls would follow restrictive diets and work out a lot, but they did eat. Whereas some of the edgier or more editorial girls just never seemed to eat or exercise.
I think it’s probably changed a bit now though, I don’t think that editorial look is as coveted anymore? My info is 10 years out of date!
I can remember one girl I was friendly with through work, she was stunning but she had been signed when she was very thin despite eating crap, and it seemed to start catching up to her at a point. The way her agency treated her was HORRENDOUS. They really tried to bully her into losing the weight. I should say I don’t mean she gained loads, not at all. She just filled out a tiny bit. I hear from former colleagues that there is more focus on health nowadays, and a bit more nutritional support, which is good.