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Halima Aden for IMG Models

Top 10 Petite Models Changing The Game

Becoming a petite model is no easy road to go down, but if Anja Konstantinova or Lily-Rose Depp can do it, you can to! Check out our favorite petite models and their inspiring stories. Through determination and dedication you too can hit the runway.

By Natalie Dawson

1. Amina Blue – 5’1

A close colleague of the Kardashian clan, Amina Blue’s debut into modelling was through Kanye West. Cast in all his shows, Amina was instantly recognised for her fantastic figure and striking features.

During the Yeezy Season 4 Fashion Show, Amina removed her shoes mid-walk. The petite model claimed that she was sliding out of the shoe and chose to take them off instead of falling.

Classified as a modern “it girl” due to her quick rise to success. The German-Pakistani model powers through to break negative stereotypes surrounding height.

Amina is an extremely passionate vegan. The model uses her Instagram page to spread awareness regarding the mistreatment of animals. Her social media presence is almost purely political as she fights for a healthier and diversified Earth.

2. Jillian Mercado – 5’2

Disabled model Jillian Mercado is shattering stereotypes left, right and centre. Jillian was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy during her teenage years. Despite this she has found her passion in modelling.

The petite model is currently represented by IMG Models and is one of the few professional models with a physical disability. Everyday Jillian challenges ideals and model stereotypes, creating a more accepting industry.

Her first campaign was in 2014 for big brand Diesel. Since then Jillian has done print work for Glamour Magazine and Cosmopolitan Magazine. But her quickest claim to fame would surely be modelling for Beyoncé merchandise for her world tour in 2016.

Check out our article 20 Disabled Models and How They Got Their Starts for more inspiring models making an impact.

3. Zoe Elyse – 5’2

Signed with Wilhelmina Models, Zoe Elyse’s career as a petite model has garnered her a following of over 75k followers on Instagram. Known for her quirky style and edgy personality, Zoe interlaces her work with her personal life in an act of transparency.

The petite model explained in an interview with Dazey Lady that becoming a model at her height was a difficult road to head down. “It doesn’t happen overnight and the let downs I’ve experienced only push me forward and help me grow.” Zoe’s passion for the industry and support from her family kept her eyes on the prize.

Now, Zoe posed for a Teen Vogue campaign and has modelled for Refinery29 to Dolls Kill. She continues to push onwards and truly believes modelling should be based on skill, not body requirements.

“Have fun and don’t take yourself too seriously.”

4. Lily-Rose Depp – 5’3

The glamorous Lily-Rose Depp is prominently known for her modelling career, yet her aspirations lie with acting. Lily-Rose dropped out of high school in 2016 to focus on her blossoming acting career.

Despite the current growth of her film presence, Lily-Rose genes and bone structure make her a model. The petite model was announced as the face of Chanel No. 5 by Karl Lagerfeld when she was just 15.

Outside her Chanel No. 5 campaign, Lily-Rose has walked in several Chanel Shows and posed for multiple seasonal campaigns.

It’s no surprise Lily-Rose’s passions lie in both modelling and acting. Her parents being American actor Johnny Depp and French model Vanessa Paradis.

5. Tiarnie Coupland – 5’4

Australian model, Tiarnie Coupland had to fight for her spot in the limelight. As a young aspiring actress, Tairnie faced plenty of rejection. The petite model made it to the final rounds for casting of Martin Scorsese’s ‘Hugo’ just missing out to American star Chloe Grace Moretz.

Through determination Tairnie has built a great foundation for a career in acting. Her dream is to make it to Hollywood, but Tairnie also juggles modelling and photography editing.

The petite model was selected as the face of Sportsgirl’s 2017 collection. Tairnie then later became the brand ambassador for luxury jewellery brand, Jan Logan.

She has also had spreads in Ellements Magazine and worked with many prestigious Australian photographers.

Tairnie is currently represented by IMG Models.

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6. Anja Konstantinova – 5’4

Model and mother, Anja Konstantinova balances her modelling career alongside her raising her son. She often expresses how beautiful pregnancy was for her and her love of being a mum.

Anja was born in Russia and moved to Australia when she was young. During her teenage years she ended up getting scouted by a Melbourne agent.

Instantly Anja’s career skyrocketed. The petite model quickly featured in magazines like Vogue, L’Officiel Netherlands and Oyster Magazine.

When she isn’t working or taking care of her son, Ozzy, Anja works in a London florist. Anja enjoys using her hands and uses the flowers as an opportunity to work with beautiful things.

7. Halima Aden – 5’5

Petite model Halima Aden is predominantly known for being the first contestant to wear a hijab during the Miss Minnesota USA pageant.

Halima made it to the semi-finals, but shortly after the commencement of the competition she was scouted and signed by IMG Models.

She made her debut at New York Fashion Week for Yeezy Season 5. Since then Halima has walked in Milan Fashion Week and London Modest Fashion Week.

Halima continues to break barriers as she is the first hijab-wearing model to cover Vogue Arabia, Allure and British Vogue. She is also the first to wear a burkini in Sports Illustrated Swimsuit.

The beautiful petite model often expresses the difficulties she faces booking modelling jobs. But Halima has made it clear that her Hijab is part of her work and that she does not need to conform to society’s standards. 

8. Devon Aoki – 5’5

Aside from Kate Moss, Devon Aoki is considered to be one of the most well known petite models.

Her career began in 1997 when it was controversial to have shorter models on the runway. Devon was sixteen when she was launched into stardom. In 1998 the petite model replaced Naomi Campbell as the face of Versace.

Devon has had a bountiful career. She has featured in advertising campaigns for big names such as Chanel, Hugo Boss and Yves Saint Laurent. She has covered Harper’s Bazaar, Interview Magazine and Vogue.

Outside of modelling Devon is known for her roles in Sin City and 2 Fast 2 Furious. Her look for the film was recreated in 2019 by Rihanna for her Fenty Beauty campaign.

9. Eva Marcille – 5’5

Eva Marcille was the Cycle 3 winner of America’s Next Top Model. While the famed reality show went on to have a petite only cast for Cycle 13, Eva beat the odds early on.

After winning the show, Eva received a modelling contract with Ford Models, alongside a CoverGirl cosmetics contract and a spread in Elle Magazine.

Eva then went on to have a lucrative modelling career as a petite model. She appeared on covers of Women’s Health and Fitness Magazine and Brides Noir. Eva also walked for Marc Bouwer, Elle Girl and L.A Fashion Week.

During America’s Next Top Model, Eva was known as Eva Pigford. After leaving Tyra Banks management, Eva dropped her last name and replaced it with her middle name Marcille. She claimed this was a way to branch into acting under a new identity.

Through her acting career and connections, Eva is now a full time cast member of The Real Housewives of Atlanta.

10. Selita Ebanks – 5’7

On the cusp of petite and fashion model, Selita Ebanks didn’t let an inch get in the way of her dreams.

Selita signed a contract with Victoria’s Secret in 2005. She first modeled for their Ipex Bra line and eventually was signed as an Angel. Selita walked for Victoria’s Secret from 2005 to 2008.

Her selected fantasy bra had a set price of $4,500,000 and was made up of diamonds, emeralds, rubies and yellow sapphires.

According to Forbes Magazine she was the twelfth highest paid model of 2008.

Outside of Victoria’s Secret, Selita has appeared in magazines such as Sports Illustrated, Vogue and Glamour.

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