10 Petite Models Redefining Beauty Standards

Did you know that the modelling industry standard for female models requires a minimum height of 5’9”, yet the average height for women is 5’4”? This sets an unrealistic beauty standard for women which leads to insecurities and comparing oneself to others.

In recent times, however, the fashion industry has seen a rise of models with unconventional looks, shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. It is all thanks to those who recognised that ‘beauty knows no boundaries’ and those who continue to advocate for diversity and inclusivity within the fashion and modelling world.

Here are 10 inspiring petite models you should know about:

1. Janet Yuan

Janet is a 5’2” petite model signed with LA Models and Q Models. She has modelled for Nike, Lululemon, and more recently, Sephora. Also working with Good American, a body-positive clothing company founded by Khloe Kardashian and Emma Grede, she spreads the message of loving yourself and embracing what makes you unique.

2. Aliana King

Aliana is a 5’4” petite model signed with Premiere Model Management, Vision Los Angeles, Elite Models in New York City, and Mutha Management. She has modelled for Maybelline, Sephora, Furla, and appeared in Elle, Allure Magazine, Vogue and more.

On her Instagram, she often advocates for a change within the fashion and beauty industry. In a recent post, she writes “When I first started modelling I didn’t see a lot of people like me in the industry. I didn’t even think it was possible to be a model at 5’ 4”. […] Now, I can confidently walk into rooms and my height isn’t even a topic of conversation (which is HUGE)”

3. Inka Williams

Inka is a 5’5” Melbourne-born petite model signed with IMG Models. She became the face of BONDS in 2018 and was featured in Grazia Magazine. Boasting 2.3 million followers on Instagram, she uses her platform to share her journey with acne and to advocate for self-love and awareness of the products that we use on our skin.

4. Andrea Ventura

Andrea is a 5’3” petite model who advocates for body positivity and diversity within the modelling industry.

She hosts a podcast called Standing Tall where she shares her modelling journey and offers tips and advice to aspiring models.

5. Zoe Elyse

Zoe is a 5’2” petite model who has modelled for big brands such as ASOS, All Saints, Forever21, and more! She is signed with Photo/Genics Media in Los Angeles and Crawford Models in New York.

In a podcast interview in Standing Tall, she talks about how she progressed in the modelling industry and the challenges that come with being a petite model in the fashion industry.

In 2022, she was featured at Times Square for a billboard ad for GAP.

6. Haejin Lee

Haejin is a 5’4” petite model signed with Wilhelmina Models. She has modelled for various magazines such as L’Officiel Singapore, Elle Vietnam, Marie Claire HongKong, and more!

7. Kate Moss

Kate is a retired supermodel standing at 5’5, although officially listed as 5’7”. She rose to fame in the early 1990s when she modelled for several Calvin Klein advertisements. Throughout her modelling career, she has worked for many top designer brands and designers such as Gucci, Dior, Long Champ, Versace, Burberry, Yves Saint-Laurent, Chanel, and more.

8. Salem Mitchell

Salem is a 5’6” petite model signed with LA Ford Models and New York Model Management. Her most defining feature is her freckles which she is best known for. Despite experiencing bullying because of it, she never felt the need to cover them up. Today, she has been featured in Vogue and Gucci, appeared at Times Square for Nike, and modelled for Savage x Fenty and Beyoncé’s official Lemonade merchandise.

9. Emily Ratajkowski

Emily is a 5’7” petite model signed with DNA Models, Viva in Paris, London and Barcelona. She has been featured in Vogue, Harper’s Bazaar, Glamour Magazine, InStyle, and more. She has also appeared in several advertising campaigns for Versace, Marc Jacobs, Loewe, Kérastase, and more.

In 2021, she published ‘My Body’, a collection of personal essays which explore sexuality, femininity and what it means to be a woman in the 21st century.

10. Tia Jonsson

Tia is a 5’5” petite model signed with Anti-Agency and Silent Models. She has appeared in several advertising campaigns for Savage x Fenty, Zara, Glossier, Rag & Bone, and more. She has also featured in Vogue, Elle, Allure, and more.

Tia shared with Vogue that she felt insecure having vitiligo at a young age, but she has grown to love them over time. Rather than blending in, she wears them with pride.