My Modeling Quest Begins
So I started digging into this modeling body type thing ’cause my niece wanted to try fashion modeling. Googled for days like a crazy person clicking through agency sites and model forums. Realized pretty quick that most runway models have these super long legs and straight figures – they call that “rectangle” body shape. Made me think of those hangers in fancy boutiques.
Took out my measuring tape and notebook like some detective. Measured my niece up and down: shoulders, bust, waist, hips. Her numbers showed this curvy hourglass situation – wide hips, defined waist, the whole deal. The modeling agency feedback was brutal: “Wrong proportions for high fashion.” Felt like getting smacked with a ruler.
The Runway Reality Check
Visited four open calls pretending to be her aunt manager. Saw hundreds of girls waiting in lines stretching around city blocks. Noticed:
- Every single signed model looked like a stretched-out version of normal humans
- Their hipbones stuck out like shelf brackets even in jeans
- Zero curves anywhere – flat chests and straight up-and-down torsos
The scout dude said straight up: “We hire human coat racks, not hourglasses.”
Surprise Discoveries
Almost gave up till I stumbled into petite modeling. Turns out commercial catalog gigs love different body types! Did three test shoots with my niece:
- Swimwear shoot wanted her curves – director yelled “Work those hips!”
- Lingerie brand loved her defined waistline
- Even got invited for some bridal catalog where they pinned dresses to fit her shape
Total game changer. Main takeaway? Runway demands ruler bodies but the rest of fashion needs ALL body types. My niece stopped crying about not being giraffe-shaped and booked her first paid gig last month. Mission accomplished.
