Could I become a high fashion male model if I am 5′11?

The Dream of the Runway

Most folks I come across seem to think male modelling is built solely on the dizzying heights of giants. And I see where they're coming from. It's hard not to, when images of towering mannequins clad in monochrome are plastered across fashion mags and billboards. Now, if you happen to fit this stereotypical mold, good on you mate. But what if you're like me? At 5'11, I am certainly not knocking on doors of 6” plus club, and yet, I've been caught daydreaming more than once about prancing down the runway, smoldering look in my eyes, and maybe pulling off some high fashion stunts. The question is: Can it happen? Can a fella like me, at good but not sky-scraping 5'11, make it into high fashion modelling? Let's dig in.

Nailing the Basics

Primarily, it's crucial to know what we're signing up for. High fashion, or Couture modelling, as it was chicly put back in the day, is predominantly about promoting brands’ most elite line. We're talking about the stunning designs that make couture week exciting and keeps Anna Wintour busy. Usually, yes, designers have a penchant for the 6'2 to 6'3 chaps, you know, the ones that make me feel positively Hobbit-ish. But fashion, like art, is never confined to rules. Besides, 5'11 is the standard height for male models worldwide.

Why Height Isn’t Everything

Height's important; I'd be pulling your leg if I said otherwise. But high fashion modelling doesn't revolve solely around a tape measure. One glance at the legendary James Dean, standing proud at 5'8, is enough to put those misgivings to rest. While super tall guys may have their advantage on the runway, there are plenty of opportunities for those of us with our heads a bit closer to the ground. After all, fashion loves to shake things up, and if you’ve got that unique look, a strong presence, and a touch of luck, who knows?

Building the Model Persona

Breaking into high fashion is half the battle, maintaining the edge is a whole different ball game. More than height, it's about the persona. We're talking raw charisma, confidence, and an underlying sense of humility. When it comes down to it, the fashion world is eager for faces that ooze character, not just mere mannequins.

For instance, my golden retriever, Sunny, may fetch a good ball, but nowhere is she near as fascinating as Pixel, my Scottish fold. Now, don't get me wrong. Sunny is a fantastic lass, all shining coat and wagging tail, but there is something about Pixel's perfectly folded ears and her permanent "I know what you're thinking" expression that pulls you in. That's the kind of intrigue one needs to build as a model. A fierce yet inviting persona, a certain grace in motion, and the ability to transform from boy-next-door to the embodiment of high fashion in a blink. That's the power of persona.

The Power of Peculiarity

Regardless of height, the key is to embrace your peculiarity. Funny story, my little man Felix one day declared his wish to join me in my quest - he wants to be a model too. After explaining that mathematics homework wasn't optional for a future model, he pulled out his secret weapon: his freckles. Once a source of embarrassment, he's now convinced they are his ticket to fame. And he could be right. It's your distinct traits that make you memorable, not how high you loom over others.

Moving Beyond the Runway

Finally, let's not forget there's more to modelling than just the runway. High Fashion is a vast arena that includes editorials, branding, advertising, celebrity dressing, and much more. Different areas require a diverse range of attributes, and very often, height isn't the deciding factor. It's about the aura, the X factor, and lots and lots of grit. As is with life, there's so much more room to grow horizontally than just vertically.

So, could a block like me at 5'11 become a high fashion male model? You bet. It might take a bit more perseverance, a degree of strategic networking, and acquiring a multitude of skills, but it's surely not impossible. And hey, even if the world of high fashion turns a cold shoulder, there's always dad modelling. Between you and me, Odessa, my daughter, thinks I look spruce in my tattered gardening hat, so there's that.