Answering a Reader Question #610

Anonymous Wrote:

Hi! What is a mother agency? And for 5'7 will I be able to do runway? Thanks!

Hey, Anonymous!

Below is a link to a blog post I wrote about mother agencies...it'll give you more insight into how this type of agency operates:

Understanding the Role of Mother Agencies in Modeling

5'7" is considered by industry standards to be too short for runway. However, below are the situations where it could be a possible for a female model to do runway at this height:

•  Age. Some fashion/runway agencies will lower the height requirement for younger female models. For example, girls ages 14-16 may be allowed to get signed for runway work at 5'7" if the agency feels confident that they'll grow taller in the next few years (it also helps if the model has an in demand look).
• Market Location. Fashion agencies in larger markets like New York, Los Angeles and Miami tend to be super strict about maintaining their height requirements for female runway models and won't budge--even for younger models sometimes, but agencies in medium to smaller markets often sign 5'7" females for runway work. Since they are a smaller market, there isn't much need to be so strict about who they sign. As long as the model has a strong, marketable look, smaller market agencies don't mind overlooking that one inch.

If you're over 16 and looking at agencies in a large market, doing runway at 5'7" will be very difficult. Not impossible but difficult. You are the ideal height, however, for commercial/print so if you don't have any luck with the fashion agencies, submit to print agencies...you'll have better luck with them.