A concept turned into a sensation, Why Not Petites, founded by Britney Wittes, is a win, representative of a newfound appreciation of petite models in the fashion industry. Established nearly three years ago on Jan. 1, 2022, the pro-petite modeling organization advocates for diversity and inclusion.
The modeling sphere is defined by strict height standards; from an industry perspective, a petite model is categorized as 5’6” or under for women and 5’10” or under for men. Such stipulations are met with disapproval or judgment. Unwarranted and passive-aggressive comments are normalized, mentioning height concerns after the models are already hired as a way of doubting their work or just passing on talented individuals altogether.
With this being an all-too-familiar reality for Wittes, a 5’3” model with credits in American Girl, Kohl’s, McDonald’s, Proctor and Gamble, and more, she imagined Why Not Petites as a communal safe space for other models with similar experiences and thoughts of, “What did I do wrong?”
“If you want me to change my poses, or if you want me to change my facial expressions, I can do that,” says Wittes. “Those are things I have control over. I can’t control my height. If you have an issue with it, it’s your issue with it. It’s not mine.”
“I can’t control my height. If you have an issue with it, it’s your issue with it. It’s not mine.”
-Britney Wittes
Petite models often have a keen understanding of their body angles, lines and shapes to manipulate the camera into projecting a taller image of themselves in a photograph. There’s a science behind it, one that has been perfected in Wittes’ 15 years of experience, research and studying. 45-degree angles and asymmetry are a petite model’s best friend: the angle draws a line of continuation across the body structure while the asymmetry, created by placing one foot forward, a hip pop, or a knee bend, adds levels to the poses, therefore, reflecting a taller build.
Why Not Petites is an all-inclusive organization, advocating for the diversification of the modeling industry and teaching petite models these tips and tricks through a variety of services and outreach efforts. One-on-one coaching sessions with Wittes, herself, are tailored to the models’ needs, whether that be to work on posing, runway or to just chat about the industry in general. There are also opportunities, in-person or remote, to learn in posing classes, runway classes, and from their online blog with information on topics such as, “Preventing Burn Out as a Model,” or, “How to Dress as a Petite Model.” Why Not Petites has a clear-driven mission of ensuring the success of models that seek their guidance.
More than a hub of community and knowledge, Why Not Petites is sewing themselves between the folds of the Chicago fashion scene. After four successful runway shows in a matter of just two and a half years, the team took on their largest venture yet: Chicago Fashion Week. Hosting a “Roaring Runway” walk on Oct. 16 at Sarabande Chicago, Why Not Petites showcased a variety of designers, makeup artists, and models to bring back the joy of the 20s in lieu of COVID-19 taking away the chance to celebrate the new century. The, “Roaring Runway,” is representative of rebellion to the societal standard and rejoice in that reprieve.
“We [Why Not Petites] feel very prohibition ourselves, that I thought it’d be fun to, kind of, do a little homage to the 1920s and feeling just under the radar, but in the same way, everyone knows about us,” explains Wittes.
“Roaring Runway” was a success, with over 300 guests in attendance for the celebration of confidence in uniqueness — a doubled turnout than previous events.
For the petites on-the-go, the company took to Amazon and Pinterest to tailor a storefront and a mood board, referencing any product or information and inspiration these models may need in preparation of a photoshoot or a runway show.
“I don’t know where Why Not Petites is going,” says Wittes. “We’re kind of letting the community decide… What do you want us to do next? Where do you want us to go? We’ve done fashion shows now. What’s next? I want to make sure everyone’s on board with it. It’s not just about me. It’s about everyone.”
“I want to make sure everyone’s on board with it. It’s not just about me. It’s about everyone.”
-Britney Wittes
What’s next is a growing Instagram page, with closeups on models on the, “Roaring Runway”; a two-page spread in Success Magazine, a publication focused on, “personal and professional development through inspiration, motivation and training,” on Wittes’ role as a Change Maker with Why Not Petites; and, hopefully, Wittes’ newest dream of expanding Why Not Petities’ influence across other markets with other branches.
The faces of Why Not Petites are using the newfound momentum to provide their models with more resources and hands-on support, expanding their influence across the modeling scene and paving a way for often overlooked talent. On Nov. 17, the organization hosted the highly requested return of “Digitals Day.” Wittes guided participants through a 30-minute photography session, giving advice on angles and posing. From there, models received five edited portfolio images, as well as a customized comp card.
What’s small packs a punch and Why Not Petites is a force to be reckoned with. The organization’s influence is not only recognizable in Chicago, but industrywide. What’s even better is that Why Not Petites is continuously growing, projecting itself to become a common name amongst models, photographers and fashion experts alike. These men and women are flipping the script on modeling standards and adding themselves to the new, more inclusive version of fashion.
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