TAYLOR TOOKES

Taylor, you’ve made history in so many ways. What inspired you to start modeling, especially during such a challenging time like the pandemic?

So, I was just REALLY sick of never seeing anyone like me in fashion.. which is ironic because short women are definitely a large portion of consumers here – especially since the average height of women worldwide is 5’3 as of 2024… I didn’t expect a pandemic to hit (I’m sure no one did haha) but I refused to let it halt my plans because it’s sooo common for people to be discovered on social media now. The frustration, anger and grit won instead of letting circumstances stop me and the rest is history!

As a Black petite model, what were some of the biggest challenges you faced breaking into an industry that often prioritizes height?

I think the only challenge I’ve faced was the only obvious thing about myself – my height. I’d get told I have the perfect look, I’m so pretty, I look like I could model, etc. but I’m too short. I think it’s really dumb to exclude someone because of something they couldn’t control at birth, especially because the industry is pushing the diversity and inclusion narrative. Obviously, it isn’t genuine and is rather performative. I didn’t let that stop me though. Why would I when I could just normalize ACTUAL inclusion? Short girls deserve a spot at the table too.

Your covers on Grazia and InStyle were historic moments — how did it feel seeing yourself on those covers as the first short model?

It felt very surreal but it also felt like it’s long overdue. Why on earth are we in 2025 and no short model has been on a runway or on a cover? That’s insane to me. Ridiculous. I felt incredibly honored to be that person, but I hope it is more of a WE CAN TOO statement over anything.

Can you tell us about your experience walking for Chuks Collins at NYFW? What did that moment mean for you and your mission?

It was super fun! I really like Chuks and I think he’s so cool. I think his pieces are beautiful and he’s one of the only designers who actually understands inclusion. If you look at his presentations and runways, he has always included models of all shapes and sizes. Walking in NYFW as a short model felt surreal. I was the only short girl there and though it felt surreal, it also felt lonely. I felt empowered being the only short girl because it was a statement of – “Wow I’m representing!” but I also didn’t want to be the only one. I want to normalize short girls on the runway – not just be the exception. Hopefully, this can happen in the future.

You co-founded Height Revolution with Marissa Rose — what was the motivation behind starting that movement, and how has the response been so far?

It was a shower thought! Height Revolution was genuinely a shower thought. It came to me after I had just come across a casting for a huge agency. They were saying “all sizes welcome” but had a height requirement and of course – I was FED UP. I took an hour stewing in thought, frustration and anger and I realized NO ONE is consistently holding ANYONE in fashion accountable for hypocrisy and performative activism when it comes to short women. Ultimately, I was like – absolutely not, let’s just do this already. I put out a little ‘PSA’ on my close friends story, telling my fellow models what I’m going to create and I asked if anyone else would like to join because I know we are all fed up and we all feel the same way – it’s just a matter of who is going to speak up BUT speak up consistently.

Marissa and I decided to join forces and start Height Revolution together. The response for the most part… has actually been mostly supportive. Most people in the fashion world are actually very well-receiving of our mission and brand. Of course, we’ll get the occasional troll commenting (in true loser fashion) – “short girls can’t model!! leave something for tall people!!” instead of realizing something that isn’t rocket science: there’s enough room for everyone. We’ve also been blocked by like 2 agencies for speaking out, but most agencies have been very willing to work with us. We actually have a few projects coming out very soon in partnership with some agencies who share our mission or are open to it!

Representation is a huge part of your mission. Who are some role models or movements that have inspired you on your journey?

Plus sized models and Aariana Rose Philip. Plus sized models were once 100% discriminated against and NOWHERE near a runway. It was a total NO for a very long time. We are not where we should be at all with plus size models’ acceptance in the fashion industry, but it has progressed so much and I think that’s awesome. They really spoke up consistently, supported each other and helped each other fight for their spot at the table. They are not “standard size” either, just like petite models are not standard size. The fact that they still made a way is inspiring to me – even if there aren’t many plus size models on the runway, there are still a few. Aariana Rose Philip is another model who truly inspires me. She is one of the first disabled models to hit a runway. She is not only an inspiration to me, but has the sweetest soul too. We are nowhere near where we need to be for disabled models either, but she is an example that it can be done. She’s doing AMAZING things for her career. I feel like if that could happen for people who aren’t standard size or people who “don’t fit the norm”, we are also included in that box as short models, so it can happen for us too.

You’ve mentioned how important the Black community’s support has been. Can you share more about how that support has shaped your career?

My community? My number one fans and I truly appreciate that. Some of the people who have fought for me most are black designers, casting directors, and stylists who have seen ME for who I am (a 5’1 black MODEL) and have uplifted me. People don’t understand (and never will understand) that being black in this industry is not the same as NOT being black in this industry. We are definitely treated differently and viewed differently. It is very refreshing to be surrounded by people who understand that. Actually – it’s quite the headache to be around people who don’t (so I just avoid that if I can). My community knows the opportunity meter is different for us, so the fact that we are able to help each other out and uplift each other is honestly everything. When I am officially where I want to be in my career, I want to do everything I can to support short black models. They will be my priority.

The fashion world is starting to shift — but there’s still a long way to go. What changes do you hope to see next in terms of diversity and inclusivity?

I would like to see more opportunities for everyone. Less elitism in terms of opportunities and less discrimination. That’s all.

What advice would you give to young girls who feel overlooked because they don’t fit the typical beauty standards in fashion?

I want them to know the industry IS meant for them and everyone deserves a spot at the table because the table is large enough. Do not let anyone tell you that you don’t belong. The fact that you buy & wear clothes is enough of a reason why you DO belong. Fashion is for everyone to enjoy – it isn’t and shouldn’t be reserved for a certain size, height, race, etc. Everyone deserves to feel and look amazing, including YOU, short model reading this.

Lastly, beyond modeling, do you have other dreams or projects you’d love to explore in the future — perhaps in activism, design, or media?

I want to do more casting for sure. But above all of that, I’d love to get more involved in the philanthropy world. I don’t ever see myself designing anything – that just isn’t my passion or ballpark. I also want to walk every fashion week literally everywhere around the world. Maybe producing something? I actually have plans for a tour really soon, so can’t wait to share that! I feel like you really asked the right person this question because I have plans on top of plans for other projects, haha!