With a passion for learning about diverse cultures and promoting inclusivity, rising fashion model Taylor Tookes is breaking down barriers in the fashion world. Through her platform, which boasts over 66,000 Instagram followers, she sheds light on the beauty of global fashion, emphasising how different countries celebrate inclusivity by featuring models of varying heights.
Her dedication to inclusivity, particularly for shorter models, drives her advocacy, as she consistently uses her social media presence to inspire her audience and champion change. Follow her journey on Instagram to see how she promotes diversity and cultural understanding every day.
You’ve made history as the first petite Black model to walk at New York Fashion Week and appear on the cover of InStyle Magazine. How has breaking these barriers shaped your career and the fashion industry’s view on diversity?
“I’ve definitely noticed that people look at me differently now. Instead of “oh she thinks she can make change by herself”, it has turned into “you’re doing big things! let’s work together!”. I think this could lead to allowing other short women to walk the runway as well. I want to literally be known for being part of the overdue mission to break barriers for short women in fashion and I do not ever plan on backing down from that. I’m well aware that there’s a first for everything and I think the industry is finally realising we are not backing down and is finally starting to include us. I’ve walked shows recently where I was the only short woman and it felt very lonely, but the designers and producers loved the idea of including more short women in the future.”
You’ve worked with some iconic brands like Bloomingdale’s, Palladio Beauty, and Walmart. What has been your most memorable campaign or runway experience so far?
“Probably my most recent runway for Chuks Collins. This was my first time walking an official runway on the CFDA calendar.”
You’re passionate about advocating for petite models and have even started the Instagram campaign, Height Revolution. What impact do you hope to achieve with this movement?
“Well, I definitely want short women to be included. Since we’re the majority, I think it’s crazy that we aren’t even a thought. Like really think about it…. The average height of women worldwide is 5’3 and you’re excluding… practically everyone? We want to change that. This is long overdue and we just want representation in all areas.”
You’ve been featured in Harper’s Bazaar, Elle, and Marie Claire and have graced runways across New York, Los Angeles, Miami, and Orlando. What advice would you give to aspiring models who face obstacles due to their height or background?
“I would tell them to go for it anyway. I don’t think any of that should matter anymore in the ripe year of 2024, almost 2025. If you treat it like it doesn’t matter, then it won’t. The only way to get them to notice us is to demand our spot — showing up to castings anyway, applying to agencies anyway, going to open calls anyway. Trust me when I say, people are open to the idea – they just aren’t thinking of it on their own. When you bring it to their attention consistently, they’re likely to consider it.”
In addition to your modelling career, you’re also passionate about languages and world music. How has your love for music and languages influenced your perspective on global fashion and culture?
“I’ve just always been really interested in learning about other cultures and other backgrounds. I think it’s great to expand your knowledge on these things because it brings a fresh new understanding of people and encourages an open mind toward how other people do things. At least, that was the case for me. I’ve also learnt that when it comes to fashion in other countries, they are more inclusive toward shorter girls. Some of their average heights are usually really really short, so they encourage & advertise shorter models with a mix of taller models (as all countries should).”
With over 66K followers on Instagram, how do you use your platform to promote inclusivity and inspire your audience?
“It’s literally all I talk about! And it’s all I ever want to talk about until change is made.”
