(WBBM NEWSRADIO) – While the modeling world has taken some steps to diversify over the years, a Chicago organization says there are still some people who are not seen on billboards and runways – petite models.
Locally, that group is making sure the work of such models is being seen.
Brittney Wittes, the founder and CEO of Why Not Petites, began modeling when she was 10 years old.
“I had a really great success as a child. I was working very frequently. I was super happy doing it,” Wittes said.
“And then I grew to a certain height, stopped growing, and the calls stopped, because I didn't keep growing.”
After the modeling stopped, Wittes began acting. She still loved modeling and would get the occasional modeling job, but there was never the same interest.
So, Wittes started an Instagram account with the username “WhyNotPetites.” The online community grew, and it got to the point where Why Not Petites has been able to host four shows over the past two years.
The shows have given petite models opportunities they have long been searching for. Wittes said that some can come to doubt themselves because they are constantly rejected.
“So I wanted to show them that yes, you can and I wanted to give them their first ‘yes,’” Wittes said. For many of the models, the shows they have done with Why Not Petites have been their first.
On January 10, Why Not Petites hosted its first art exhibition. The event was an opportunity not just for models and designers to showcase their talent – but featured a live band and live painter as well.The fashion show portion of the night was also shorter than normal, and designers were made available after the show to talk about their creations.
While not a fashion center like New York City, Wittes says Chicago is small, but mighty.
“It's a great place to get started and find out who you want to be as a model. There are lifestyle opportunities, there are fashion opportunities. So, it's more just finding the right agent that's going to take that leap of faith in you.”
Why Not Petites will be holding another stylist expo in May with more projects in the works for the rest of the year. More information can be found on the organization’s website and social media pages.
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