Why So Serious?

Models of Diversity is the charity that was founded by Angel Sinclair in 2008.  We campaign for the beauty of all shapes, sizes, gender, ethnicity and ability to be represented in the media.

We are very proud to announce our formal registration as a charity, No. 11 64 927 with the following object:

The promotion of equality and diversity for the public benefit by promoting greater diversity in the fashion, beauty and media industries, where people of minority ethnic origin, older people, larger and smaller people, people with a disability, and non-binary gender people are under-represented.

Models of Diversity is the campaign for more diversity in the models we see every day. We call on the fashion, beauty and marketing industries to recognise the beauty in people of all races, ages, shapes, sizes and abilities. Our mission is to change the face of fashion and modelling

I am Sarah O’Rourke and I am the Petite ambassador for Models of Diversity.  I entered modelling at a mature and curvy stage in my life and found MOD accepted me even though I do not conform to the well attributed 5ft 8inches stipulated on most casting applications for models and acting roles.  The average height of women according to http://www.theaveragebody.com/average_height.php so what chance does the average woman have?

I more so became committed as it is so important for our future generations to have role models, I want the future adults to be the best they can be.  Not the best someone else they will never be able to be.

I became concerned that so many beautiful people were being excluded from a career based on something as silly as height and as I began to dig deep I knew things had to change.  Models of Diversity makes this possible.   We are not alone in this #SayNoToHeightRestrictions and #beautyisinall is gathering support daily.  We believe it is a shame that for those who are fine cherry picked or know someone in the industry re Cara Delevinge or Kate Moss who stand at around 5’6” the reality for petite models is very different and some can only find work in glamour or lingerie because of this very fact.

I as do many find it incredibly difficult to find clothes when I am shopping for my small frame why am I not represented? I am buying their clothes!

I believe together we can make a difference and that one day I will see other women that represent me on the cat walk and in all social media.  I am committed to this cause and already I am in talks with top modelling agencies who want to hear more about our campaign.  We are putting pressure on the fashion industry to listen to women who could work the catwalk regardless of their size who are being discriminated against on a very basic level.

Beauty is in all and we believe the public want to see themselves represented and I dedicated to this underpinning value that has been researched by Models of Diversity.

Joining the shoot was Elizabeth Collier, Amy Ivy Ellise, Corrine Marie Lee, Kereen Hurley, Elesha Turner and I.

So let us make some noise and come together! Share our experiences and demand that the fashion industry stops excluding beautiful people who can model even if they do not conform to industry standards!

Photographer: James Lyon

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