Taylor Tookes isn’t just walking the runway; she’s reshaping it. The model and co-founder of HeightRevolution has been a force in the fashion world, shattering traditional height standards and advocating for a more inclusive industry. From becoming the first Black short model to walk a CFDA-recognized New York Fashion Week show to gracing the cover of InStyle Magazine, Tookes has built her career on a foundation of unapologetic self-belief. In an exclusive interview, she shares what it means to be the “Manifestation Model” and how she’s turning her personal mission into a global movement, one runway at a time.
You’ve made history multiple times—most recently as the first Black short model to walk NYFW for a CFDA-recognized show. What did that moment mean to you personally and professionally?
It meant everything. Not just because it was history but because I did it my way. I didn’t change myself to fit into the industry. I made the industry shift to make space for someone like me. Personally, it was emotional, because I know what that moment would’ve meant to my younger self and to other short girls who are watching. Professionally, it was a reminder that I’m not here just to participate — I’m here to redefine what’s possible. Being the first short Black model to walk a CFDA-recognized show at NYFW is bigger than me. It’s proof that the rules aren’t real and I’m not done breaking them.
Your campaign HeightRevolution has brought much-needed attention to height inclusivity in fashion. What inspired you to start the movement, and how has the industry responded so far?
Oh, this is a funny question. For the most part, we’ve received positive feedback. I’ve had the pleasure of entering some really big rooms, telling people about my mission and getting the response ‘Oh, that’s so awesome! We’ve never thought about that before.” The only people we’ve triggered are the modeling agencies who prefer to remain stuck in their ways or ignorant & overly competitive women who snap at us to “let the tall girls have something.” What inspired Marissa and I to start the movement was exactly what you just said – the lack of attention to height inclusivity in fashion. We felt like someone has to speak up or no one ever will. I mean.. It’s 2025 and people are still batting a blind eye to height inclusivity in fashion.
From Bloomingdales to Glamnetic, you’ve worked with some major brands. How do you navigate those partnerships while staying true to your mission of representation?
Every brand I work with knows exactly who I am and what I stand for, especially because 99% of the time, I’m scouted through social media where my mission is very loud. I’m honored to be chosen and I’m not just doing it for the photo op — I’m here to shift the industry. As a short Black model, I am the representation I never saw growing up. So when I work with major brands like Bloomingdale’s or Glamnetic, it’s never about fitting into their world, it’s about bringing petite model representation to the table.
Your InStyle Magazine cover in March 2024 marked a powerful milestone. What was that experience like, and how did it feel seeing yourself on the cover?
It felt super empowering seeing a 5’1″ Black girl on the cover of InStyle. That’s not something you see every day — and that’s exactly why it mattered to me. It wasn’t even about me, but more about feeling like I was one of the short women opening a door that isn’t usually open. I just felt proud to be part of that shift.
You’re often called “The Manifestation Model.” Can you share how manifestation has played a role in your journey—and how others can apply it in their own lives?
I’ve been called ‘The Manifestation Model’ because I’ve built my whole career off deciding what I want and not accepting anything less. I’m a short girl who wants to be in fashion. 5’1. That’s not “possible” to some people, if not most. Manifestation has taught me not to wait around for permission – just decide what I want is already mine. That mindset has gotten me into rooms people said I’d never belong in. It’s not about wishing or hoping. It’s about deciding you’re the one and not taking anyone else’s two cents in consideration. If someone else wants to apply it in their life, I’d say this: stop looking outside of yourself. The moment you decide it’s done, it is. You just have to be bold enough to stand on it.
With fluency in Korean, Spanish, and English—and currently learning Italian and Hindi—how has your love of language and culture shaped your worldview and your work?
My love for culture has definitely helped me build relationships with people from different countries. I’m able to bond with them over their own culture and learn new things. It’s also inspired some major goals, like gracing a magazine cover in every country and walking a runway in every country. For me, language is just the key that opens those doors and lets me build real connections around the world.
What have been the biggest challenges and rewards of advocating for short models in such a traditionally exclusive industry?
I don’t really see any challenges personally. I think the only issue is just the issue itself – it’s the fact that short women are excluded in fashion. The biggest reward comes from having the guts to stand up and call the industry out for something so…odd and overdue. I’ve honestly never really had an issue calling people out, so why not channel that into something positive?
You’ve walked major runways in cities like New York, LA, and Miami. Do you prepare differently for each show, and do any moments stand out as especially unforgettable?
Not really, I don’t do anything to prepare differently. I just show up, meet cool people, walk and then go home. I think what always stands out is being the shortest one there. The only time I was not the shortest was when I walked NYFW for the first time in 2023 with four other girls, one being 4’11 (who is actually my Height Revolution co-founder). It feels really weird to be the shortest, and oftentimes the only short girl there – but also it feels very empowering. It’s like.. “Woah, I’m really doing this.”
As a model, co-founder, and content creator, you wear many hats. How do you balance all of these roles—and what keeps you grounded?
I don’t really have a problem with balance. I never have and it’s quite easy for me. Content creation is not for me and I don’t really like calling myself that. I am just putting out my last batch of videos before I let it go fully. As for my actual career, it’s fun to balance modeling and projects for Height Revolution because it’s something I actually want to do and like to do. I think it’s a lot easier when you do something you love. Staying grounded has never really been an issue for me either. I think just knowing who I am and staying true to that is something that keeps me grounded and has kept me grounded.
What’s next for you and for HeightRevolution? Are there any upcoming collaborations, projects, or goals you’re especially excited about?
I can’t say much about it but we have a lot more projects coming out very soon.
Where can we follow you on social media?
Instagram: @taytookes
