A fashion show featuring only petite models is coming to Milwaukee this weekend. Why Not Petites will showcase looks from six stylists in “Through the Centuries” at Pilot Project on Saturday, Oct. 7.
Why Not Petites is a Chicago-based organization that creates opportunities for models under the mainstream modeling height requirement, 5 feet, 7 inches. Founder Britney Wittes started the organization last year, and “Through the Centuries” is the second fashion show it is putting on.
“People think the word petite means skinny, [but] in the modeling industry, petite really means short,” says Wittes. “So there are plus-size petite models. People don’t realize it’s truly just a whole untapped market of people that have disabilities, that are plus-size and different shapes; there are people who are non-binary; there are men that are petite.”
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Wittes is a petite model herself. She’s modeled for 15 years, since she was 10 years old, and describes the experience as often secluded and lonely. “I started [Why Not Petites] because I also wanted to give models something that I didn’t have growing up in this industry … just making sure that people feel included and feel safe. And that you can ask questions, you can ask for help”
The inclusive fashion show will feature looks from six stylists, highlighting the evolution of fashion from the 17th century to present day. The stylists, Andy Knight, Tesa Summers, Briana Reyes and Andrea Ramirez, will each feature a different century in their designs. And stylist J. Frausto’s designs will spotlight LGBTQ+ fashion throughout all the centuries.
“I’m really proud of the diversity of this group, mainly in seeing how their styling is and how well they go together,” Wittes says. “We have something that’s a little bit more like preppy. We have someone who’s a little bit more grungy.”
Why Not Petites and the stylists also focus on sustainability in the pieces for the show. Wittes says the stylists upcycle, thrift, design or even borrow from local designers and businesses where the show is being held. “To us, what’s most important is being able to get the local businesses a platform too because they’re just as sustainable as us reusing or upcycling,” she says.
The show is at Pilot Project Brewing (1128 N. Ninth St.) on Oct. 7. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. with a cocktail hour, and the show begins at 6 p.m. There will be food, drinks, raffles and brewery tours available. Tickets can be purchased online.
