Jacksonville, FL – February 6, 2025 – Petite women often find themselves underrepresented in the fashion industry, where runway shows, advertisements, and clothing lines seldom represent their stature. But one woman sought to change this by gifting her daughter, Saloni Joshi, her own runway. As an experienced fashion show creator and producer Manisha Joshi said, “When modeling agencies continually turned my daughter down, I told her that if someone doesn’t give you a runway, you make your own.”
Sixty-four Inches of Style: The Second Annual Petite Fashion Show will take place on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at the Jessie Ball duPont Center. Last year, the show brought together 23 models, each 5’ 4” and under, and featured keynote speaker President and CEO of United Way of Northeast Florida, Melanie Patz, along with inspiring presentations from local speakers.
This year, keynote speaker Expert Counsel at Florida Blue and 2025 JAX Chamber Chair, Ari Jolly will headline the evening. Manisha said, “There are articles on how to ‘stand taller in a room’ or ‘what to wear so you look taller’ published in national business magazines. I want to provide a platform for models who have long been overlooked. The average height of an American woman is 5’3”, so the fact that petite women are still invisible in the fashion industry is a call for change.”
“Petite women want to feel confident and stylish but seldom find clothing in stores that fit and have yet to see representation in models. Several modeling agencies and boutiques did not shy away from telling my daughter and I, ‘You’re too short’ or ‘We don’t represent your size.’ This can be very crushing to young woman’s self-esteem. Sixty-four Inches of Style is not just about fashion; it’s about empowerment, inclusivity, and making sure every woman, no matter her stature, feels represented. Your height should never determine your success or your visibility!”
Models from all walks of life and ethnicities will walk the runway, celebrating diversity in both size and style. “When I can hear squeals of joy from moms asking me if they can model themselves or want to include their petite-sized daughters in the show, it fuels my passion for this cause. One of the models shared, ‘Walking the runway last year pushed me out of my comfort zone – it was very empowering, I can’t wait to walk again!’”
The event is a testament to the growing demand for increased inclusivity in the fashion industry. Manisha hopes that this inspires the petite community to speak up and push for change. The second annual Petite Fashion Show will be held at the Jessie Ball duPont Center on February 22, 2025. Tickets are available for purchase at www.stylebymanisha.org.
For media inquiries or more information about Sixty-four Inches of Style: The Second Annual Petite Fashion Show, please contact Manisha Joshi at manisha@styledbymanisha.com.