Amanda's Basics

Name: Amanda
Birthday: October 7th, 1990
Height: 6'3"
Location: USA

Hello! My name is Amanda, and I am a 19-year-old Amazon from New Jersey. Currently 6'3", I've been freakishly tall my whole life. My parents are both an average 6'0" (well, they're average in my opinion anyway). And my brother just reached 6'5"- so I fit in with my immediate family. This is comforting to have so many people who understand how height affects my life. However, since my extended family is southern Italian and Russian, the height ends with my brother and parents. Some major height milestones include reaching 5'2" in the second grade, 5'10" in the sixth, and 6'2" by the time I was 13.

I have millions of stories from my childhood that resulted from my height. For example, I had to fight for children's movie tickets at 9, teachers thought I was in the wrong class, and I haven't been able to buy a pair of pants from a store since I was about 10. Sure, extreme height results in obstacles socially. But the point is to love that uniqueness. Of course, sometimes a comment or stare from some random person puts me in a bad mood, but doesn't that happen to everyone? I'm just happy that this early in my life I'm making a personal effort to get past appearance and respect what I have.

In the realm of dating, I am a little inexperienced and have never been on a date. However, I know plenty of girls who are 5'5", 5'3", etc. who have never been asked out either. I know that one day I'll find a guy who likes me for who I am, and that comforts me in the most boy-obsessed time in my life! Haha. I would love to date someone at least 6'1", and I know I need to work on my self-confidence so that I don't end up turning a great guy away simply because he's shorter than me.

I always like to talk about height with people, too, because sometimes just knowing that someone feels that same awkwardness or insecurity can cure even the worst day. And trust me, there will always be a reminder that you're tall. I hit my head all the time, I walk into shoe stores only to realize they don't carry my size, I try on jackets that magically have 3/4 sleeves when I put them on, etc. But at the end of the day, height is one of the only things we CANNOT change. So I dress the way I want, I study hard to be the smartest person in the class, and I try to tell myself I'm beautiful every day. I change the things that can be changed and try not to worry about those I can't affect. No matter what, I'm 6'3". But that height has granted more perks than obstacles: I can reach high shelves, I can wear brights colors, funky prints, and big jewelry that short women can't pull off, and I'm the one people notice and remember at a party or social event. At the end of the day, I can't imagine being short. My mom used to always tell me, "People always want to be taller, never shorter." And it's true! So enjoy your height, dress up as an Amazon for Halloween, and work it! Why have height that makes you so memorable and noticeable if you're just going to be shy and insecure?

Best wishes,
Amanda

Name: Chelsea
Birthday: December 22rd, 1983
Height: 6'0"
Location: USA

Thanks to all of you out there who have interest in, are seeking support for or have admiration for all of us tall ladies and most of all for giving me the honor of being tall women of the month! To get started, my name is Chelsea and I live south of Houston in good 'ole Texas, USA. I am living proof that everything truly is bigger in Texas. I am currently 27 years old, I am the second oldest (but tallest) of my 5 sisters and I am a very proud mother of two tall, skinny but very happy kids.

I grew up in a very rural environment and graduated from my home town with a population of only 9,800. It's easy to see how I stuck out amongst the crowd. When I got into High School and was still taller than most everyone I realized I couldn't avoid the difference in height so I wore it with pride. I always wished I was lucky enough to be taller. I still feel that 6'2" would be a much more flattering height. If I have to be tall I mine as well go all the way, right?

I got used to the names and teasing, I answered to Olive Oil because I was so tall and thin. Most girls in high school struggle with their weigh and so did I, but quite the opposite. I ate everything in sight and could never gain a pound. I never felt attractive because I was so thin and had "bird legs".

I got the usual (and still do) "do you play basketball, volleyball, are you a model, or you should have been a model". I still smile and say something like "well, if you see and scouts around, send them my way" Fortunately, being tall has lots of downfalls that end up teaching you great life lessons. For instance, people always assumed I was older and it forced me to mature much faster. I am thankful now that I have such a great perspective on things and am independent because if it. Growing up in the country, if you are the size of a man you are expected to work like one so I always had tomboyish tendencies and I am still capable of taking care of just about everything for myself. I have never been the type to let a man or anyone else do things for me because I am just as capable as they are.

The most difficult task is to find someone of equal height, or even someone that is accepting that you are much taller than them without feeling like you take away their manhood. I married someone that was 5'10" and also very thin so I have always been equal in weight, taller in height and had bigger feet than the father of my children (big feet is something you accept early on). It's amazing after 9 years people were are still surprised that we were married and so many people verbalized that they thought it was awkward.

I still find myself eyeing other tall women to see if I am taller! I don't hide or get embarrassed at the occasional attention. I wear heels most everyday and don't worry (much) about stepping back when I am significantly taller than everyone else.

I am proud to say my daughter already tells me she hopes she is as tall as me so I know I must set a good example. I hope all of you out there stand tall, stay proud and help people at the grocery store reach things from the tope shelf.

Sandra, 6'3"

I would like to say THANK YOU for this site. I just ran acrossed it today and never knew it existed. I’ve read many profiles and it motivated me to share my story. Although many stories were the same as mine, I would like to put a twist on mine.

 I grew up in Riverside, California. I am 51 years young. I don’t feel it or look it! I am 6’3” since high school. I was the tallest kid in my elementary school and the boys caught up with me by junior high. I often struggled with my confidence through high school and with similar comments made I often was accused of being defensive of being tall by saying, “I’m proud of it”!

One of the most difficult things to deal with was finding shoes my size. I can remember in elementary school I had to wear men’s shoes and at that time was somewhat easy to find because men’s shoes looked like women’s shoes. I have an earliest memory of wearing shoes that were way too tight, but I didn’t care and as a result many years later I have hammer toes with big corns and are very painful today.

 My mom was very supportive of me to a fault. She wanted me to be the best I could be. So, she enrolled me in John Roberts Modeling School when I was fourteen. I learned how to carry myself, dress well and how to look like a “model”.

The most memorable experience in my life was being a member of a tall club in 1986. The Tall Club of Orange County was the best thing I did. I met a lot of wonderful tall people. People who were passionate about their height.  In this club, they have an annual beauty pageant that my good friend, Jane, convinced me to participate in and I told her, “If you find me a pair of high heel shoes, I will be in the pageant”. Well, Jane found a store in LA called Rushton’s Shoes that just happened to have a pair of black pumps with 2” heels, size 15. I went down to the store, tried them on, and was in the pageant.

The experience of being in a beauty pageant will stay with me forever. It was something I thought I would never experience, but I did. I didn’t place or win, but it was the process that I went through that was important and my friends and family who supported me.

The tall club also had a second Friday dance that was specially opened to the public and every short man would attend this event. As I was standing near the foyer talking to my friends, a gentleman walked up to me and said, “You are one tall lady.” I thought that was the most thoughtful and respectful way of saying how tall I am.

 Today, I try to always look good on a budget. With today’s technology, I have been able to find one website, Barefoottess.com that sells shoes up to size 15. I have bought several pairs of flat, open-toed sandals. I am able to get by with wearing a size 15, but they have to be opened toe. The shoes I wore in the pageant  were very tight and I was in extreme pain. So, needless-to-say, I am still searching for a pair of size 16 women’s flat heeled or 1 inch heeled pump. If anyone has any ideas, please let me know.

 I’ve played sports most of my life. Softball, basketball and volleyball were my favorite sports. I played one year of Basketball at Riverside City College. Over the years I’ve been pretty busy with city leagues as well. 

I’ve been living in North Pole, Alaska for the last twenty four years and no matter where I am, I still get noticed and on occasion get asked how tall I am or did I play basketball and I just tell them with pride.

 So my message to anyone who reads this post, be proud of who you are no matter what. Stand tall and take good care of yourself.

Thank you
Sandra

Malgorzata "Margo" Dydek-Twigg

April 28th 1974 - May 27th 2011

Margo was 7'2" (218cm). We will never forget you, Margo!

It is with deep sadness that I have to report the death of Malgorzata "Margo" Dydek-Twigg. Margo died in Brisbane on Friday, May 27th 2011 after suffering a heart attack a week ago and being placed in a medically induced coma. With Margo died her three month old baby. This fact makes an already sad story even more heartbreaking.

The Brisbane-based Wizards posted a statement on their website Friday. "Always in our hearts - Margo," it said. "With great sadness we acknowledge the passing of... Margo Dydek. Margo suffered a heart attack just over a week ago and passed away Friday 27th May, peacefully and surrounded by her family. You were a much-loved member of our community and we will miss you greatly. Our hearts go out to your family, David and your beautiful boys xx."

She is survived by her husband, David, and two sons, David, 3, and Alex, seven months.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/sports/2011/05/27/wnba-player-dydek-dies-heart-attack/

Since I have never spoken to Margo herself and don't have anything to put here at the moment I simply leave you with a beautifully written article that was published today: http://sports.espn.go.com/wnba/columns/story?columnist=voepel_mechelle&id=6597834

Addition: I would love this to be a  Memorial for Margo so if you knew her and have any positive or interesting  stories to share This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Maria Taylor, 6'2"

Maria Taylor is in her seventh season as a host analyst & reporter. Taylor is a co-host on ESPN's College Gameday, sideline reporter for ABC's Saturday Night Football, and a recurring co-host of ESPN’s “Get Up!”.  In 2016, Taylor joined analysts Tim Tebow, Marcus Spears and Paul Finebaum as host of the SEC Network’s traveling pregame show SEC Nation. Taylor was also tabbed to host ESPN's NCAA Women's Basketball tournament selection show and coverage of the Final Four as well as report on Saturday Night Prime Men's Basketball. In addition to her hosting and reporting duties, she is an analyst on other SEC and ESPN telecasts of NCAA Volleyball. Prior to 2016, Maria served as a college football reporter on SEC Network Saturday Primetime broadcasts and anchored the network's nightly news and information show SEC Now.

In 2013, she was the sideline reporter on ESPN2’s Saturday night Primetime college football games. Taylor covered 2 consecutive BCS Orange Bowls. Additionally, she has been an analyst on NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament Preview Show and also ESPN’s coverage of both the NCAA Women’s Basketball Tournament and Women’s Volleyball National Championship.

Prior to 2012, Taylor was a reporter and host for IMG College at the University of Georgia for three years. She also appeared on various Comcast Sports South studio shows including the Dawg Report, SEC Men’s Basketball Tonight, and SportsNite.

Taylor attended the University of Georgia where she played volleyball and basketball for the Bulldogs. She was named to the All-SEC volleyball team three times and was also a member of the USA A2 National Volleyball team. She graduated from Georgia in 2009 with a degree in broadcast news. She returned to the University of Georgia to pursue her Masters of Business Administration which she completed in May 2013. Maria is a native of Alpharetta, Georgia.

IN THE COMMUNITY

In 2015, Maria Co-Founded a non-profit organization called The Winning Edge Leadership Academy. The mission of the Winning Edge is to educate, foster professional mentoring relationships, provide networking opportunities and enrichment scholarships to ethnic minorities and women who are seeking careers in the sports industry. Since 2015, the academy has helped 16 students work towards job or internship placement and provided mentoring and funding for professional enrichment trips. To Learn more or get involved visit: http://www.winningedgeleadership.org/

Visit her website

Growing up, I was always the tallest one in my class... so you can imagine by the time high school came around, I was already used to being 6 inches or more taller than everyone else my age. Everyone always wanted to know if I played basketball...my favorite comeback was always "No. Is that the only thing you think tall women can do?!" I didn't enjoy basketball as much as volleyball, which is what I ended up playing for 3 years in high school (until a knee injury forced me to quit).

Before I came to college, I used to let what people say bother me...things like "WOW! You're so tall!" or "Oh my God!" with the blank stares. I don't even let it bother me... I think people are staring at me, not just because I am tall and beautiful, but because of the strong, sexy way I carry myself! Guys love it!

Right now, I am 23 years old, 6'2" in Maryland (US).

Thanks for making us Amazon Goddesses shine!
~Stephanie

Desiree's Basics

Name: Desiree
Birthday: April 13th, 1987
Height: 5'11"
Location: United States 

When I was younger... 

I have always had a positive attitude about my height even while growing up. I was used to being the tallest female student in all my elementary and junior high classes and despite this it actually never made me feel awkward, in fact I think this intimidated students and so I never genuinely got picked on over my height. I frequently used my height as a strength instead of a weakness. Since I was not able to wake up one morning and be a few inches shorter I had too use the best with what I had. Taking pictures was always a nuisance since I was usually the tallest in the picture, or had to kneel for a photo with my friends. I was often pressured to play basketball but I chose not to be the typical giant on the basketball team. Since height ran in my family, I think that also helped me to have a positive view of my height and know that my height is a fine addition to what makes me the person that I am. 

To be or not to be confident????? 

People find it hard to believe that I love to wear heels. I love them and I do not care what people think. Whether I am 5'11" or 6'2" with my heels, I am tall and beautiful and do not mind doing or wearing what makes me feel bold, sexy and daring. I like to be center of attention and I don't mind standing out in crowd.My height makes me just a little bit more unique and gives me a lot of advantages, like being able to reach things in high places and riding every roller coaster at an amusement park. Women look up to me literally..... people compliment me on my posture and despite my height I am not hunched over. I am treated like an everyday woman but with a few more stares and a few more compliments.

When it comes to love...

I do not discriminate when it comes to men I like them in all races and heights but preferably taller than me which sometimes is hard to find, My current boyfriend is shorter than me but its all good b/c I love him anyways. Some of his friends intially had a few jokes about me being taller than him. But height doesn't mean a thing when it comes to love because if it did I would not be in the wonderful relationship I am in today.

My final thoughts...

I know I am not perfect but this is me and I like it and I am happy and unique. We should always strive to be happy with ourselves because it would just make life easier.

Best Wishes
Desiree (5'11")

Rachel's Basics

Name: Rachel
Birthday: March 12th, 1988
Height: 6'0"
Location: United States

I have been tall since I can remember. Even since first grade I have usually been the tallest person in the class. I used to be so self aware of my height because I was reminded of it every day. I always -always -always used to and still do get the questions

"How tall are you" 

"Do you play basketball?"

"Are your parents tall?"

"You must be great at sports, huh?"

These questions were very over whelming for me as a child, especially since I am an introverted person. I am getting better at not letting these questions bother me and taking them in strides. I do like sports, but I never played sports during school because I don't like to do what is expected of me (it would drive the coaches crazy that I didn’t play ball).  

I work with middle school students. It is funny to hear them "whisper" as I walk past them in the hall, "Oh my gosh, she is so tall" is what they usually say and I just laugh to myself. I always try and make it a point to walk with my back straight and my head held high because I never know what young lady is watching me as an example to look up to. I actually had a student I work with tell me that she hopes to be as tall as I am when she is an adult. That made me feel great.  

It is difficult to find men my height, especially men who want to be with a tall woman. I am becoming more and more open to the possibility of dating a man shorter than myself. I have to say shorter men are pretty creative with their pick up lines. I have had a man ask me if I had "ever fallen in love with a short man before?" Now that is "think on your feet".  

Finding clothes is getting easier with the internet and clothing makers realizing that not every woman is 5 foot. I enjoy being tall because I can carry off larger prints on my clothes, bigger earrings (I love earrings) and bigger hand bags. I do still wear heels and when people ask me "Why?" I just say "Because I want to."

Lots of Love
Rachel

Jonari's Basics

Name: Jonari
Birthday: July 12th, 1989
Height: 6'2" Location: USA

Hi, out there. My name is Jonari, I know that sounds complicated.... and it is. I am so glad that there are websites out there that highlight tall women's beauty for what it's worth. I'm currently 20 years old (I was born July 12, 1989). Now, as of this time I stand at 6 foot 2 inches. I know, I know WOW right? I get that a lot. Oh, and more examples for instance.... "You're so tall" and "You're an amazonian". And let's not forget the "tall glass of water" bit. It cracks me up when people come to me and are like, "Did you know you're tall"? And I'm like.... "Uh, yeah. I've known that for as long as I could know I was tall". To me being my height is pretty much awesome. I mean I get lots of attention, that's important. When I was a kid I admit I was insecure a little about being tall, I didn't want to feel different from everyone else. As I got older that faded away rapidly and I was so proud to be a tall girl.

I've had many moments were my height was the topic of the moment. People would come up to me from out of nowhere and ask how tall I was. I'd tell them and they would be in awe, but like I said earlier I love the attention. But just like a celebrity when a paparazzi chases you around to much, it can be a little overwhelming at times. I admit I do tend to get kind of frustrated when the only way people remember me is because I'm tall. I'm flattered they do remember me, but what about my personality or anything other than the whole height thing. Of course I'm tall but you know I also have a big personality to go with it. It's like a super combo meal, and several people I know tell me all the time that they wish they were my height. They ask me all the time and I know this question is most common for tall females, but they ask. "Do you play... (Drum roll please.) BASKETBALL? And I'd smile because it was true. But I'd say I use to then the height conversation stops there.

In high school it was chaotic. I had coaches coming to me from left to right. The sports they wanted me to play ranged from: Basketball to volleyball, track to tennis etc. My head would be spinning with sports equipment, finally I was like I need a break. I need to just be Jonari, me.... for now. Just because I'm a tall girl doesn't mean I'm super tall girl, as if I'm a superhero or something. Although it was pretty cool to have the coaches fighting over me. Overall I have a blast being me and I think.... no, I know other women who are in my shoes should also enjoy being the way they are. We're all human after all, we should always take upmost pride in our bodies. It's our most valuable possessions in this world. Once again thank you for this opportunity to share my feelings on this subject, it's been a real pleasure.

My motto today is "Be the biggest in the room, hunny, and always demand attention". Those closest to me say I sort of took on a diva complex, it's getting so bad. Am I really? But before than I did'nt think that guys would be interested in me much. Wow, can I tell you this......? That was not the case at all, I live in South Carolina, USA of course, there were a lot of gentlemen interested in me over the years. And to my surprise they were all shorter than me. I mean I dont have a problem at all with that, except if there below 5 feet, no offense but I couldn't really date them. I love guys a little shorter than me, they're like little teddy bears to cuddle with. But overall I adore being tall and when I have other people feeling my confidence now too, that makes me feel like I'm in a class of my own. Even though I know there are other beautiful tall ladies out there I feel we're a force to be reckon with. Much love to the AMAZONIANS.

XOXO and SMOOCHES, Jonari the Amazon

Name: Jo Lynn
Birthday: December 13th, 1973
Height: 6'4"
Location: USA

Hi, my name is Jo Lynn, I am 6'4" and I love it. I have always been tall. Taller than all the rest in school. I was not as fortunate as others and didn't get the athletic gene. So I have always relied on being nice and sweet to make friends. Being tall has always been a conversation starter. I get the usual questions of "how tall are you". I think when people ask it really depends on how they ask. I have had several instances where it was actually creepy. I find the funniest thing people say to me is "how did someone so small give birth to someone so big?" We are always asked this when I am with my mom who is 4'9".

I think being tall made me a better person. I know how others feel when they are stared at or made fun of. I developed a great compassion through the years for others. I know I had to adapt and overcome my shyness and being tall absolutely helped in that. You can't be shy when you are always being asked questions. Those who know me today would definitely not call me shy! While others may say height is great for meeting men, I actually think that with my height and size it intimidates men! Those that look past it get to see the real me who in my opinion is great! Lol! I also have no issue dating shorter men. Some of my greatest loves have been shorter than me!

While I can say truthfully that being tall has never gotten me anything in this world of monetary value what it has given me is a great personality that was tweaked over the years by adapting to situations that arise from being tall. I am forever grateful for my height and the fact that through it I have made wonderful lifetime friends.

Name: Lindsey
Birthday: May 7th 1981
Height: 6'3"
Location: USA

Hi there. My name is Lindsey. I am 6'3" and I love my height!!! I live in Florida and it would be great if I could be May's tall woman since that is my birthday month. I am a pediatric oncology nurse and love my job. My kids love me too and love my height. They like to climb me and have me lift them up high and hold them. If that makes them happy after a long day of chemotherapy then I am happy to do it :)

I also have a twin sister who is the same height! When I was younger it was difficult being tall but I held my head up high and was always proud of who I was. My mom always told me not to slouch and just be confident. So, that is exactly what I tried to do. Hey and no one ever forgets me which is a total plus too.

I have been very tall from a very young age. I had a big growth spurt and was about 6"2 at 15 years old. Kids were very mean at times but I decided I would take my height and put it to good use. I joined a dance team and made lots of great friends. Being in dance really helped me be very graceful and coordinated and I truly feel that that is why I am so proud to be tall today. I gained a lot of confidence in dance and almost every day now I have people who come up to me and tell me how well I carry myself and my height. I can be walking thru the grocery store and someone will come up to me and almost always asks me how tall I am or if I play basketball. I am sure you all get the same thing :).

I am always very confident in my responses to people now and never act ashamed to be tall. I also have a very supportive family. My dad is 6 foot 7 and both him and my mother always told me to be very proud of my height and to stand up straight. I am so grateful for that! They always told me how beautiful I was and if you think about it you really can't change it so you should just embrace it and be happy with who you are. I wouldn't change anything now about my height and although I have faced some challenges such as ignorant people making comments or some difficulties finding pants or shoes I have realized that I am special because being this tall also makes me unique and different.

'I love shoes but can't find any that fit': Meet 6ft 5in teen Emma, whose size FOURTEEN feet are too big for Peter Crouch's boots

Emma Cahill, 19, has one of biggest pairs of feet of any woman in EuropeOxford Brookes student from Worcester finds it 'impossible' to find shoesOwns one pair of heels from US, which she repaints three times each year

Read the full article

Meet CMH Fashion Week Designer Stephanie Foster

CMH Fashion Week launches on Sunday, Oct. 12, with a High Fashion Tea and wraps up on Saturday, Oct. 18, with the 5th Annual Finale Runway Show. Ten local designers will send their looks down the runway, as will headliner Althea Harper. Here, meet designer Stephanie Foster.

Name: Stephanie Foster

Age: 27

Residence: Columbus

Credentials: I took the Fashion & Fabrics class at Northeast Career Center. Upon high school graduation, I received a four-year scholarship to play on the women’s basketball team at Florida A&M University. I also received my Bachelor of Science in broadcast journalism and became a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

My story: I began sewing in the 11^th grade, and it was at that time I knew I wanted my own clothing line. I also played basketball my whole life, and I met a lot of tall women like myself who had trouble finding fashionable clothing that fit correctly. I have taken my own personal woes with clothing and turned them into Prissy Duck Designs! I provide clothing for women of many shapes and sizes. It’s been a long time coming, but I can finally show people what I have to offer! 

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Meet Ekaterina Lisina, the World's Tallest Model Who Hails from Russia

September 23, 2019 | by Akshamsha

Ekaterina Lisina, the former Olympic bronze medalist, has hung her basketball shoes and is moving her crosshairs to hold the title of the tallest model in the world.

Officially named the tallest woman in Russia and the woman with the largest feet, Lisina stands at a staggering 6ft and 9 inches on her bare feet. The legged beauty retired from the professional sport to become a model.

Lisina believes that she is the tallest model in the industry. "The record is held at the moment by Amazon Eve and she is 6ft 8in, which is smaller than me," she said. 

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Meet Ella Williams, the world’s tallest woman in the late 1800s

BY MILDRED EUROPA TAYLOR, at 02:10 pm, May 31, 2018, HISTORY

Ella Williams, otherwise known by her stage name as Mme Abomah was in the late 1800s described as an extraordinary woman who stood over eight feet in height and could easily support the weight of a man on her outstretched arm.

Born in South Carolina in the USA in 1865 to slave parents, Ella Williams grew to become an international celebrity and travelled all over the world as the tallest woman in the world.

She missed being born a slave as the 13th Amendment to the US constitution was ratified about 10 months before her birth.

Her real name was Ella Grigsby but since Grigsby was the last name of her parents’ slaveholders, she took on the last name of her employers, Elihu and Harriet Williams, a family she worked with while in her teens.

Growing up, Williams was contacted by various circus and show promoters to sign a contract and tour as a giantess, due to her abnormal height, something she gained after being struck with malaria when she was around 14.

Williams refused these offers from show promoters. However, while working as a cook in her native South Carolina, she agreed to be hired by Frank C. Bostock for a tour of the British Isles in 1896.

History says Bostock at the time mixed a little fact with fiction in promoting his act.

He gave Williams the stage name Abomah, a name which came from Abomey, the capital of the Kingdom of Dahomey (now Benin).

He further promoted Abomah as being a member of one of the legendary Dahomey Amazons, the all-female fighting force that existed around the time.

“One of King Dahomey’s Amazons who has been brought over to England for show purposes is a giantess indeed. Her height is eight feet, and she is both broad and muscular,” he used to say, according to the American press.

Bostock took Abomah’s act to Europe because racism in the US was then very distinct.

Abomah’s manager knew that in Europe, his strong and beautiful African Giantess would definitely be given massive audience.

During her 30-year-career, Abomah did not only tour Britain but most of continental Europe, Australia, New Zealand, Cuba, and South America.

Abomah also had very expensive and extensive clothing, making the Amazon Giantess always appear elegant and royal.

When Britain declared war on Germany in August 1914, Abomah cancelled her tours and came back to the US in March 1915.

She worked for Ringling Brothers, Barnum & Bailey and at Coney Island.

Abomah was still doing shows in the 1920’s before she left the scene.

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'I wanted to make that excluded girl feel included.'

By Lauren Rae Jun 5, 2017

'I felt there was a girl like me, who was always excluded and I wanted to make that excluded girl feel included,' says London-based stylist Irene Agbontaen.

Bored of the difficulties that came with finding clothes for women her height (she's 5'11"), she decided to create a line of her own that could fill in the gaps in her wardrobe. Called TTYA (Taller Than Your Average), the line addresses all your tall girl woes and screams, 'I'm tall and I'm fashion.'

'It's about being style conscious, not self conscious,' Agbontaen explained. And her ethos is taking off; ASOS, Selfridges and Barneys New York all stock the line, which includes Jourdan Dunn and Iman Hammam among its fans.

This month, she expands her line with a new 'I Do' collection, which focuses on occasion wear. So, what better time to catch up with the woman behind the brand than right now. She opens up to ELLE about her views on body and ethnic diversity in the fashion industry and how her little startup became a global hit.

Tell us a bit about your design background?

TTYA: I just got really frustrated with the current availability on the market for tall women. At the time I travelled a lot and I found it so annoying to just get the basics, so I made my own; maxi dresses, maxi skirts, leggings, all of the basic wardrobe staples I couldn't find. I didn't have any design background at the time, but I've done a couple of courses since and I'm still heavily influenced in the design process.

You were quite the big in the London nightlife scene - how has that helped you in your new career?

I used to work predominantly at a night called YOYO [You're Only Young Once] at the Notting Hill Arts Club. It was a night that broke through a lot of artists before they got signed and then it would turn into a party. It was a massive cultural impact on London because we broke everyone from Jessie J to Tinie Tempah. It was fashion, art, music and was just a really cool underground subculture. I was the door girl at the time, so everyone had to get through me to get in. I met a lot of influential people organically, who became good friends of mine.

You started in an e-commerce and styling background, could you tell us a little about that and your transition into design?

I used to work at ASOS and Selfridges. You know when you go for a job and they mention that the company has 'ideals', Selfridges ideal was 'every woman should be able to come to our store, that's our thing' and I'd say 'well I'm tall and I can't shop here' so your ideals don't really work for me. So it was like, well, there must a market for this kind of girl because I'm surrounded by tall girls all the time and I know things don't fit them. In real life we can't Photoshop jeans to fit us, so that's the premise of the transition.

What struggles have you faced when building the TTYA line up from the ground up?

At the start, I knew how to make things look good because of styling and working at ASOS. No one really tells you the most important thing is how you make yourself visible. I can make it all shiny and amazing and it can be the best brand on the planet, but if no one knows that it exists, it's pointless. For me the biggest learning curve was how to self promote. I took loads of classes on SEO and Digital Marketing to make sure everything was brand aligned.

Okay, so, who is your key demographic?

The go to label for all girls who want to feel inclusive. That's it!

What were the #TallGirlProblems you faced before curating the TTYA line?

Sleeve swingers were a no no!

Very few brands cater to taller women, do you feel that TTYA fills a gap in the market?

My brand is made by a tall woman, so I know first-hand your frustration. You're not coming to a boardroom of men talking about tall fashion. If you want to relate to tall girls, you've got to talk to girls like me and I think that's what my brand does. I'm tall, I'm one of you and I've started this brand so we no longer have to feel excluded.

The fashion world is far more accepting of different sizes in recent times, but do you think the industry still needs greater diversity?

I feel like it's moved on quite a lot, at one point 'Curve' was probably one of the biggest market shares. You only have to look at what Beth Ditto did for Evans. When you've had a customer that feels so neglected and left out for so long, once you cater to them they will keep coming back, because there's a place for them to go. It's like you're giving them a home to keep coming back to. I'm happy that it's gotten so much better now.

You're currently being sold on ASOS, in Selfridges and Barneys New York - where's your dream place to be stocked?

I'd like to have my own stand alone store one day, perhaps a concept store where I can do TTYA Talks and make it more of a home base. For me, it's about reaching as many girls around the world as possible. A place where people can connect, chill and have a cup of tea. More of a community base, that'd be my dream.

Your brand ethos stretches further than just the clothing - it sets out to encourage women.Tell us a bit about TTYA talks.

I started TTYA Talks back in 2013 and set it up as a space to open up my black book. I'm lucky enough to be indulged in a community of women that I really respect. So TTYA Talks focuses on industry and career specific topics and it provides direct access to successful women working across the creative industry. Each series has a specific topic. We did one focused on entertainment and lifestyle - I had everyone from FKA Twigs to Donna Rooney speak at it. I've set up a podcast now so that if you're unable to come to the talks, you can always listen back to the podcast.

One of your recent campaigns features the beautiful Naomi Shimada - does she pretty much embody the aesthetic of your brand?

100%, she's carefree, she's free spirited, she's an activist and she's a feminist - I love everything about her! She makes me look at myself and think 'who am I?', 'who do I channel?', 'what do I represent?'. I went back to Lagos over Christmas and reconnected with my roots.

I shot my lookbook there and found the whole team through social media: the models were all Nigerian based, hair, makeup and photography were all sourced from Nigeria. I'm really proud of that. It's based around weddings/guests at weddings and it'll be live on ASOS from May and in my ASOS Black collection (called 'I Do').

The reason I shot it in Lagos is because, in my culture, it's pretty wild when you're in your 30s and not married. So I thought it'd be a bit lols to be like: 'well I'm going to shoot this wedding collection and I'm not married. I'm going against the grain, but I'm [also] reconnecting with my culture'.

There seem to be so few black women designers leading major brands, what are your thoughts on this?

TTYA: I think it leads to communication. Being a pioneer, doing what I'm doing and pushing a brand as much as I can, opens the gateway for new generations. I feel like it's always about educating the next level down and by doing that you position yourself as a gatekeeper, so you can now open those channels for others. We've got women of colour in our corner who are opening those doorways and kicking down those barriers for us.

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Visit the Taller Than Your Average website

A Chinese schoolgirl who is nearly 7ft tall aged 11 has been compared to one of her country’s greatest ever sportsmen.

Zhang Ziyu towers over her classmates at 6ft 10ins tall and is already a prodigious basketball player.

Now Zhang, who idolises NBA star LeBron James, has been dubbed ‘the female Yao Ming’. Yao, now retired aged 38, was a Houston Rockets centre for eight years as well as a constant for the Chinese men’s national basketball team.

He is considered one of the country’s greatest sportsmen and was inducted into Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2016.

Now in her sixth year at Wenhua East Road Primary School in Jinan, capital of East China's Shandong Province, Zhang is reportedly likely to become a basketball player in the future too.

Both her parents are former professional basketball players, who began teaching their daughter about the game at the age of five.

Her mum, Yu Ying, now coaches Shandong's provincial women's basketball team.

Zhang's classmates at school are fond of their very tall friend.

'I like Zhang Ziyu because she's very tall!' one said.

Another added: 'She can lift some of our shorter classmates using one arm!'

A schoolboy who has known Zhang since the start of primary school said: 'She was 1.6 metres (5ft 3in) in our first years. We've been growing for six years but still aren't as tall as she was in grade one.'

Another added: 'She's younger than I am by a few months, but she has to bend down to talk to me.'

Besides calling Zhang the 'Female Yao Ming', some believe China may have finally found a successor to retired professional women's basketball player Zheng Haixia.

Zheng, 51, is 2.03 metres (6 feet 7 inches) tall and represented her country from 1983 to 1996 through four Olympic Games.

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By Helen Gibson - 19 February 2015
Deputy Picture Editor

Oh the trials and tribulations of being a tall girl. Not only do we have to bend to fit in to rush hour tubes, whisper to friends and kiss boys, but also, nothing fits. Well, nothing that’s in fashion anyway. After years of constantly buying clothes two sizes too big just for the length, I began to accept that I would forever live in baggy clothes. That was until TTYA was born.

TTYA stands for Taller Than Your Average, because it’s a clothing range made for women that are, well, taller than your average.

At 5’11”, founder Irene Agbontaen was frustrated with never being able to find wardrobe essentials for tall women, and as a successful stylist, she knew just what was missing from the market.

“I grew bored of rolling up sleeves or wearing boots to hide the fact my jeans were swinging at my ankles," she told me. "I started TTYA to empower tall women to feel style conscience not self-conscience.” 

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As Liverpool prepares for the return of the Giant Spectacular this week, we met two of the city's real life Giants. Lawrence Hudson of Southport is surely one of the tallest men in Merseyside, if not the tallest. He stands at a whopping 7ft 1in. Meanwhile, Libby Corrigan from Maghull measures in at 6ft 4in...

Libby, 23, works with young carers. She said: "I like being able to help people get stuff off the top shelf. "I get lots of attention. And some men kind of see it as a competition." The pair say that being so tall does have its disadvantages. Firstly, there's the shoes. Libby wears a size 10, and says it is difficult to find women's shoes in that size. "I managed to find a pair of men's jelly shoes the other day, though," she said.

"My boyfriend is 5ft 8in, when I'm wearing heels I'm a full foot taller than him. People mistake him for my little brother!"

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Megan Thee Stallion designing Fashion Nova jeans for tall women

By Melissa Minton - September 28, 2020 | 11:57am

Megan Thee Stallion is living up to her name.

The Houston native, 25, is teaming up with fast fashion brand Fashion Nova to give all the hot girls above a certain height a very special line of denim.

"Oh yeah and remember when I said I was collaborating with @fashionnova to make jeans for tall women," Meg posted on Instagram Sunday.

"These are the first samples coming soon."

The 5'10" "WAP" rapper posed in a pair of boot-cut ripped jeans with a dip-dyed color, darker below the knees than the light acid wash above.

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