Towering Talent: Joan Smalls Stands Tall in the Fashion World (and Beyond!)

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Joan Smalls is 5 feet 10 ½ inches (179.1 cm) tall, which sets her apart from the average woman. This Puerto Rican fashion model, born on July 11, 1988, is known for her striking stature and remarkable career achievements.

Victoria's Secrets lingerie model Joan Smalls is also known for her work for Givenchy, Estée Lauder, Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Giambattista Valli and Tiffany'sVictoria’s Secrets lingerie model Joan Smalls is also known for her work for Givenchy, Estée Lauder, Chanel, Ralph Lauren, Giambattista Valli, and Tiffany’s (Credit: Lev Radin / Shutterstock)

Overcoming Adversity: Joan Smalls’ Journey from Scoliosis Diagnosis to Strength Through Boxing

She experienced a significant growth spurt at age 13 and discovered she had scoliosis at 14 after her sister’s diagnosis prompted her to get checked. The revelation of scoliosis in both her lower and upper spine, especially the lower half being “inside out,” left her shocked and tearful.

However, she resolved not to let it be a limitation, committing to rehabilitation exercises and stretches. At 17, she took up boxing to strengthen her body, challenging the perception of fragility due to her slim and tall stature. Smalls emphasizes her resilience and capability to defend herself if necessary.

Height Comparison and Shoe Size

Joan Smalls is notably taller than the average American woman. The average height for adult women in the United States is approximately 5 feet 4 inches (162.6 cm). Joan Smalls, at 5 feet 10 ½ inches (179.1 cm), stands about 6.5 inches (16.5 cm) taller than the average American woman.

Additionally, her shoe size is 9.5 US, larger than the typical shoe size for women in the United States. The average women’s shoe size in the U.S. is 8.5 to 9, making Joan Smalls’ shoe size slightly larger than average. Her US shoe size of 9.5 translates to a UK size 7, a European size 40-41, and a Japanese size 25.5.

Joan Smalls, standing at 5 feet 10 ½ inches (179.1 cm), made a stunning appearance at the 2023 Met Gala, donning a captivating Tom Ford ensemble in celebration of Joan Smalls, standing at 5 feet 10 ½ inches (179.1 cm), made a stunning appearance at the 2023 Met Gala, donning a captivating Tom Ford ensemble in celebration of “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line of Beauty” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 1, 2023 (Credit: Jennifer Graylock / INSTARimages)

Historic Achievements in Fashion

In 2011, she made history as the first Latina model to represent Estée Lauder cosmetics, breaking barriers and shattering glass ceilings in fashion.

Her success continued to soar, earning her a spot on Forbes magazine’s “World’s Highest-Paid Models” list in 2013. She ranked number eight with an impressive income of over $3 million.

In 2014, she graced the cover of American Elle’s “Return of the Supermodel” issue, solidifying her status as a fashion icon.

oan Smalls, measuring 5 feet 10 ½ inches (179.1 cm), graced the 2022 American Music Awards in a breathtaking gold LaQuan Smith gownJoan Smalls, measuring 5 feet 10 ½ inches (179.1 cm), graced the 2022 American Music Awards in a breathtaking gold LaQuan Smith gown, illuminating the Microsoft Theater on November 20, 2022, in Los Angeles, California (Credit: BauerGriffin / INSTARimages / Cover Images)

Joan Smalls’ towering presence and trailblazing career have rightfully earned her a place among the world’s elite models, where she continues to shine as one of the industry’s celebrated “New Supers” and “Money Girls.”

She began modeling for Victoria’s Secret in 2010 and was featured in the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show from 2011 to 2016.

Joan Smalls: Facts, Rumors, and Everything in Between

What is Joan Smalls's net worth?She is a Puerto Rican-born, American fashion model with an estimated net worth of $26 million.
Full Name:Joan Smalls Rodriguez
Born:Born on July 11, 1988, in Hatillo, a town and municipality located in Puerto Rico's north coast, Joan Smalls Rodriguez is a prominent figure in the world of fashion and acting.
Dating:Until 2019, she dated Bernard Smith for about 8 years. He is the founder of Modellounge, a Soho House–style members-only club for New York City’s top models.
Kids:Joan Smalls does not have any children.
Weight:112 lb / 51 kg
Does Joan Smalls have big feet?Yes, Joan Smalls' shoe size is slightly larger than average for women in the United States. The average women's shoe size in the U.S. is 8.5 to 9, while Joan Smalls' shoe size is 9.5.
Is Joan Smalls short or tall?Joan Smalls can be considered tall, as her height is 5 feet 10 ½ inches (179.1 cm), which is well above the average height for women in many countries.
Nationality:Joan Smalls is a Puerto Rican citizen.
Source of Wealth:Joan Smalls is one of the most successful and highest-paid models in the world.

Smalls' primary source of wealth is her modeling career. She has walked the runway for some of the biggest names in fashion, including Chanel, Dior, and Givenchy. She has also appeared on the covers of numerous magazines, including Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and Elle.
Ethnicity/Race:Joan Smalls Rodriguez's diverse ethnic background adds to her unique allure.

Joan's father, Eric Smalls, hails from Saint Thomas, an island in the Caribbean, with a blend of African and Irish heritage.

Her mother, Betzaida Rodríguez, a social worker, is Puerto Rican, encompassing a rich mix of Spanish, Taíno/Indigenous Puerto Rican, and Indian (from India) ancestry.

Joan Smalls Tops Global Model Rankings: Dazzles in Asymmetrical Crop Top and Tom Ford Sandals at ‘Lovelace’ Premiere

In a 2013 ranking, Joan Smalls was the eighth highest-paid model on the planet. In July of the same year, she showed off her enviable curves in a black asymmetrical crop top and a bright yellow printed high-waisted skirt at the premiere of Lovelace.

Joan Smalls steals the spotlight at 'Lovelace' screening with The Cinema Society & MCM, showcasing her style in a chic asymmetrical crop top and vibrant yellow skirt, New York City, July 30, 2013Joan Smalls steals the spotlight at ‘Lovelace’ screening with The Cinema Society & MCM, showcasing her style in a chic asymmetrical crop top and vibrant yellow skirt, New York City, July 30, 2013 (Credit: Kyle Blair / WENN)

The Puerto Rican model/actress was simply stunning!

Joan Smalls flaunts elegance in Tom Ford's triple-buckle heels, highlighting her graceful feet at a high-profile eventJoan Smalls flaunts elegance in Tom Ford’s triple-buckle heels, highlighting her graceful feet at a high-profile event (Credit: Kyle Blair / WENN)

Aside from her jaw-dropping svelte figure and toned abs, she displayed her statuesque beauty and sexy feet in a pair of Tom Ford sandals, adding more edge to her look.

Elevating allure: Joan Smalls captivates with her Tom Ford sandals, a favorite among celebrities, showcasing a fusion of luxury and styleElevating allure: Joan Smalls captivates with her Tom Ford sandals, a favorite among celebrities, showcasing a fusion of luxury and style (Credit: Kyle Blair / WENN)

Joan’s sandals have previously been spotted on Mariah Carey and Gwyneth Paltrow. The triple-buckle design, ankle cuffs, gold-tone studs, and cutout effect make these sandals eye-catching.

Tom Ford Triple-Buckle Metallic SandalsTom Ford Triple-Buckle Metallic Sandals, $1,450