Nothing can prepare you for the stress and emotional turmoil that comes with the world of runway. The beautiful elegance you see on the catwalk, is nothing like the chaos that goes on behind the scenes. When I jumped into this judging world of glamor, I found out first hand just how hard the life of a runway model can be.
Although, being on the runway is a lot of fun, it is also a lot of work. Runway has its ups and downs and though we are there to work, it is always fun.
Being a runway model can surely make a girl feel glamorous. Having always wanted to work on runway, I decided to venture out and “test the glamorous waters” of the “biz”. In their world you have to learn so much! Not only do they expect perfection from you, but they expect it to be "their perfection."
Going into my first runway show I was the youngest there. At the age of 14, it is a very nerve-racking time when you're surrounded by women and men who are experts in the world of fashion and you are the "new girl." They look at you like you're some kind of "wannabe" and in this "biz" that is enough to make you want to quit right then and there. You've just got to work with what you've got and add on to what you don't.
Before the actual show we have rehearsals, just like a play or any other production. And when you get into really big productions, there are even routines that we have to memorize. As a model you take on the responsibility of looking good and selling the designer's clothing, even if you, yourself, hate the outfit you are wearing. Still you must walk it down the catwalk.
We as models must remember that even if we don't like the outfit, that you still sell it on the runway, so we've got to make sure we still give it 100%. It takes a lot of control to not be emotional in this world. There have been many nights when I've cried myself to sleep from all of the stress runway can cause.
The most stressful and emotional part of runway are designers, because when a designer picks his/her models, he picks from the group.
Usually a designer will not pick the whole group, so if you are not picked by them, just understand that they don't mean anything by it, its just that you aren't what they imagined in their outfits. Also, if you aren't picked by many designers the first day don't worry, because designers usual call last minute.
Literally, I've had a designer call at 10:30 the night before the show asking if I could walk for him. So just keep in mind that designers aren't the “bad guys,” they just have a certain image they need to sell their clothes.
The day of the show is exciting and nerve racking at the same time. All models are required to show up early, usually 2-4 hours. When we arrive, we are shuffled into a holding room. There we do last minute fittings with the designers and get our hair and make up down.
Once all of the fittings are done, and the designers are ready to go backstage, they pack up their clothes and set them up on racks for all of the models. When it is finally time to go all of the models are moved backstage where they get dressed in their first ensemble (outfit).
Next, the dressed models line up in the order the designer has given. Now all that is left to do is wait for your turn on the runway. Right before going on, butterflies usually attack make it feel almost impossible to go on, but the moment you step in that spot light, you feel a million miles from the Earth's surface.
The back (beginning) of the runway is where we strike our first pose, while the other model is at the top (end) striking their second set of poses. When the model is on her/his way back that is when we start our stride down the catwalk. As you pass the other model it is appropriate to acknowledge them by either posing with them or turning towards them as you walk by.
At the top of the runway usually we strike 3-5 poses, “flirting” with the cameras that are all around. After about 30-40 seconds it is time to head back to the end of the runway so the next model can come on. Once again, when passing the model coming on show some sort of acknowledgment towards them.
Finally, when you reach the back, turn and pose one last time and then turn and exit the stage. As soon as we are of the stage we immediately rush to get into our next outfit and then we repeat the steps again.
This exciting and emotional world of glamor, is more than enough to make or break a model. If you decide you decide that Runway is the “biz” you want to get into, just remember to keep your head held high, and emotions held deep, because in this judging lifestyle you must be able to “walk the walk” not just “talk the talk.”
So keep this friendly advice in mind when you venture out into the world of Runway. You never know where it will take you, and that my friends, is the “Truth Behind Runway”.
Special thanks to Ramey Bomm for her help and ideas with this blog.