It's funny, because after those long hours all of the models feel really tired and we just want the show to get started. We're all waiting around, knowing we'll get our energy back once the craziness begins. Finally, we get our instructions about our facial expressions on the runway and how we should walk, and we're headed off to backstage.
We entered into the dark curtained off room behind the stage toting our rolling suitcases behind us filled with all of our "essential" shoes for the runway. Here, the craziness begins.
First, you have to find your comp card hanging on a certain group of outfits. It can be pretty nerve-wracking when you can't find your name and card at first. That's happened a few times! Finally, I find my card and quickly open up my suitcase and set out my shoes. My first look (all looks were Fashion by Robert Black) was a red striped shirt underneath the coolest silver blazer with black leggings. I quickly slipped it on and asked what shoes I should wear. Just like I thought, my red heels went perf with this outfit. Oh, I forgot to mention, unless you are walking for Gucci, Prada, or something huge like that, models almost always wear their own shoes on the runway. Who knew?
Then the yelling starts. Frazzled assistants start running around yelling at the models to hurry up because the show is gonna start soon. You can hear the music thumping outside on the runway and the din of people chatting, waiting for the show. I slip the purse that goes with my outfit over my shoulder and listen for my name in the lineup. My nerves start to kick in like always, but I', excited.
The models all line up behind the small set of stairs leading up to the runway. You can see the bright white light shining through the small opening behind the curtain. There is a lady there with a headset who tells the models when to go. I'm about 6th to go and I can hear them introducing the fashion line. Finally, the lady pushes the first model to go out on the runway and the show begins!!
My heart pounds as I wait for the lady to give me a little push on my back to signal for me to go out. She tells me to go slowly because we need to save some time. The other models aren't changing enough. Its extremely chaotic backstage as assistants are freaking out about having the runway empty if no models are ready. Finally, its my turn to step out onto the runway.
It was beautiful. This runway was the nicest one I have ever been on. The music was an fun rockabilly style to match the vintage western clothes that we were modeling. I walked slow and smooth out onto the runway. It just makes you feel so special and amazing. All eyes are on you. There are bright lights and colored lights shining down on you and its just such a magical feeling. I stop at the end of the runway in front of the huge group of photographers for a few seconds. Strike a pose, and turn. Then I'm on my way back, wishing it wasn't over so soon!
Luckily I have another look, so I get to go back out. Backstage is TOTALLY different than onstage. What you audience members don't see or hear is the chaos and freaking out. It's actually kind of funny. Onstage we all look so calm and collected, but backstage is this amazing craziness.
I run back to my spot and quickly change into this amazing, long coat that has this gold embroidery. Someone helps zip up a teal puffy skirt to go underneath. The button on the coat keeps coming undone but I can't even get it before an assistant yells at me to line up. She's freaking out because there is only about 2 girls ready. There was only one girl on the runway at the moment. I throw on black heels (can't go wrong with those) as Robert Black comes to help me with the button and thanks me for being so quick. I slip on my sunglasses as the accessory and am hurried up on stage, hoping the button won't come undone.
Immediately when I walk out the audience "oohs" and "ahhs". It's such an amazing feeling to get that response. The coat truly was fantastic though. It's embroidery and color was very striking. People snapped a ton of pictures and I felt on top of the world.
Luckily I finished without the button coming undone. I finished and was so excited that it went well and I didn't miss my turn. It's so exciting and although its crazy and chaotic, I love it. It's so fun!
Here is a pic of me on the runway and the link to the entire runway video below.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DKovpzHPmKw
Hope you enjoy! Don't be afraid to comment questions about modeling or runway stuff if you want to know more! I love to share my experiences! :)
