There are many reasons for a fashion show. First being a presentation from an established designer to showcase a new collection that their team has been tirelessly working on – a collection that has probably been highly anticipated. On the other hand, it can be a presentation from new up and coming designers who wish to gain more visibility in the fashion industry. Whether you’re a seasoned designer or an amateur designer hoping for their big break, in both instances fashion shows are a cultural exhibition , bringing both high fashion and performance together. Fashion shows over the past few decades have evolved and have become more inclusive and diverse.
These fashion events are the key element in the fashion industry, even though trends typically come and go all the time, this is the one trend that’ll never fade is the need for these showcases. These events are usually held in larger main cities such as New York, Milan, London and Paris. Fashion shows in these cities are referred to as “Fashion Week”. Prestigious events like these are usually a shared space between the designers and industry professionals such as journalists, buyers, stylists and influencers, where they can all network and form fruitful connections.
For fashion models, the time leading up to walking the runway is crucial, involving so much more than just the glamour aspect of it. It involves precise preparation and the ability to make the designer’s vision come to life. Regardless of whether you’re an experienced professional or about to make your runway debut, knowing how to prepare can greatly impact your performance and how you’re perceived by the audience. No matter how big or small, every step plays a huge role. Simply performing on the runway is just a small portion of preparing for a fashion show.
Fashion models need to comprehend that the entire process of preparing for the show shouldn’t be reduced to just looking good but also having a deep insight on the designer’s vision and how they can perfectly embody it. Every detail counts, from your prepping your skincare routine to mastering your catwalk and preparing your garments, no step is less important than the other.
7dayschic’s guide for preparing for a fashion show will provide you with crucial tips and tricks that every fashion model should know to ensure you can confidently conquer the runway and leave a lasting impression!
1. Perfect Your Walk
You will be required to walk on a long platform, that is where you will be performing and showcasing the designer’s collection. The type of platform can vary, it can be a traditional straight runway or something more complex like a circular or U-shaped layout. Your catwalk is one of the most important elements of the show, because this is where the audience can see how the garments are in motion and how they fit, and get a detailed look at the designs. The role of a professional model is to embody the clothing, not just wear it.
If you want to succeed in this business, you need to practice your runway walk regularly to make it second nature. Focus on your posture, stride, and the unique style required for the show. If you’re fairly new to the industry, it might help to study the experts such as Naomi Campbell or Kate Moss. Ask yourself what makes these models so famous? Then proceed to take notes from them and practice as much as possible. Studying the greats that came before you is a great way to perfect the craft of a catwalk. Usually at the end of the runway, you will also be required to pose which gives the audience a moment to get a closer look of the design. It is important to have a perfect pose, while still maintaining a natural and relaxed movement. Sway your hips, count to three, then turn back.
Still can’t perfect your walk? Focus on your body. Observe your posture as you are walking. Make sure your back is completely straight and your head position is held high. Maintain that composure, don’t get distracted by looking down or smiling, rather have a steady gaze or make eye contact with the audience. You can also make use of Tyra Banks – one of the most popular models to date – signature “smize”. “Smizing is smiling with your eyes – bringing life to your eyes while keeping the rest of your face natural”, Tyra explains. Regardless of whether you do the smize or a steady gaze, just keep your expressions neutral.
Now movement, it’s not as simple as walking up and down. The way you move each limb of your body makes a difference. Having a natural rhythm is the key. A movement that emphasizes the importance of the garments you are wearing is by keeping your strides long and natural because it exudes elegance and poise. The next technique is to emphasize the swaying of your hips by crossing your legs slightly, one foot before the other. Lastly, keep your arms relaxed. Allow them to swing naturally, don’t over exaggerate them because it takes away the grace, instead sync your arm movements to your legs movements.
Walking the runway can be nerve wracking to most people, which is why you need to build that confidence. If you are lacking confidence in your performance, the audience can immediately sense that. Your insecurity can affect the clothes as well. Embodying garments requires confidence and edge, you can easily make the designs seem lackluster and boring if you are not fierce on the runway. Having confidence immediately makes your walk more captivating. A good way to boost confidence is by adding your own personal touch to your catwalk. Something like a signature finishing pose or certain pace or attitude, whatever attribute that can make your walk stand out.
2. Understand the Designer’s Vision
Every designer has their own unique style which is why anybody, even casual enjoyers of fashion can easily distinguish Gucci from Chanel or Prada from Louis Vuitton. Model’s should tailor their look or walk to match the concept of the designer’s collection. For instance, if you are walking for a more editorial avantgarde collection, you can elevate the clothing by having a savage and empowered walk. Whereas, a casual collection showcasing suits or everyday wear, that would call for a more relaxed and natural walk.
Familiarize yourself with the designer’s collection, theme, and specific instructions. Getting a better understanding of the designer’s artistry and expectations can help you to align your performance with their vision. If you have time before the show, you should do some thorough research on the designer and what their shows typically look like. Fittings are the perfect time to observe and understand the designer’s intentions with their collection. Having the opportunity to wear the garments and appropriately adjust them to your liking.
During this time, you should be seeing how the clothes fit, how they move, how they feel. Not being shy to ask the designer questions as well. Paying attention to details such as proportions, movements, etc. shows that you take your job and the designer’s work seriously. It gives off the impression that you are a true professional that is dedicated to the art of fashion. When a model allows themselves to be a student of fashion, they expose themselves to more knowledge and expertise that could aid them in their career.
3. Stay Fit and Healthy
It’s important to maintain a balanced diet and exercise routine leading up to the show. Ensuring that you’re well-hydrated and energized to handle the demands of the hectic day. Unfortunately, a model’s day of work is never short. Preparation alone usually takes hours as you are not the only person walking the show. Multiple models have to be prepared for the same show and at the same time. Depending on what kind of show you’re walking for, your day might start as early as 5:00AM or end as late as 11:00PM! After a long day working, models can often feel exhausted. Preparing your health and body before the show can result in less exhaustion during and after the show.
Fashion shows are long hours because of the preparations. Preparations include fittings, rehearsals, hair and makeup, and the actual performance of the catwalk. Being fit is important for a model’s career because the long hours demand stamina to get you through the day. Prioritizing a workout routine is vital so that you don’t become fatigued. Incorporate exercises that build good core strength, because it is beneficial to the model’s posture as it improves balance and stability.
Proper nutrition can help models maintain good skin and hair health. Models should prioritize a balanced diet that is rich in vitamins and minerals. This cutthroat industry can sometimes encourage unhealthy eating habits that can lead to body disorders under the gaze of looking beautiful and thin but you shouldn’t let yourself become part of that statistic. There are many ways to maintain good skin and a healthy weight without resorting to sick tricks such as starving yourself or taking narcotics.
4. Prepare Your Skin and Hair
Prioritize skincare and hair care in the days before the show. Get enough sleep, hydrate your skin, and avoid any drastic changes to your hair that could complicate styling. Designers and brands prefer to work with models that are essentially a blank canvas. Having a clean face and clean hair makes it easier for you and the grooming specialist to work together to transform you into the desired look for the designer’s vision of the collection.
Collaborating with the grooming specialist to create your look is essential. As a model, your opinion is valuable. No one knows your hair and face better than you do, therefore you should act as a guide for the grooming specialist and assist them in achieving your look. Open communication between the team in general, is vital to make sure that everyone is on the same page. Don’t hesitate to be inquisitive about the desired look or mood, especially if you are a highly experienced model, you can add your expertise as well. If the model paid close attention during their fittings, they would use the designer’s comments on their concepts to aid them during this preparation process. Observe how the styling of the hair and makeup will impact the garments and most importantly, your walk.
Also, because of the potentially heavy makeup or hairstyles that require a lot of product or heat, aftercare is vital. Taking care of your skin and hair is not only important for before the show but also after, so that you can maintain that health throughout your different shows. If you are a model that is booked frequently, aftercare should be an essential part of your routine. Devote time at the end of each work day to taking care of yourself.
5. Mental Preparation
Always stay calm and focused. Visualize your success on the runway and manage stress effectively to keep your nerves at ease. When your mind and body have too much tension, you won’t be able to move naturally or smoothly. Take deep breaths and stretch your body, doing this will help you loosen up. Successful models such as Gisele Bundchen have stated that they avoid thinking about the people watching them because it makes them uncomfortable, so they rather clear their head and just do the job!
Clear communication from the designer and the team can also add to good mental preparation. Stay in touch with the show’s coordinators and stylists. When instructions are well communicated and everything is organized, it is easier to feel more at ease when you know that everything is sorted out. When the establishment lacks organization and good communication, the models can easily feel distraught and anxious. Before the show, everyone involved needs to be in good spirits because that reflects on the quality of the work and the energy of the rest of the day.
Even if the designer’s intentions are clear, you should still remain flexible and ready to adapt to any changes before the final event. Sometimes the designer can spark up a new idea that they want to implement quickly before the show, you need to be adaptable enough to fulfil their wishes. A model that isn’t easily adaptable usually lacks range, which is a trait that can only hinder your career. All of the highest paid models in the world can transform in less than a second, which leads to more opportunity and desirability. Be able to adapt while also still adding your unique touch!
6. Pack Essentials
Bring along a model’s kit, including items like nude undergarments, skincare products, snacks, and anything else you might need to be comfortable and prepared on the day of the show. Professionals such as make-up artists and assistants etc. mostly provide those things but it also helps to prepare your own kit just in case. Quick touch ups are pretty common before the fashion show begins, so it’s always beneficial to have your own grooming kit.
Your grooming kit should include items like makeup, hair tools and products, etc. These little items are essential for wanting to quickly freshen up your look. Sometimes there is a waiting period even after your hair and makeup is done, so that time period can easily make your look less polished. Often you also have to change into multiple outfits so while doing so, your styling can get messed up in the process. Being able to quickly fix the issue yourself instead of waiting for the grooming specialist to finish assisting other people, can make things move faster. This can also help to avoid asking other models to borrow some of their items.
Models usually have long breaks in between shows and it must be a pain to wear heels when you don’t have to. Bringing a comfortable pair of shoes to wear in the meantime can help with preventing pain and fatigue throughout the day. Shoes such as slippers or sneakers, or just any flat shoe can do the trick. Packing snacks as well is a must have! Preferably light snacks like fruit or nuts to keep the energy levels up, models don’t have a lot of time to eat so something you can snack on is the way to go. Avoid heavy and unhealthy meals because this can lead to laziness throughout the day which is what you don’t want.
Lastly, bringing the right undergarments such as nude bras, shapewear, etc. These fashion shows usually involve a lot of outfit changes and there is no time to privately change in a bathroom by yourself. Changing in one room takes less time and effort to ensure that the show runs smoothly, so make sure you are dressed appropriately underneath your outfits. Having the right undergarments can also assist in wardrobe malfunctions. When you are secure and protected underneath your outfit, it’s easier to focus on your performance rather than your wardrobe issues. This can put both you and the designer at ease.
To conclude this article, being well-prepared is the key to shining on the runway and leaving a positive impression on the designer and the audience. This industry is cutthroat and can easily suck the life out of you if you don’t know what you’re getting yourself into. Although it can be overwhelming, it’s also good to take yourself too seriously sometimes, there are ways to remain professional while still being able to enjoy yourself. The life of a model is nothing short of glamorous! The many beautiful garments you get to wear in each show and the incredible professionals you get to work with.
This kind of opportunity should not be taken lightly. Making it in this industry is certainly not as easy as pie, and making sure you stay in your position once you have arrived isn’t easy either. Remember that legends are not born overnight, the Naomi Campbells of the world were also in your position at some point. What makes someone like her a well respected legend is her dedication to fashion and her never ending hard work. Put that at the forefront of your mind first and always, this business is not just about wearing the clothes, it’s so much deeper than that. Continue to practice gratitude and work hard.
Arrive on time, easily follow directions, and be adaptable to any last-minute changes. Being punctual and respectful makes a lasting first impression which can be useful for the other exciting runways you will walk in the future. Building lasting connections with the other models and other people working and assisting in the show can make for great networking!
By following these tips provided by 7dayschic, you’ll have more incredible insight on this fast paced industry you’re about to enter. Being well prepared does not only demonstrate that you are a professional but also boosts your confidence in your abilities and talent as a model and shows the designer that you are an incredible asset to the team and brand. Goodluck!
By Shamilla Sesipi
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