The fourth annual Rock the Runways show hosted by Semper Fashion.
Let me take you back to the audition. About a month prior, I read an ad for a runway show. Actually, there were two ads, one on model mayhem and one on craigslist. One of the ads mentioned the height requirements, and one did not. Women 5'8" and taller, men 6' and taller.
Now, for those of you who don't know, I am 5'7". I've been told many, many times about how I am not tall enough for the runway, or high-fashion work, from people who have been in the industry for years and from people who haven't. It seems to be the general consensus that one inch is much too short, and I am clearly not cut out for the runway.
It's a shame for all of them that my drive stems from proving people wrong. And it's amazing what high heels and good posture can do for you : )
So, I entered the audition confident and tall--at least for the first few minutes. We were seated in the waiting area (I arrived early because, well, that's what I do) and I got to watch everyone who was auditioning walk in. Of course, everyone else was 5'8" or taller, thinner, more exotic looking, what-have-you. It's incredible how insecurities can just creep from the depths of your soul and encompass your brain. So there I sat, 5'7" and shrinking.
Everyone arrived, we were lined up for measuring our stats (bust, waist, hips, inseam) and then sent to a photographer in the corner to get our names with a face. Then we were herded yet again into another line to audition with our "walk."
Tall posture, happy face, confident walk (shoulders back of course!). The owner of the agency Mode Models was there judging and helping us. As I watch these girls, the ones who look the supposed “perfect,” I can’t help but suddenly and slyly smile to myself.
There is a huge difference in being able to model and being able to walk.
One by one, we walked. We circled through about four times, and by the end there had been judges watching and getting our contact information if they liked our look and style of walking. Two information exchanges later, those who did not get the privilege to were sent home. The rest of us were gathered in a group and told “congratulations,” you are the next 20 models for the 4th annual Rock the Runways show.
A month and a practice run went by, and suddenly it was the day of the event.
Six o'clock call time for the first group of models. We sat and got our hair and makeup done which took about 30-45 minutes each girl. Photographers were trying to weave through the room, crowded with the Paul Mitchell school of hair design students, struggling to get an idea of what look everyone was going for. Struggling to know what make-up to put on everyone.
It was there that I found out the runway show started (yes, started) at 10:45. Post Meridiem.
Oof. If the day wasn't long enough, huh?
Four hours, sitting, waiting, talking, connecting.
Now, I'm shy by nature. Fortunately (or unfortunately--glass empty or full?), the industry I am trying to place myself in requires big crowds and unfamiliar faces; talking, connecting. Understanding that connections are what gets you places, I always force myself to be present in my mind, body, and soul...without having to talk too much, if I can help it :)
I was able to meet a few girls during the night. Surprisingly, for how many people are involved one really doesn't have the time to sit and chat unless through business matters (e.g. two models are waiting to get hair and makeup, they begin to chat). These girls kept me company as we waited, and we all had each others' backs during the show. That's always a good thing. Gotta get those shoes off!
It was over in about forty-five minutes. Truthfully, the show felt like it lasted ten. Lining up by designer backstage, the crew yelling at every model to "GO, GO, GOGOGO" while the crowd drowned out any mumble of talking behind the curtains, the whole experience felt rushed. I, however, thrive on over-working myself and thus was bouncing with excitement until the moment I stepped onto the runway.
Some people drink, some people do drugs, but ever since I was little I've just done life. Corny? Yes. Cheaper? Yes. More rewarding? I think so. Now, I do understand that some people need to loosen the *#$@ up, but when sober the experience is so much more...well, real. So, you'd think that I was completely in the moment while I strut.
Wrong!
In fact, I do believe my brain shuts off. There are lights blinding me, the rest of the room is dark, I know the crowd is there but their cheers and claps get drowned out by my own thoughts...or lack thereof. I swear my brain is so loud with not thinking that I can't hear anything.
No, this doesn't affect my performance while walking. Just like when I bake anything, I'm so used to every procedure that I don't need to think about it anymore. I just do it.
Side Note: I'm really glad the concentrated face I make while baking is not the same as the one I walk with
The night was over much faster than it had begun. I made some friends, hopefully got some good face time, but more importantly had a really fun night.
Thanks to Semper Fashion for putting it on. Here's to next year!
Total Time: 5 hours
No comments:
Post a Comment