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RUNWAY BASICS
By: Teronce Styyles
mrstyyles@excapethematrix.com
As a runway instructor, I have come across many aspiring models who have
no clue of how a model should present themselves on the runway. What
I’m going to do is conduct this article like I’m teaching one of my
runway classes. So let’s pretend it’s an online class and you are
getting a lecture on runway basics. To begin, I want to know what are
the three things that you look for when you attend a fashion show? If
you pay close attention you will find the answers throughout this
article.
Presentation is everything, especially in modeling. You have to present
yourself on the runway like you are the best thing that ever walked the
face of this earth. It’s important to have a level of confidence that
illuminates you once you step foot on that runway. Most models think
it’s about them when they are on the runway but that’s not true. It’s
about the designer, so you have to present an aura about you that will
sell the designer’s garments.
“If you don’t step up to the plate and present yourself with everything
you have then just step aside and allow the next person to do it.”
Personally, I want the model to carry themselves with a certain type of arrogance when they are on that runway. Arrogance is known to be a negative expression of someone but in this case it’s a positive thing. It enhances the personality of the model when they are doing their thing on the runway. It all ties into confidence and self esteem. Without it you won’t do a good job selling the designer’s garments. Designers want the best models that will represent their garments without second guessing themselves. So please live up to the expectations that you are given
Facial expressions can be detrimental in modeling. Most models don’t have any facial expressions, which is not necessarily a bad thing if their walk is giving you attitude, confidence and personality. Smiling is not usually something that you will see a model presenting on the runway. There are only certain instances that you will see them smiling, so you have to choose your facial expressions wisely.
I have some pet peeves when it comes to runway modeling. I don’t like when models look down when they are walking. The runway isn’t going anywhere so look straight ahead. A true professional model knows when the end of the runway is near, so keep good eye contact and maintain that positive energy from beginning to end. At the end of the runway, take three seconds and pose for the photographer. It really gets under my skin when a model doesn’t take the time to pose for the camera. You don’t realize that you are wasting the photographer’s time and you aren’t showing the clothes of the designer. It’s your job to represent the talent of the designer to your highest potential so the power is in your hands. If you don’t represent them in a fashionable way you might as well say good bye to your modeling career.
Now, once you come to the end of the runway and take those pictures,
it’s time to finish what you started. This is usually when the model’s
energy fades away. Models feel that they have presented themselves with
so much personality and attitude but don’t realize that you have to
leave the runway. With that being said, leave the runway the same way
you came on it.
The energy level needs to be at the top of the scale,
so don’t think that since you did a good job in the beginning that you
don’t need to do good job at the end.
High fashion runway is a critical genre of the industry. You have to be
on point at all times and know your craft. In this industry you are
here today and gone tomorrow. If you don’t step up to the plate and
present yourself with everything you have then just step aside and allow
the next person to do it. There is no time to second guess yourself,
you have to be in it to win it.
“You have to present yourself on the runway like you are the best thing
that ever walked the face of this earth.”
Practice makes perfect. You can never have enough practice, especially when it’s something so critical as modeling. There are critics and paparazzi everywhere that will try and bring you down. Don’t feed into the madness, stay ahead of the game. Surround yourself with positive people that share your passion. Maintain an excellent support system that will keep you humble. Consult with experts that will give you the answers and guidance that you will need for this industry.
Alright, well this session is just about up. In the beginning I asked you an important question. What are the three things that you look for when you attend a fashion show? Did anyone retrieve the answers from the article? I hope you did because they were mentioned. I hope you enjoyed this first ever online session of Runway Basics. If you have any questions or concerns please don’t hesitate to contact me. I will be so kindly to assist you the best way that I can. Until next time stay fashionable and don’t forget to rock that runway.
Fashionably yours,
Teronce Styyles