So...not much going on here, except for MODELING IN A FASHION SHOW. I know, no one expected that, least of all me - mom-of-three-going-into-old-age-me. But, charity called and I am unable to resist an offer to walk a runway and have people do my hair and makeup. Completely defenseless against those offers. Heck, just the hair and makeup alone sold me. What? I liked to be primped on. I am only a little bit girly.
There I was, one of only a handful of mere mortals (read: older, less glam real-people models) among very skinny very young very unbashful professional models. I watched them in our huge get-ready room show their walks while wearing their outfits thinking OMG - I am so ill-prepared for this.
But, really, I was unprepared. My only instructions were to show up at 3 and to have a pair of dress shoes. THAT'S IT. That is way too little info. Like what kind of dress shoes? What would I be wearing? What, praytell, should my underwear look like? These are all critical pieces of information that were left out of my memo.
The points were not moot since I was asked multiple times (accompanied by a look of disbelief/horror): What? You're not wearing a black strapless bra??? (Why no, why would I be?? Do I look like I received a memo about this?) And also: Do you have another pair of shoes? Wear anything but those shoes!!! (Please note I brought a lovely -or so I thought- pair of black satin sandal stilettos that had a strap across the toes and a strap running diagonally across the foot and around the ankle. They were lovely but apparently, ALL WRONG FOR FASHION SHOWS.) Mental note: next time I am walking the runway with real models, bring lots of shoes, including plain black pumps.
A runway coach of some kind walked me through the steps. He cracked me up (internally, because on the outside, I was very serious.). We did 8 steps down the runway, struck a couple of poses, walked halfway back. Did some slow motion pivot turns, walked back to the beginning of the runway, posed again, then down the steps. It was a lot to remember.
My hair got seriously curled and pinned up - it looked awesome and the hair stylist thought so too since she kept taking photos of it and grabbing her friends to look at my hair creation. My makeup was a bit extreme - like Extreme Makeover, but for faces. Holy face! I avoided mirrors.
I was supposed to only walk the runway with the other mortals...but last minute, was shooed up with the REAL MODELS for the opening act. As in ME + THEM. Ha! Can you say 'terrified?' My mortal friends were cheering me on everytime I looked over at them with a look of "help me! I'm going to die!" There was a gorgeous model in front of me who kept giving me pep talks - you will do great! Just breathe! BREATHE! She was exotic and gorgeous and kind. Before I knew it, the music was pumping and it was my turn. I took a gulp and the rest was kind of blur. Cameras snapping. All eyes on me. Crazy! But thrilling! It was over before I knew it (really only 30+ seconds of walking) but think it went well. Mortal friends told me I rocked it!
I got to change into another outfit and walk the runway again for the mortal special.
Honestly, I had a blast and a half. Total, total thrill. Now wondering whether I could ever get this kind of fix again...there must be a market for older, wider, shorter runway models right? If so, I'm there!
I take back my comment about wanting to see photos of the poetic dress.....because I wanna see photos of you rocking the fashion show now!
Posted by: anna | Tuesday, August 23, 2011 at 10:58 PM
I think that sounds like so much fun!! It reminds me of that episode of Sex and the City where Carrie's shoe breaks and she falls! So funny!
Posted by: Therapist San Francisco | Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 01:54 PM
Wasn't it so much fun!! I have done the same thing and felt the same way! The adrenaline rush when you go done the runway. I bet you rocked it! Good job!
Lynn
Posted by: A Mother's Thoughts | Thursday, August 25, 2011 at 07:32 PM
ditto on the photo request! You must have rocked! Hot, mom-of-three! so awesome!
Posted by: jocelyn | Friday, August 26, 2011 at 05:21 AM
Pictures!
And I can't even imagine that your only instruction was to bring shoes. The lack of adequate pre-event info would cause all kinds of unnecessary stress!
Posted by: Alisa | Sunday, August 28, 2011 at 10:54 AM
This sounds like so much fun! I can't wait to hear more details.
Posted by: Introvertster | Monday, August 29, 2011 at 08:52 AM
I can't believe you're teasing us this way without any pictures! For shame! I'm sure you were smashing and so glad you got to do it. I was once working an event that had a fashion show portion and one of the models was sick. Someone saw me behind my booth and grabbed me and said I looked like the right size (I'm 5'9 and this was pre-baby skinny), so they took me back and had me try on all of her outfits. Not only did they fit, but after the show I was told to just keep the clothes!! It was awesome!
Posted by: Hetha | Saturday, September 03, 2011 at 02:04 PM
I could NEVER do that. I would fall on my face or have a panic attack...but I love that you did it and I have NO DOUBT you rocked it.
Posted by: Kyla | Thursday, September 08, 2011 at 07:15 PM