Fashion Industry Forum

Noneillah's Tips on ...How to Walk On The Catwalk?

1. Make sure you have the right heels. 

It is important to wear the right heels when you walking the catwalk runway; therefore, make sure you chose the correct heels. If you purchase new heels make sure you scratch the soles with scissors or any sharp object so that they will not make you slip on the catwalk/floor. Another alternative to prevent you from slipping on the floor with new shoes is to cover the sole of you shoe with masking tape for those who do not want to scratch up their shoes.  If you are not use to walking in heels, you'll learn fast.  If you do not have any heels, please do not wear flip flops.

2. Learn to stand like a professional model.

Learning how to stand like a professional model you must have good posture. As an professional supermodel it is crucial to work on your posture by throwing your shoulders back and down, push your hips a little frontward so it seems like you are forming the illusion that you’re leaning frontward slightly, preferably leaning back in an unreceptive pose that you should be able to balance a book on the top of your head.

3. Place the ball of your foot down first (not the toes), then your heel, but keep most of your weight balanced on the ball of your foot rather than on the heel.

You should place most of your weight on the ball of the foot because it will give you more of a graceful pace than an awkwardly stepped down heel- weighted walk would. It’s virtually like walking on your tippy-toes, the way ballerinas do more dainty and natural.  

4. Place one foot in front of the other (exactly).

When modeling a model toes should face forwards. Your footprints should forma a crisscross if it is done   rapidly; this gives the body that quality sway.  Your ankles should never strike one another; it can be painful and may make you fall.

5 Make your stride look lengthy and controlled by lifting your legs almost in the same style a horse would while doing trotting leg extensions. 

For each step, you want to pick up your foot a excellent distance off the ground (with a bend in the knee) and then place it down a good distance in front of the supporting leg, with a stride longer than a normal walk would have. Don't make your strides too large as this will make you look awkward and ungraceful, but make sure you take large enough steps, rather than just baby steps. Remember to turn with your hip. It's hard to describe but easy to do.

 6 Look straight forward; capturing the essence of the clothes you're wearing with the expression on your face. 

Focus on an object straight ahead of you (but don't stare at a viewer...that is creepy). Try to smile (smile with your eyes). This will give a fierce look to your face and to your walk. Keep your chin level and your eyes up - you want the spectators to see your face. Keep your head and shoulders still as your body moves down the runway. Your head and shoulder should feel a little like a sturdy coat hanger, and things should swing from there. Don't swing your shoulders, and don't over exaggerate arm movements. Do make sure, however, that your hips swing more than they would usually. This may take some practice to look good. When the beats to your music are slower, swing your hips more and slow your pace. When you make your turn at the end, make sure your left foot is in front as you pause for a beat or double beat in your music. Your hips, shoulders, and feet should be facing the side of the runway as your head is turned to look straight on at the audience over your shoulder. After pausing or posing for a beat, pivot your feet back towards the curtain or glass, pick up your front foot first (your right foot), and continue walking. Make sure that your face is the last thing to turn away from the audience.

7 Fingers naturally fidget or fist up when you're nervous, but don't let them! 

It will be a bigger distraction than you realize. Just let them hang down, relaxed. Shaking your hands out before you walk will help your fingers relax and look more natural.

8 Create your own signature walk. 

There's no simple formula for walking the runway, and what will ultimately make you stand out is not only how well you can move your body but also how much of your own personality you can inject into your performance to make it memorable. The best way to create your own unique style is to experiment, practice, and get feedback (even if it means taking some constructive criticism).

 9 Most importantly, you must walk and strut your stuff like you know you're beautiful and you know that you're smoking' hot, and all the young men out there are going to be going crazy when they see you!.

Self-doubt and low self-esteem can be damaging and there's nothing prettier than a girl with confidence.

10 You could practice strutting like you mean it by listening to your iPod or mp3 player or other musical device, put a hot song on and walk to the beat!

•   Step gracefully, not like you're marching.
• If you should trip or fall, recover gracefully. smile and keep going as if it never happened. Nothing will demonstrate your confidence like recovering from an unfortunate event with grace and passion. Show people what they want to see, not what they don't
• To make your face look pleasant and yet sophisticated, try to "Smile", meaning 'smile with your eyes'.
• Videotape yourself walking, so you can understand what other people are seeing. Also, by keeping a visual record of your walk, you'll be able to trace your progress as you learn how to strut your stuff like a real supermodel would.
• Don't exaggerate by opening your eyes too much or lifting your legs too high while walking.
• Watch supermodels walk the walk. Visit fashion shows and watch them on TV. Who were the models that stood out the most? What made them unique? How was her walk different from the others'? Learn from the best so that you don't have to reinvent the wheel.
• Keep your posture "H2T", or Head to Toe; this means focusing on all parts of the body while modeling or walking.
• Strike a pose if you’re on an actual catwalk, it looks good.
• Most of all have fun with whatever you do. If you’re not happy, then everything you do is worthless.