Boot Camp for Models Week 3: Runway Swagger - Learn to Project!

Step backstage moments before mounting the runway. The Show Producer stands next to you wearing a headset, watching the monitor,

“House lights down,” the producer shouts.

“Music – go!"

After a few bars of music you hear, “Lights up – go!”

A tap on your shoulder and your name is announced, followed by a final firm “GO!” Even for us casting directors, there is always an adrenaline rush before a show.  Everyone is excited, and some are even nervous. But in the end, you will have your moment on the catwalk.  That’s what runway shows are all about!

For this week’s segment, I sought out two top models with different backgrounds and clientele.  Top models Angela Martini from Elite Agency and Courtney McCann of LA Models, both are a few of the fiercest walkers.

Angela placed 5th in the 2010 Miss Universe Pageant representing her home country, Albania. For her, the walk was instinctive at a young age. Friends often tease her that’s she’s not on the runway when she casually walks. She further explains she has been parading around in heels since age three.  “The higher the heel, the better,” she states.

During the competition, Miss Albania also coached some of the contestants on their pageant stroll.  Her advice, “Put your favorite song on, and feel the music.  Then imagine the hottest guy there.  You are seducing him as you approach him with your eyes, hips, hair.”  It works for her, she’s the most requested model during Miami Swim week.

With so many charity shows and fashion events in Los Angeles, Courtney is one of the busiest runway models. There was no modeling school for her either, just some casual coaching from a more experienced model.  She states, “My walk starts with the shoes.  It can really affect things. And you should feel the clothes.”  She also recommends asking what the client wants - peppy, upbeat, happy, sexy hips, serious, graceful or a sleek glide in an evening gown.

“The biggest misconception is that all it's (runway shows) made up of knowing how to walk. It's more than that. It's your hair, your body position, your physical shape--there’s a lot of things to know, to get into and remain in this business,” said Shailah Edmonds, private runway coach and former couture model.

New York Fashion Week Veteran Drew Linehan of Trew Productions agrees. “Give your walk your own identity, your own personality. Naomi has one. Gisele has one. Carmen has one.”  You want to develop a physical awareness and mental connection to the runway.

If you aren’t feeling it just yet, try browsing video archives of supermodels Tyra, Gisele, Cindy, Naomi, etc. and observe the way their bodies move. Each girl all has her own relationship to the runway, whether it’s seducing the audience, selling the clothing, or enjoying the spotlight.

We recommend these videos by Ford Models:

Learn the Supermodel Walk - Pt. 1

Learn the Supermodel Walk - Pt. 2

How to Walk in High Heels

Practice with a full-length mirror, and critique yourself. Don't copy them, but try and look for the key ingredients to their success. In time, the most important part--confidence--will come.

Remember, models are hired to sell the clothes and make people desire them.  Stylists and designers work hard to pair the right garment, on the right body and look. You are the actress and possess the magic to do this.