How to Walk Down a Catwalk in a Fashion Show

Typically, a fashion designer chooses the items a model wears during a fashion show.

Walking down a catwalk can be an intimidating prospect, as the eyes of the entire audience are on you for the duration of your walk. At some point in your life, you may be asked to walk a catwalk, whether it's for a local store or mall, an event put on by a charity, or if you are pursuing a career as a fashion model. A model of any background and experience can benefit from a few basic tips.

Difficulty:

Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Put on the outfit you plan to model. In many runway shows, a model may showcase many different looks. The designer typically chooses what outfits which model will wear. In smaller runway shows, such as those at local malls, the model may have a choice between looks. If you do have a choice, choose comfortable clothing that fits.

2. Perfect your posture. Stand up straight and keep your head high, looking straight ahead and not down. Your back and neck should be straight.

3. Walk on the balls of your toes. This is an especially helpful tip for female models, as they often must walk in high heels. As you walk, place your feet directly in front of each other, rather than side by side.

4. Stride with purpose. Longer strides offer a more graceful look. Short strides can make a model look as if he is marching. Keep your arms by your side; they should look relaxed and natural.

5. Strike a pose at the end of the catwalk. The fashion designer or runway producer may tell the models exactly how to pose, or it may be up to the model. A pose usually involves some sort of hip and arm movement. The intent of a pose is to properly showcase the clothing.

6. Stride back to the beginning of the catwalk, and off the stage. It's either time to relax, or get changed for the next walk.

Tips & Warnings

• The fashion designer will tell models any variations they would like on the catwalk. For example, some designers may want a runway model to do a special turn at the end of the catwalk, or to walk with their hands on their hips.

• Record your walk and pose and view it to see what improvements you can make.

References

• WNYSound.com: Runway Stage
• Fashion Show Model Choreography