I spent a lot of my teenage years copying the models on FTV and later ended up doing some modelling myself. So how can you walk like a runway model?
The first thing to do is put on some heels, the more comfy the better when you’re practising.
Legs
Feet crossing is key to the model walk. Your feet should face straight ahead and as you move they should fall in line with each other or slightly crossed instead of parallel. This is what makes the hips wiggle. You can add a slight bounce to the walk by bending your knees but be carefully it you bend it too much it can look like your trotting. Long strides also look elegant and smooth.
Posture
If you’ve ever watched Miss J Alexander on America’s next top model, you will know that dead arms (not moving your arms or only moving one) or throwing them out loads are not good. The best tip is to smoothly swing the opposite arm and shoulder forward to the leg that in front.
Posture is also important, shoulders back and down, with your chin forward. Leaning back slightly creates an elongated line.
Pose & turn
At the end of the catwalk you can pose. Depending on the show, the pose can range from a straight on, to a side pose or backward facing one. For the straight on pose as you reach the end of the catwalk, throw one leg to the side and put your weight on it. To turn you can shift your weight to the opposite leg and turn on that leg. Or you could step back and turn with the leg that you have no weight on. Think of it a bit like salsa dancing.
Music and pace
It’s also important to walk in time with the music. Sometimes this is really hard because of the track but try to find a beat to walk to, it makes the walk look much smoother.
I love watching fashion shows old and new and the catwalk style changes from era to era and show to show. Here are some key styles:
The modern classic
This look is serious and expressionless. The face should show nothing at all, you are literally a hanger for the clothes. There’s little or no posing and sexy walks are not to be desired.
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Prada Spring summer 2015
The supermodel walk
Best shown in the Gianni Versace show’s of the 90’s or by Naomi Campbell, this is a bold and sexy walk. It’s full of swinging arms and thrusting hips, multiple twirl and pose…. at the end of the catwalk, halfway down it, as you leave the catwalk. Synchronized walking may also be involved. The face is also serious but more of a I know I’m hot expression.
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Giani Versace Spring 1994
Victoria’s secret walk
The Victoria’s Secret walk is playful, smiley and flirty. Bouncing and lots of sashaying hips movement. while walking, with hands and arms moving and flowing. Blowing kisses at the audience and a straight on hands on waist pose at the end of the catwalk.
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Victoria’s Secret Show 2014
Vintage catwalk
This catwalk style is hard to describe. Lots moving to spot and standing in a pose. Turning body and head elegantly to show the back, front and details of the look. Length and elegance is key. This continued to the 60’s with catwalks becoming more abstract, performative and fun.
Clothing of the future- clothing in the year 2000
Paco Rabanne 1969
Active Socioplastics 