Here's What It Really Takes to Walk in Your First Runway Show
Though we’re living in an age where haute couture seems more accessible than ever thanks to social media, there has always been an element of mystery (and a hint of magic) when it comes to how the shows really come together—until now. In case you missed it, we put on our very first fashion show, Who What Wear Runway, created with Secret Deodorant during New York Fashion Week, and let us tell you, it was quite the production.
From creating a neon-lit, 360-degree walkway at the Skylight Modern to styling 30 ready-to-wear looks and streaming the show live to viewers everywhere (you can watch the whole thing here), we had countless tasks to tackle when planning our event. But we have to say, one of our favorite bits was casting. We believe fashion should be accessible to all, so we tapped some our favorite influencers and bloggers, from Chriselle Lim to Kristine Agabaian of the blog Kris Chérie, to walk the runway.
Interested in knowing what goes on behind the scenes? We chatted with Agabaian to find out what it was like to walk in her first-ever fashion show and see what she did to get the confidence to strut down the catwalk. Keep reading to see the prep that really goes on behind the scenes.
WHO WHAT WEAR: How did you feel when you were asked to walk in WWW Runway?
KRISTINE AGABAIAN: The entire experience is still so surreal to me, especially the moment when I found out that I was chosen to be a part of the show. I’ve always been fascinated with the industry since a very young age, so to have a childhood fantasy become a reality is pretty amazing.
WWW: What have you been doing to prep for the show?
KA: I didn’t make too many changes, because I already have a set health and fitness routine that I follow on a daily basis. For my fitness routine, I’m a former ballet dancer, so I still practice it as much as I can.
KA: As for my beauty routine, it stayed the same in some ways and changed in others, like paying extra attention to taking care of my skin. I easily break out under pressure, so I made sure I was cleansing and toning without completely stripping away every bit of moisture, not just from my face but my entire body. I also knew I would be running around to attend fittings, so it was important for my clothes to look great, too. I love Secret’s Clinical Strength Deodorant on those days where pressure feels like it’s at an all-time high. It gives me the confidence that I’m protected from sweating through my clothes, no matter what color, fabric or outfit I’m wearing. It’s one less thing I need to worry about!
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WWW: Tell us what your day-to-day looked like as the show neared?
KA: [The lead-up to the show] has been extremely busy, but I’ve loved every second of it. Three weeks before the show, I was attending the fittings and photo shoots. This is when the stylists and editors were able to see the outfits on me, and we were able to make adjustments as needed. It was interesting to see how it all comes together behind the scenes, but it also helped ease my mind and got me feeling pumped for the actual show.
When I compare myself from the day of the actual show to the weeks leading up to it, I notice an improvement in my confidence level and overall opinion about myself.
WWW: And how did it feel to be at NYFW, backstage at a fashion show?
KA: It made me realize that every individual is the same, and what we feel is normal. That morning, along with the entire experience from the weeks before, was where I got my major boost of confidence and knew that I could do this. To be a part of a fashion show and to be able to experience walking down a runway is a great feeling on its own. To have it be for a large online fashion publication that keeps its readers inspired is just the icing on the cake. And the best part of it all is how the show included a mixture of different looks and designers that are relatable to everyone, no matter what your style may be.
I’ve always been fascinated with the industry since a very young age, so to have a childhood fantasy become a reality is pretty amazing.
Do you have any questions for Kristine Agabaian? Sound off in the comments below!