Early October, I volunteered to be a model at the Her Campus College Fashion Week in New York City. CFW takes place every year, and each year all the collections feature young college students rather than professional models.
I arrived at Met West around nine in the morning,nervous and very excited. The large warehouse was under the process of getting revamped for the evening’s festivities. I walked all the way towards the back and through a large black curtain and felt the energy change. There were models trying on garments, people laughed and chatted and coordinators shuffled around trying to find the right garments. I felt dizzy with anticipation.
I was provided with three garments to try on and directed towards the changing rooms. As I slipped the first grey velvet dress on, it finally hit me. I was going to walk down an actual runway and pretend to be a model for a day.
I got to walk in three out of four shows and they were all back to back. I thought I wouldn’t have enough time to change but the transitions were very smooth. The show didn’t feel stressful at all, rather I savored every moment, even those I spent backstage. The opening show was Primark followed by Avec Les Filles, Chaser and finally Vicci.
My favourite outfit had to be from the Street Chic collection by Chaser. I wore a tight black dress coupled with knee high boots and a large purple fur jacket. It’s definitely a look I’m going to rock this fall!
As the day moved along we all got to know each other a little bit better. It was amazing to see how diverse the models were. Everyone was from different schools, different majors and different ethnicities.
All models and staff were so encouraging and nurturing. The best part was that there wasn’t one particular hairstyle or makeup look selected. The makeup artists at Ulta and the hair dressers from Bed head gave each model a unique look.
My look was inspired by an Egyptian goddess and it made me feel strong and powerful. I was amazed at the artistry involved and enjoyed talking and laughing with all the artists. By the end of the day the entire team felt like one big family.
I remember how I felt just before I did my first walk. I knew it was a full house and could hear the guests cheering us on. For a second my legs felt like jelly, but as soon as my feet touched the runway it was as if I came alive.
I put everything into my walk, feeling the music thumping with each step. I could see the cameras flashing and I’d never felt so in control of my body. The feeling was surreal.
The second I finished my last walk and my coordinator Travis high-fived me, I wanted to do the show all over again.
I’ll never forget that feeling of being empowered. Over all the free goodies and clothes that we got, it’s the friends and the memories I made that are most meaningful to me. I can’t wait to do it all over again next fall!