A runway is just a long white strip on the floor, but it has a magical effect on whoever steps onto it. People who normally stroll to the bakery in flip-flops suddenly straighten their backs, lift their chins and think of the walk of their lives. Even the floor seems to hold its breath.
This particular runway was set up in a bright, modern salon, with a mirrored wall, lots of ceiling lights and a long row of guests lined up along the sides. At the far end, a table with a flower arrangement waited like a finish line. And at the start, a blonde woman in light blue jeans, a simple white top and golden high heels stood ready.
She began at the far end of the runway and made her way down with long, confident strides. The golden heels flashed with each step, the hair swung in perfect rhythm, and the jeans did what jeans do best: look effortless. The audience watched with the polite concentration of people who know they are about to see something nice.
A photographer in a gray shirt knelt down near the front, pointing his camera and waiting for the right second. Behind him sat a lady with a stylish short haircut, quietly judging every angle with the eyes of a true expert. A few other guests leaned forward in their chairs, phones ready in hand. A salon is already a place where people care about looking good, and today everyone cared even more.
The most impressive part of a runway walk is the turn at the end. You have to stop, pose, pivot, and walk back without looking like you are dizzy. Our model did it with the poise of someone who has practiced in the kitchen many times, with the fridge as the audience and the broom as the photographer.
The whole show took less than a minute, but it had everything: style, balance, attention to detail and a pair of shoes that deserved a round of applause on their own. Not a single step was wasted, and not a single smile was forced.
So does a runway make you walk taller? Absolutely. It also makes you notice how many people are watching, how bright the lights are and how far the end of the strip really is. But the secret is simple: look straight ahead, trust your heels and pretend the camera is your best friend.
And if the shoes are golden, the walk practically does itself.
remtalina.com – between past and future, between adventure and mystery
