Models at the Roberta Einer presentation
We hardly ever see models crack a smile while they sashay down the runway, in fact they look positively expressionless, leaving us without any hints about their real personalities. However, that’s just part of the job and just like the rest of us girls (and guys), they do “just wanna have fun” when they can.
Arizona Muse at the Temperley London show
Paulina Porizkova and Alina Baikova at Fashion Scout
And backstage is the perfect place for models to catch some downtime and take a break from all the somberness of the runway. They can be found texting family and updating their Instagram feeds with behind-the-scenes shots in the middle of all the semi-organised chaos (think of the rows of mirrors, a table of snacks, hairstylists, make-up artists and journalists in a usually small space). There’s also the opportunity to goof around. The prep time gives models the ability to joke around, show some moves and even do silly poses they can't do while walking the runway.
Gillian McKeith at the Fashions Finest show
Models at the Osman presentation
We’ve got the proof our favourite beauties do have a blast when they get the chance. Whether it’s backstage or at a presentation while they show the autumn/winter 2018-2019 collections, they are rocking some extremely big smiles and having oodles of fun.
Model at the Huishan Zhang show
Why Do Models Have To Look So Serious On The Catwalk?
Why do so many models look like their cat just died, plain bored or they need a strong cup of coffee when they’re showing off the most gorgeous clothes? It’s not that they’re genuinely miserable, it’s because designers feel the most neutral faces show off their work better. The unspoken rule about smiling is clear; the focus should be on the fashion rather than the faces. If models show those pearly whites, the attendees’ concentration is likely to shift to the models’ faces. Then there’s also the fact models may feel weary about smiling on the catwalk because they’re not sure how they may end up looking if the smile it too wide.
Model at the Paul Costelloe show
Model at the Rohmir show
Model at the Simone Rocha show
However, modelling hasn’t always been about perfecting haughty or moody looks. In the 1950s and early 1960s, models often smiled, laughed and even danced to music. Models like Brigitte Bardot and Jane Birkin were the first to be seen with sterner, even sullen, looks. With the rise of feminism, women felt they needed to be taken more seriously in the workplace, hence the more powerful vibe.
Model at the Temperley London show
Models at the Burberry show
Models at the Osman presentation
