By Michele Smith
Facebook – MicheleSmithMarketing
Fashion shows are one of the most glamorous events to attend in the fashion industry and for those who are fortunate enough to attend, get to experience the notorious show, complete with the after parties. There is however one point first time and repeat attendees ponder. Why do supermodels not smile when they are strutting their stuff down the runway? The following points actually make sense and will give fashion show attendees some important industry insight.
Models are showcasing the designer’s brand, not their pearly whites
Fashion shows are truly all about the clothing line and smiling at the audience takes the emphasis off of the clothes. Any expression in general or a showing in personality truly takes emphasis off of the designer’s clothes. Not smiling also exudes confidence, and models certainly need confidence to strut down the runway in general. On a historical note, not smiling was a look of aristocratic domain that has appeared throughout paintings throughout the decades. Take a look at historical portraits and note that none of the subjects are smiling.
A smile can make a controversial new trend look ridiculous
While this speaks a little to the point above, smiling while wearing an over-the-top new design can come across as mocking the designer. This obviously is not a good thing when a model is wanting repeat work. When the design modelled is unconventional, any expression for that matter can come up as amusing or even embarrassing. The lack of smile again exudes confidence in the designer and ensemble worn. The non-smiling face makes most outrageous of new design lines come across as highly fashionable.
Runway smiles can imply interaction with the audience
The last thing any model should do from a professional standpoint is to interact with the audience. Again, the fashion show is all about the fashion designer’s clothes. A smiling face invites interaction and a potential conversation. A non-smiling model elevates their status in a classic European way, showcases an attitude on nonchalance and portrays the utmost display of self-control. Fashion models on the catwalk are also in a particularly tricky business. It is not an easy feat to walk down a catwalk with all eyes on you. The ability to walk in high heels smoothly and appear unflustered is very appealing to the audience in attendance, as well as the designers.
A model’s lack of smile creates the vision of an unshakable personality
From a professional standpoint, lack of smiling on the runway will lead to more work to come. The very fact any model lets the audience and designer know their emotions do not take over during shows is priceless. It is best to appear unshakable when any model is wearing something that is completely out of their comfort zone. In addition, the lack of smiling appearance gives off the impression of a model being emotionally controlled. This also suggests for the model an attitude of elevation above earthly concerns, access to higher knowledge and most importantly, in the modern fashion world.
