Living the Dream: Milwaukee Fashion Week

A few weeks ago, I was given the greatest honor of modeling for my good friend ElyseMichele Designs in the Milwaukee Fashion Week. It was a moment of a lifetime that I never thought would happen.

For those who don't know, I am not the tallest, 4' 10" to be exact. Because of my height, I'm rather petite and not suited for runway or any sort of modeling, but every girl can dream right? However, my good friend and fashion designer, Elyse Watson has a similar petite figure which allowed me to be a model for her collection for the Milwaukee Fashion Week and it was a magnificent experience.

Of course, because I am so small, it was so intimidating to be around a group of tall, runway ready girls who could wear long gowns that were twice the length of me. Literally, these girls had legs for days that were more than half my size. It was traumatizing yet a wonderful experience that I hope to experience more through ElyseMichele Design's future collections.

When I was a junior in high school, I convinced my mom to enroll me in a modeling class called: Barbizon. Through Barbizon, I was able to build my confidence and learn tips and skills behind the modeling industry and a bit about acting. It was a class that I attended once every few weeks for a few hours and I learned quite a lot from it. We even had a runway show with a feature of our talents for our "graduation." I was awarded with a certificate stating my graduation and even received a free shirt for being nominated for the "Most Kind Award." I actually still have that shirt and wear it sometimes.

Unfortunately, I don't really pursue that modeling career due to my height, but when I get the rare chance to be in a runway for someone, it's a tremendous honor. I've learned how to walk and appear taller when I walk for runways and built up my confidence through it. Oddly enough, when I'm practicing for runways, I'm always nervous, but once I hit the runway, I'm not nervous anymore. I feel empowered and want to show off the garments that I am modeling as best as possible. It's like a switch is turned on and I'm able to walk tall and confidently despite my low self-esteem and height.

Models

Modeling girls

Look for the runway

ElyseMichele Designs Collection

Being able to work with a group of wonderful and beautiful people, it was such an experience. A dream come true even if it was only for a day. It's always a great experience and a fun time.

Hope you're having a fabulous day and stay tuned for the next blog post!

- Simply Barbara