Stilletos Journey: 2nd Modeling Workshop for TOP Fashionista Model Search – coffee and beyond

We braved commuting to the workshop venue last Saturday, as we didn’t like to bother Dad in taking us. But, he did take us to the nearest MRT station.

From MRT in Quezon Ave., we rode a jeep to Fisher Mall and another jeep ride to Frisco. We arrived early as usual. The Faces of Fashion (a different contest) contestants were still doing their workshop but it was okay to watch and wait.

In the second workshop, Andrey already has a friend. Ate Elija as she calls her, an 18-year-old young lady from Sta. Rosa, Laguna. An only girl from a sibling of 3, where her elder kuya’s would want to see her be lady like because of her boyish moves. She also goes with her Mom every Saturday just like us.

Andrey or Alex to her friends on the right and new-found friend Elija on the left.

What I like about having these kind of activities allows you to gain more friends. Know different people from different places. Some of the candidates hail from Laguna, Cavite, Manila, Taguig City, Quezon City, Bulacan, and Pangasinan. Imagine how far they have to travel for this workshop except for the one from Pangasinan which I assume is now staying here in the Metro.

Did you miss the first workshop story? Read here.

Learning begins again!

One hard bound book and a can of condensed milk is the instrument used in their drill. This is used to have a good posture and balance.  There were books and cans that fall over and over again. Probably, because their balance were not good enough to maintain it on top of their heads. Thus, more practice is needed to get it right.

Training Time

While watching them do their thing, you will notice who’s competitive and who’s not. There are candidates whose confidence are notable because of previous experiences. There are those who needs a power boost to make them stand out from the crowd and also those that seems to have very low esteem.

My Andrey is not far from the stand out contestants but is still striving her best to absorb everything that her coaches teach them. A little boost of confidence is needed as she said she was a bit nervous in the introduction part. Nevertheless, she will gain that needed boost as we continue with her practice. Anyway, as the saying says “Practice makes PERFECT”.

Formal Walk

Formal walk was the focus during the session. This is the walk you make when wearing something formal.

Overlap, overlap, overlap, as you walk slowly towards the front. Pose, pose, walk back to the middle, then pose, then back to front, then pose, then walk back to exit. They call it the 1 1/2 walk if I’m not mistaken.

Pose pose pose!

Legs should be straight where heels touch the floor first when walking while the other foot supports the body as you land in your toe. Hips must be moved a little bit forward when walking while hips swing sharp. Facial expressions will also depend on what kind of walk you do. In this case, a poker facial expression is required.

Training with coach Ysa

With coaches Dianara on the left and Ysa on the right.

The Couture

Talking about the formal walk, this walk is used when using formal dress/gown. The TOP Fashionista girl candidates were assigned to wear vintage dress and modern Filipiniana gown for the finale.

We had many thoughts about it as we were trying to suppress expenses. We tried to find a gown to rent. But because the color that was assigned to us is not always a choice of many, it was hard to find a good one. So, we landed to having it tailored.

We found a shop in Pasig that offered their services at a lower price compared to other shops. And what excites us is–the designer will be the one to make the gown. Hurray! I’m expecting a simple yet stunning gown for the event. I will tell you about the shop on a different post once the gown is finished.

Andrey’s stilletos journey is becoming more interesting as the day of the event is fast approaching. As of now, we are trying to find a Philippines festival hair dress to be used in their first walk. I hope to find one the soonest.

Until my next update!