What Makes A Model Super?

At first blush, it looks like modeling is about having a pretty face, the right figure and getting pictures taken. Modeling is really about selling something – an outfit, jewelry, shoes, makeup, fragrance, or even a brand. The best models have a way of looking, posing or walking that makes consumers connect with them and want what they have. Some models shine in print, others in video, and still others in real life on a runway.

Last week, Fashion Houston was all about runway fashion. A great runway show is a collaboration between the designer (the clothes have to look good), stylist (the whole look has to be compelling), and the model. The model is a critical element in a successful show. The successful model doesn’t just wear the clothes, she/he makes the clothes (s)he wears look beautiful, cool, sensual or fun to wear.

I loved everything some models wore and nothing that some other models wore. The models actually “make” or “break” the look with the way they wear it. The models that “made” the looks had a little bounce in their step, grace in their walk, wiggle in their hip, and twinkle in their eye that made the clothes move in a way that showed them off and made them look great to wear. These models made me want to wear the clothes….I was actually bouncing, wiggling and smiling in my seat imagining myself walking in those clothes. That’s selling it! That’s the super in supermodel.

Here are the super models that really made the clothes stand out at Fashion Houston.

Alencia Lewis, Campbell Agency, Dallas (Photo 1 - Designer: Camilla, Photographer: Patrick Garza, PMG Develops, Photo 2 - Designer: Douglas Hannant, Photographer: Patrick Garza, PMG Develops)

Katelynn Denney, Page 713 (Photo 1 - Designer: Cesar Gallindo, Photographer: Jay Marroquin, Jay Marroquin Photography, Photo 2 - Designer: Carmen Marc Valvo, Photographer: Jay Marroquin, Jay Marroquin Photography)

Mariah Chaney (Photo 1 - Designer: Roberto Rodriguez, Photographer: Nenaji Media, Photo 2 - Designer: Cesar Gallindo, Photographer: Jay Marroquin, Jay Marroquin Photography)

Lindsey Schultz, Page 713 (Photo 1 - Designer: Douglas Hannant, Photographer: Patrick Garza, PMG Develops, Photo 2 - Designer: Carmen Marc Valvo, Photographer: Michael Allendorf, Michael Allendorf Photography)

Phoenix Azul (Photo 1 - Becca Cason Thrash Collection, Photographer: Patrick Garza, PMG Develops, Photo 2 - Designer: Roberto Rodriguez, Photographer: Patrick Garza, PMG Develops)

Yuan Zhang (Photo 1 - Designer: Chloe Dao, Photographer: Patrick Garza, PMG Develops, Photo 2 - Designer: Douglas Hannant, Photographer: Patrick Garza, PMG Develops)

Fashion Houston 2010

This TV segment airs on Great Day Houston on October 8, 2010. Thank you Chloe Dao and Cesar Galindo for your graciousness and kind words. I so appreciate you being part of the segment with me!

Fashion runway events occur in the major fashion cities around the world – New York, Milan, Paris. Houston is the latest addition to that list. Next week, for the first time, Fashion runway shows are coming to Houston in Fashion Houston 2010! On the runway, you’ll see some of our hometown fashion superstars like Chloe Dao, Toni Whittaker and Caesar Galindo.

Until now, runway shows have been private and by invitation only. Fashion Houston 2010 is open to the public! Tickets are $35 for standing room - $250 for VIP seating. For more info about the designers, scheduling and tickets, go to www.FashionHouston.net.

So, if you’re going to the shows, what do you wear?? You may not have the top designer’s fashions in your closet, but you can take inspiration from your favorite designer and create a fantastic outfit from items right in your closet. When you use a look for inspiration, you don’t need to copy the outfit. Instead, incorporate similar elements to make your own look. Here are some example of inspiration looks the Imagine Team created with clothing and accessories from Dillard's for some of Chloe Dao and Cesar Galindo's designs.

Project Runway Season 2 Winner, Chloe Dao is known for her easy, feminine, timeless fashions with interesting details. These two Chloe Dao looks also have a whimsical element. T

Look 1: Chloe’s dress has the following components: asymmetrical neckline, an electric blue horizontal and vertical geometrical element and whimsical pink tulle ruffle. In the inspiration look, the Imagine Team chose an asymmetrical dress in a similar color pallet with a sleeve that mirrors the inspirations pink ruffle. We added a blue man’s tie worn as a belt for a whimsical blue geometric element.

Look 2: Chloe’s outfit has the following components: an easy printed boat-neck blouse and loose, pleated shorts with big pockets. In the inspiration look, we chose a chiffon boat-neck blouse in a similar color pallet. The print seems to flow across the blouse mimicking the feel of the flying birds in Chloe’s outfit. We added loose pleated shorts in a coordinating color.

Fashion Designer Cesar Galindo’s collections are crisp, clean and architectural. His pieces are usually created in solid colors.

Look 1: Cesar’s dress has the following components: a simple silhouette, an architectural skirt, knee-length hem and sparkly neckline. We chose a white cotton dress that has a similar crispness and silhouette. We added a couple crystal necklaces for a sparkly v-neckline.

Look 2: Cesar’s gown has: a strapless neckline, simple silhouette, beautiful flowing fabric, and a full-length hem. We chose a silk strapless gown in a similar color. The inspiration dress is a full-length gown with a similar neckline and flowing fabric. We used a flower hair piece to mimic the tiny hat in Cesar’s look.

Thank you Imagine Interns Bonita Harden and Kiana McFarland for assisting with the inspiration looks.

Audience give-away

4 pairs of VIP tickets to Houston Fashion Week, courtesy of Audi's Fashion Houston 2010.

What's Sarah Wearing?

Eva Varro print dress ($155, Dillard's Post Oak) and Coach platform peep-toe pumps.