Imagine standing backstage, bright lights flashing, a dozen stylists buzzing around, and you’ve got just minutes before stepping out in front of a sea of cameras. That’s basically a regular Thursday for fashion models during show season. But here’s the thing: it’s not all about genetics or luck. Models follow set routines—from skincare to mental pep talks—to look and feel their best on the runway.
The process actually starts days, sometimes weeks, before the show. Most models work with a pretty packed calendar, juggling fittings, last-minute casting calls, and now and then grabbing whatever sleep they can. They swear by hydration, regular workouts, and skipping last-minute crash diets (those backfire fast). A lot of models also prep their skin carefully—think gentle exfoliating, lots of moisturizer, and never missing sunscreen, even when it’s cloudy. No fancy magic, just solid basics that anyone can use.
Ever watched a model whip out face masks while waiting at a Parisian venue? Happens all the time. Whether it’s soothing under-eye patches or calming sprays, these little tricks help ditch puffiness from traveling or late-night callsheets. If you’re looking for a confidence boost before a big event, stealing a few of these habits might work wonders.
- Key Runway Prep Steps
- Model Mindset and Confidence
- Fitness, Nutrition, and Skincare Habits
- Backstage Rituals and Hacks
- Pro Tips from the Catwalk
Key Runway Prep Steps
When it comes to the runway, models have a routine that keeps things running smooth in an environment that’s seriously chaotic. Here’s how most fashion models get prepped before the big walk.
- Call Sheet Check-In: It all starts with the call sheet. Models check their schedule, show times, call times, and location, often late at night or early morning on the day-of. Missing it? Not an option.
- Pre-Show Fittings: Days before the event, models attend fittings where designers tweak clothes to fit their exact measurements. If something's off, even slightly, it gets fixed fast—no room for wardrobe malfunctions on the runway.
- Body Prep: Skin is usually prepped the night before. That means gentle exfoliating, full-body moisturizing, and sometimes even professional facials a few days ahead (no red-face risk right before the show).
- Healthy Meals, Tons of Water: Forget crash diets; models go for light, energy-packed meals—think oatmeal, veggies, lean protein. Most sip water all day to keep skin looking clear and to avoid bloat.
- Arrival and Backstage Check-In: Models show up early because lines for hair and makeup get crazy. Each model is matched with stylists for the day and assigned a rotation so everyone stays on track.
- Group Rehearsal: Before fashion week shows, there’s always at least one walk-through. Models practice timing, turns, and where to stop on the runway. You can bet someone’s out front, stopwatch in hand.
- Backstage Touch-Ups: Just minutes before showtime, stylists are everywhere doing final checks—zipper fixes, lint rolling, shoe straps. It’s all about those last-second details.
Here’s a quick look at a typical show day timeline for a model:
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 6:00 AM | Wake up, light breakfast, skincare |
| 7:00 AM | Arrive at venue, check in |
| 7:30 AM | Hair and makeup session starts |
| 10:00 AM | First fitting for the day’s looks |
| 11:00 AM | Rehearsal |
| 12:00 PM | Quick lunch, hydrate |
| 1:00 PM | Backstage ready, touch-ups |
| 2:00 PM | Show time |
Models get used to this fast pace. It’s not glamorous, but these prep steps are what keep everything—and everyone—on track. If you’re eyeing a spot on the runway, start by nailing the basics: prep, hydrate, show up early, and always double-check your call sheet.
Model Mindset and Confidence
Ask anyone in the industry, and they’ll say walking the runway is as much about confidence as it is about looks. The best fashion models know how to flip a mental switch before stepping into the spotlight. Sure, self-doubt creeps in—especially when you’re surrounded by competition and hundreds of eyes. But top models have a few ways to keep nerves in check.
Visualization is huge. Loads of models picture themselves nailing the walk before actually doing it. It helps the brain feel like the runway is familiar, not scary. Gigi Hadid and Adut Akech both mentioned in interviews that they run through every step in their head, all the way from posture to facial expression.
A lot of pros also swear by short, specific routines that center them just before a show. Some repeat quiet mantras, hum a favorite song, or listen to upbeat music in their headphones. Others, like Ashley Graham, sneak in quick breathing exercises to stay calm under pressure. If you’re hunting for a proven hack, slow belly breathing can help slow your pulse and settle nerves almost instantly.
This isn’t just feel-good fluff: Studies by the International Journal of Fashion Design found that over 70% of runway models say backstage anxiety is real, but mental prep tricks make a huge difference. The confidence boost isn’t magic—it’s habit and support. Backstage squads give out pep talks, and even a fist bump from a fellow model helps keep the mood light.
If you want to borrow a few confidence hacks from the runway, try these:
- Practice walking tall and holding steady eye contact (even if it’s with your dog or a mirror).
- Prep a go-to mantra or positive phrase. Saying it out loud before any big moment feels silly, but it shifts your headspace fast.
- Block out perfection pressure. Everyone trips up—not just first-timers. Experienced models shrug it off and keep moving.
- Build a pre-event playlist you actually enjoy. Music hacks your mood big time.
So, whether you’re hitting a runway or just giving a speech at work, having a steady mindset turns nerves into energy you can use. That’s the real trick behind the strut.
Fitness, Nutrition, and Skincare Habits
If you think fashion models just roll out of bed looking runway-ready, think again. Staying in shape takes real work—and it’s less about extreme diets and more about keeping things pretty steady all year round. Most models work out four to six days a week, fitting in a mix of strength training, pilates, cardio, and yoga. Kendall Jenner and Naomi Campbell both swear by boxing for cardio. It’s tough, but it keeps things interesting and builds endurance for those long show days.
On the nutrition side, there’s no one-size-fits-all plan. Some models love smoothies packed with greens, while others keep snacks simple—a handful of nuts, a banana, or boiled eggs. Cutting processed food and keeping portions in check are big rules. Drinking enough water borders on obsession; staying hydrated keeps energy up and helps skin glow naturally. Hunger? Most reach for something with protein or fiber first, not a sugar fix. Runway prep isn’t about starving, it’s about making smart choices every day.
Skincare is a next-level priority because heavy runway makeup can cause breakouts or dryness if skin isn't primed right. The basics never change: cleanse twice a day, stick with a lightweight moisturizer, and always—seriously, always—use sunscreen. Some top models book facials a few days before a big show to calm redness. Sheet masks (the cold kind you keep in the fridge) help with puffiness, especially after flights or long nights. Backstage, you’ll spot hydrating sprays, under-eye patches, and sometimes a tube of plain Vaseline for that last-minute dewy look.
- Workouts are planned in advance, not crammed in last minute.
- Healthy snacks and lots of water are non-negotiables.
- Simple skincare routines beat complicated ones every time.
If you peek behind the scenes at Fashion Week, you’ll see reusable water bottles everywhere, portable blenders for smoothies, and way more fresh fruit than candy. You might even spot a model doing squats backstage just to keep energy up and nerves in check.
| Habit | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Hydration | Boosts skin glow and keeps energy high |
| Balanced meals | Prevents fatigue and mood crashes |
| Daily movement | Keeps muscles strong and posture on point |
| Gentle skincare | Reduces risk of breakouts or dryness |
At the end of the day, being consistent is the not-so-secret key. You don’t need a million products or a crazy diet—just some basic habits that actually last longer than Fashion Week itself.
Backstage Rituals and Hacks
Backstage at a fashion show is more like organized chaos than a glamorous lounge. Most people think models just wait for their turn, but it’s a whole system with clever routines. There’s usually no personal space—just rows of folding chairs and tables cluttered with makeup brushes, water bottles, and an army of hair products. If you talk to experienced models, they’ll tell you every second counts once you’re backstage.
Models usually arrive early because timing matters more than you’d think. Running late means a stylist could skip you or even replace you. There’s a lot of waiting between outfit changes, so models develop rituals to stay focused. Here are a few backstage hacks:
- Hydration crew: Almost every model brings a refillable bottle and sips water constantly. Dry air and hot lights are tough on skin, so drinking up is a must.
- Mini skincare fixes: Under-eye patches and calming facial mists are everywhere. You’ll see models squeezing in five-minute facials or rolling ice cubes over their faces to tackle puffiness before makeup.
- Phone alarms: With a dozen changes and multiple shows, most models set alarms or reminders for outfit changes so nothing’s missed in the whirlwind.
- Snacking smart: Protein bars, nuts, and fruit are easy to stash in a tote. Sugar crashes are brutal with long hours, so pros go for slow-burn snacks instead of donut runs.
- Staying calm: The noise level backstage can get wild, so some models pop in headphones and listen to upbeat playlists or guided meditations. It keeps the nerves in check just before walking the runway.
Turns out, the little stuff matters. Before shows, makeup teams work assembly-line style, sometimes painting dozens of faces in less than an hour. No surprise, most models keep their own mascara and concealer handy just in case too many hands make for a smudgy face.
| Common Backstage Item | Reason Models Love It |
|---|---|
| Hydrating Face Mists | Quick skin refresh without messing up makeup |
| Protein Snacks | Steady energy for hours on their feet |
| Phone Alarms/Reminders | Never miss a call for outfit change |
| Noise-Canceling Headphones | Shut out mayhem, calm their nerves |
| Under-Eye Patches | Reduce puffiness, look wide awake |
One more thing—fashion models always bring a backup pair of heels. Runway shoes are notorious for being unpredictable; straps break, fits go weird. That simple trick can mean the difference between a smooth walk and viral video mishap.
If you ever land backstage at a show, bring your own essentials, stay on your toes, and don’t count on anything going according to plan. That’s the real secret behind the polished looks you see in magazines.
Pro Tips from the Catwalk
Ever wondered what separates a runway rookie from a seasoned pro? Models who’ve stomped the world’s biggest runways share some seriously useful advice you can steal—no fancy contracts required. These go way beyond just looking cool in photos; it’s practical stuff that helps them survive high-pressure moments during shows.
The most successful models swear by a few essentials. The first? Always know your outfit inside and out. Many carry a tiny sewing kit or double-sided fashion tape in their bag in case of last-minute mishaps—yes, even at major events like Paris Fashion Week. The other classic: break in your shoes before show day. Blisters are no joke, and veteran models often wear their runway heels with thick socks at home to soften them up.
- fashion models bring water and snacks backstage. Shows often run late, and it’s common to go hours without a break. Nut-bar in your bag? Lifesaver.
- Stretching and light warmups just before walking help prevent trips and boost posture. A lot of pros do mini yoga flows or balance exercises to feel steady.
- For nerves, visualization is key. A handful of top models picture themselves crushing the runway in the days before major shows. This mental trick actually helps calm jitters and makes for a smoother walk.
- If makeup starts to melt under hot lights, a dab of blotting paper or a small spritz of setting spray keeps shine under control. Models often stash these in their robe pockets.
- Communication matters—if something feels wrong with your shoes or outfit, tell a stylist or designer early. Pros don’t tough it out to the point of risk.
Want some numbers? Here’s a quick comparison of what experienced and newer models tend to pack for show day:
| Item | Newer Models | Experienced Models |
|---|---|---|
| Reusable Water Bottle | No | Always |
| Snacks | Sometimes | Always |
| Sewing Kit | Rare | Yes |
| Comfort Insoles | Never | Usually |
| Backup Phone Charger | No | Yes |
One more thing models almost always mention: be kind to everyone backstage. The stylists, makeup artists, even the runners grabbing coffee—they talk, and a good attitude can score you repeat bookings later. That’s a hack no beauty product can match.
