It was the Fall season which meant New Fall Fashion Shows! My Agency, “T.H.E. ARTIST Agency” of Washington D.C. ruled the DMV/Georgetown market! Call time was a typical early call. The show was unisex, so that meant reconnecting with ALL of my model friends! Before every show, it is common for models not to eat so that we may remain as skinny as possible. My agency was best known for providing only the Elite Top Models.
We wrapped our run through/“Rehearsal” and went into hair & make up! The show was still hours away... but it wasn’t unusual to have a lot of down time prior to showtime! What was unusual, was the complete absence of food this particular time! In a typical fashion show setting, light snacks are provided, usually consisting of at least fruits & veggies! I always found it funny to watch models eat one grape, then pretend to be full... (trust me, it happens a lot, and it is hilarious)!
By this point we had gone half a day with no food, & were beginning to complain! So me & a male model snuck out from backstage on our own quest to find it. At this point the audience attending were filling in.... so we were taking a huge risk leaving backstage in our first looks. (Mistake #1)
We managed to stumble upon a champagne table that came with a heavy handed waitress who was far too eager to oblige. So on empty stomachs....We drank champagne! Now, I admit I am an not a drinker....So needless to say, I was in a word, “Trashed”...Quick! We knew we had to get back, so we grabbed a couple bites of food attempting to absorb the alcohol and rushed backstage. I was drunk....but I thought that I could handle it.
(Mistake #2)
In attendance was, “DMC” of, “RUN DMC”. He was emceeing the event! The show was starting, & we were all dressed in our first looks! DMC was giving us a pep talk backstage to get us ready...So Me, “Filled with liquid courage” thought it a good idea to stagger my way over to him, stumbling into his arms (First Pic Below). He caught me, & held me up as I struggled to stand up! The models laughed as we took the picture, & I staggered my way back to get in line.
(Mistake #3)
The whole room gasped as they watched me trip & fall, cutting my arm on the way down! DMC with no hesitation stepped in to help. He was so gracious considering the embarrassment...as I popped back up to play it off as if I were fine. The designer quickly came running over as well to see if the outfit was ruined. She was not as amused. It was embarrassing to say the least.
The show began, & I waited for my turn to step onto the runway...assuming that I was OK. As I strutted my way down, I realized my arm was throbbing. I couldn’t show emotion on the runway, but once I got offstage It was confirmed that I had in fact RUINED the outfit! My arm began to bleed on the runway during my second look, which was a "Couture Piece"--SMH!!! Needless to say, this is a HUGE NO NO!!!
The Designer was LIVID...and I was in big trouble! Ultimately, I would be banned that season, from several shows! A light punishment at best. I should have been black listed.
Afterwards, DMC found me to make sure that I was ok...and we took another picture as a result!
The point of my story is to say this... These Shows ARE JOBS. They should always be treated as such. As models we are to remain professional at all times, because that is what they hire us for. After every show there is a celebration. Then, & only then is it ok for you to relax & enjoy...but even then keep it in moderation & with class.
Personally, this story will forever be a life lesson learned. I never drank again at any show... & to this day, I still have the scar on my right arm as a reminder.
