Walk it Like You Talk it: Confidence is Key

GLORIA OLOTU for MacInStyle

Thursday December 5th 2024

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Who doesn’t love the spotlight? Okay, maybe not everyone…. but models? They absolutely do! Do you know where I’m going with this??… I’m talking about THE RUNWAY✨ Fashion shows are my favorite sport!

Yes, I know you’re probably rolling your eyes right now, but hear me out. It might not seem like a sport, but strutting down the runway takes movement, grace, and tons of practice. So don’t get mad at me for calling it one!

One big show that happened last month was the Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Yes, I know it’s been a while, but stick with me because I have to talk about it. Not just the models, but the feeling of empowerment I got watching it. Okay, maybe I sound a little dramatic, but something about seeing people strut with so much confidence made me want to join them! The way they owned the runway, bold, unapologetic, and powerful, was so inspiring.

Based on interviews and statements by some of the Victoria's Secret models, let's see if we can find the most common word…

• "Confidence comes from within. When you feel good inside, you radiate confidence outwardly." - Adriana Lima

• "Beauty is not a specific standard. It’s being authentic, being yourself, and accepting your imperfections." - Gisele Bündchen

• "Fake it till you make it—pretending to be confident helped me become confident." - Candice Swanepoel

• "Being vulnerable is powerful. True confidence is about owning every part of yourself." - Bella Hadid

• "Being confident doesn’t mean being perfect. It means accepting yourself, working on what you can change, and loving what makes you unique." - Karlie Kloss

  
  

The most common word here is CONFIDENCE! Let’s dive into that. Confidence is key on the runway, I mean, it’s how you even get on it in the first place! But beyond the runway, confidence is also essential for self-expression, which brings me to another point I wanted to touch on.

Self-expression goes hand in hand with confidence. When I watched the show, it made me realize how the women-owned what they were wearing, it was clear that they were confident in their outfits. It’s a good reminder that clothes don’t wear you; it’s how you wear them that truly matters! So next time you are wearing something you think others will find questionable, always remember that CONFIDENCE IS KEY! Trust me:) Everyone will think you look so good because you work it! 

More Than What You See

Looking in the mirror, I see me,

A girl who hides behind her clothes,

Waiting for people to notice.

Look at the way I styled my hair:

From the pieces sticking out to the curls falling down,

Everything placed there on purpose,

Messy, yet clean.

Look at my shirt, how it drapes over my body,

The color, the design, the words that scream "me."

Notice me.

Ask me what inspired me.

You think I have no fashion sense,

But I do.

All you see are the clothes,

Not the outfit as art,

Not knowing it’s all part of a plan.

I didn’t just throw this on.

I wanted you to see me.

(I am the one on the runway) 

You know how I mentioned earlier that the Victoria's Secret show made me want to strut my stuff on the runway? Well, let’s just say it wouldn’t be the first time I’ve done something like that. Last year, I participated in the MacInStyle fashion show.

This was something I never would have imagined myself doing, especially since I can be quite shy at times. The idea of walking in front of an audience and being the center of attention sounded terrifying. Yet, something about dressing up and stepping out of my comfort zone felt like a challenge I couldn’t pass up.

I ended up wearing an outfit I never would have chosen for myself in a million years, and to my surprise, it felt amazing. I loved being part of the designer's creative vision and collaborating to bring it to life. The whole process, from preparation to meeting new people to receiving compliments, was such a positive experience. Looking back, I’m so glad I did it! It is something I would totally do again! If you ever get the chance to try something similar, whether it's modeling or just trying something new that is out of your comfort zone, I’d highly recommend it! Life is too short not to try:) 

Picture this: an endless stage, the crowd seated on the sides, their cameras ready to capture every moment as you strut down the runway, knowing you look absolutely stunning. Doesn’t that sound like a dream? It could be you in March! ;)

Thanks for reading, 

Stay confident, and Fabulous, 

Xoxo, 

Gloria Olotu