Three weeks after responding to a casting call, I magically landed myself in the audience for the Victoria's Secret 2009 Fashion Show. In emails prior to the show, it was suggested that we wear garments that were colorful, eccentric, pretty, playful, fun, and young. I chose a red-zebra print vintage-inspired dress, gray ribbed sweater tights, boots, and a bright scarf.
When I got to the rehearsal, I looked around the studio and noticed that I was surrounded by about 100 20-somethings and people with black shirts on (who were working). I was overwhelmed (in a good way) by the the larger than life props, projections, set, and runway design. About mid-way through the rehearsal I discovered two things: that we'd be standing in the mosh pit and learning a small combo that would be a "featured" part of the show. This is when I started to panic. I am so not a dancer + standing for 7 hours, really? Luckily, the show was choreographed by Jermaine Browne (who has trained Leona Lewis, Jennifer Lopez, Christina Aguilera) and he was there to teach us. He simplified the movements in a way that made it easy for me to pick up. The combo was set to The Kings of Leon's Use Somebody. The show's production was packed with so many artful elements. I could not wait to watch it.
On the day of the taping the set buzzed with excitement. I quickly got dressed, checked my coat, and ran back upstairs to grab my glow sticks (yes, glow sticks, plural). We did another run through and then the house opened--it was almost time. The Black Eye Peas kicked off the show and I instantly became a fan of Fergie. She really rocked it! It was such a thrill to watch Liu Wen grace the runway as the first
Asian model to appear in a Victoria's Secret Fashion Show, according to
Modelinia. I was elated to see Heidi Klum strutting her stuff just weeks after a new baby. I also noticed two models who I've seen walk before and love, Chanel Iman and Doutzen Kroes. My favorite pieces in the show were spirited and futuristic. I really dug the play with balloons, plastic, and tulle. In the audience with me were Dr. Dre, Jay-Z, Christian Siriano, Patricia Fields, and the list goes on.
Despite the fact that my feet still hurt, I'd do it all over again. I can't wait to watch the show on CBS, December 1. Here's a bit of what I saw. . .
