Five Runway Walks You Should Know

As fashion has transformed over time, so too have the runway walks of the models strutting in new designs. These evolving runway walks mirror the changes in the fashion industry, allowing for a greater sense of individuality at times and more uniformity at others. Models each have a signature style on the runway that allows them to express what feeling the wearer of the clothing might give off. In this article, I wanted to explore different iconic runway walks to gain a deeper understanding of the theatrics and mood involved in the production of a fashion show. 

1.Giselle Bünchen’s “Horse Walk”

Giselle Bünchen, dubbed as the world’s first “uber model,” is known for her “horse walk” during the late ‘90s. It helped Bünchen stand out among other models in the industry who had what we think of as a classic catwalk. What separates Bünchen’s walk is her aura of confidence. Bünchen would take long strides and plant her feet firmly on the runway, adding a sense of strength to her walk. By swaying her hips side to side, she added sensuality. This walk featured more drama than traditionally seen on the runway. The model was just as important as the clothes and encouraged women to be self-assured.

2. Leon Dame

German model Leon Dame received a lot of media attention for his walk at the Maison Margiela show in 2020. His specific, dramatic walking style created an influx of memes. Leon's style is quite different from other models due to the angularity of his body. He doesn’t keep a straight posture, but rather walks with a slouch. Dame stomps as he walks instead of the typical runway walk where the feet glide against the floor. His face is very stern, and he exhibits intensity on the runway. His walk could be considered an act of rebellion as it is not traditionally graceful. Brands such as Margiela might be advertisting to wearers who are comfortable breaking norms and have the Dame’s similar rebellious spirit.

3. Tyra Banks

Tyra Banks, the former host of "America's Next Top Model" and a renowned supermodel of the 1990s, became famous for her runway walk that can only be described as theatrical. Unlike those who maintained a purely stoic demeanor on the runway, Tyra skillfully harnessed the power of facial expressions to convey the essence of each show. Her runway style was anything but conventional; at the runway's end, she punctuates her performance with dramatic poses, transforming her walk into a captivating spectacle. Tyra was also willing to smile, juxtaposing the more serious runway walks of her time. She has a duality of being able to express both confidence and playfulness. Her ability to blend these two aspects seamlessly allowed for her to stand out among models at any show. Tyra’s walk was a clear display of her personality and the importance of the wearer in an outfit.

4. Shalom Harlow

Renowned for her regal runway presence, Shalom Harlow stands as a highly regarded supermodel from the 1990s. Harlow's walk is characterized by a graceful synergy of factors -- her slender physique and towering height create the illusion of remarkable length. At the heart of her runway elegance lies an unmistakable upright posture that allows garments to effortlessly drape from her frame as though they were tailored to perfection. The defining factor of Harlow’s walk is her fluid nature. Through subtle movements in her hips and the ease of her walk, Harlow was able to mesmerize the viewer. Additionally, she had a strong sense of rhythm adding to the organic quality of her walk. Harlow made herself a living canvas that encouraged buyers to be able to see the quality and exquisiteness of the clothes.

5. Sofia Steinberg

Sofia Steinberg, a relatively new Russian runway model within the industry, caught my eye recently. I would characterize Steinberg’s energy as mysterious as she struts down the runway with her pale skin and jet-black hair. She stares down the runway with an intimidating look and tilts her head to the side to give off an almost evil gaze. This expression she uses catches the eyes of viewers and might reflect a mysterious woman who still appears elegant. Viewers might admire the artistry of the clothes but also question who the wearer is.

In the fashion industry, walks hold a lot of meaning and match the creative imagination of the designers. Models like Bündchen, Dame, Banks, Harlow and Steinberg have each contributed their unique styles to the canvas of creativity, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. They bring the clothes to life as they breathe personality and drama into the clothes. Their walks remind us who we could be in these clothes and how our confidence and self-expression can grow.