Columbus Fashion Week 2009 3

Fashion week is a time for designers to shine. Their names are emblazoned atop the runway for all to see. They take a bow at the end of the show. Every piece in the collection bears their name on the tag. They'd walk them down the runway themselves if they thought it would sell the clothes, but designers aren't idiots. They know that high cheekbones, long legs and svelte figures can make a good outfit great, and a great outfit legendary. Models are the designer's way of saying, "This is how it's meant to fit." In other words, if it doesn't look good on you, it's not the shirt's fault. Models are quite literally in the spotlight, but only a few live the life we imagine they do the one of fame, fortune and dating Tom Brady. I caught up with one the models walking the runways of the inaugural Columbus Fashion Week to find out what other model misconceptions may be lurking in the public psyche. The ladies were at Easton Town Center for their Arden B. show fitting. Too many episodes of Project Runway made it easy to expect tart, twiggy, tardy girls. Thankfully, there were no egos in evidence certainly no Naomi Campbell phone-tossing outbursts. What: Columbus Fashion Week When: Through March 17 Where: Bar of Modern Art, Downtown Web: columbusfashionweek.com Instead, most arrived early with smiles and hugs for Columbus Fashion Week producer Ed Kavishe. And while there wasn't a size large in the bunch, the body types ranged from naturally boyish to curvy and voluptuous. They're not all hardened professionals, either. Many aspiring models maintain other jobs to pay the bills; some are finishing their education and modeling on weekends. Jorden Oliver can't stop smiling. Hailing from near Canton, the high school junior will be 17 next week, and she's elated that her modeling career is taking shape. "I've had dreams about walking in the runway shows, and going on America's Next Top Model," she said. "I get Vogue and study it for like two hours at a time. I love everything about fashion!" For more pictures from the Arden B. show fitting, click here Oliver believes that models should also be role models. She credits "just being nice" with much of her success. She also revealed that many models don't starve themselves or indulge in expensive beauty regimens. "I use Proactiv for my skin, I eat chocolates I had two Reese's cups on the way here!" Oliver said. "I am thankful for my family's naturally high metabolism." She paused, and perhaps reminded of her vow to be a good role model, added with a winning smile, "I don't really eat healthy, but I've been trying to work on that." If you'd like to share your fashion sense with Off The Rack, e-mail mstarker@columbusalive.com
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