Walking in the runway show at Fashion Focus 2009 - Brian (Our winner!)

At Fashion Focus you learned how models deal with all kinds of situations and conditions. How was it backstage with all of the water flooding the dressing area? Did any of your wardrobe get wet? How did it feel to deal with the challenges presented by the rainy weather backstage and then step onto the runway and walk as if nothing was happening?

All the water definitely added another element of excitement to the whole event. Everyone tried to find dry spots to hang out at and wait but there were so few spots of dryness that it wasn't easy to keep one's feet dry. It seemed that where the make-up artists decided to set up seemed to be the wettest spot. My feet had to be in two to three inches of water at that point, and that water was freezing cold! It was all so exciting though that the whole water issue is really just an afterthought now.

You walked on the runway with seasoned professional models in the Macy's Presents the Designers of Chicago show. Did you learn tips from them? How did they treat you? What were your observations?

I learned all I could from the other five men in the show. Going into the final, even after a lot of research I still knew very little about the male modeling industry and they helped me to fill in a lot of the blanks that I still had.

What reaction did you have when you saw your own television commercial on CBS2?

You know, I didn't even get to see the commercial until a few days after it aired, but it was fun getting calls from a bunch of different friends and family members telling me that they had seen me on TV before even I had. When I did finally see the commercial I was thrilled with the way it turned out.

Reflecting on your experience from model call to runway, what is your favorite memory?

I'd have to say my most memorable moment without question was when Mario announced that I would be this year's winner. Standing on stage in front of hundreds of people with the other five finalists, waiting for Mario's decision, a culmination of two months of anticipation was just a surreal moment. From day one of the first model call right up until the moment we were waiting on stage for the annoucement of the final winner, I was completely convinced that one of the women would be selected as the winner, (the competiton was for a salon) so when my name was called I could not have been more shocked. It was so exciting and it all happened so quickly that I can hardly remember it all!

What is next for you?

Next I take my trip to Punta Cana which I can't wait for, and then, hopefully when I get back to Chicago there is a career in modeling waiting for me. What A Ride!!!!!

Walking in the runway show at Fashion Focus 2009 - Natalie

At Fashion Focus you learned how models deal with all kinds of situations and conditions. How was it backstage with all of the water flooding the dressing area? Did any of your wardrobe get wet? How did it feel to deal with the challenges presented by the rainy weather backstage and then step onto the runway and walk as if nothing was happening?


It was really hectic backstage, especially with the water. I don't think any of the garments got wet, but all of our stuff did. Our shoes were wet so we were just hoping we didn't slip on the runway. But once you step on the runway, you just have to forget about everything that's happening backstage and put on a good show.

You walked on the runway with seasoned professional models in the Macy's Presents the Designers of Chicago show. Did you learn tips from them? How did they treat you? What were your observations?

The other models were really great. I got to know a couple of them pretty well.

You represented a Chicago Designer in their first professional fashion show of their line. Did you feel a certain responsibility about that? Were you more nervous for yourself or your designer? What final words of advice or encouragement did your designer give you before they sent you onstage?

I wanted to do a good job of showing my designer's (Jess Audey) garment. I was just as nervous for her as I was for myself because it was both of ours first big show. Jess just told me to do my best and that I'd do great.

What reaction did you have when you saw your own television commercial on CBS2?

I was so excited. All I could think was, "I'm actually on T.V" I never thought I would actually see myself on T.V.

Walking in the runway show at Fashion Focus 2009 - Cori

At Fashion Focus you learned how models deal with all kinds of situations and conditions. How was it backstage with all of the water flooding the dressing area? Did any of your wardrobe get wet? How did it feel to deal with the challenges presented by the rainy weather backstage and then step onto the runway and walk as if nothing was happening?


I always expected that something would happen backstage that could be a problem, like wardrobe malfunction. But it was nothing like the flooding of the wardrobe area. Everything was wet, including the models' bags and coats, power cords for the hair stylists' appliances, everything. The only thing I was nervous about were my feel slipping in my shoes because of the water. Luckily towels were handed to us to dry them off right before we stepped on the runway. No one let it really phase them because the show had to go on.

You walked on the runway with seasoned professional models in the Macy's Presents the Designers of Chicago show. Did you learn tips from them? How did they treat you? What were your observations?

Some of the models were really friendly and gave me excellent pointers, such as remembering to take your time with the walk and to relax. Some werern't as friendly or as nice, but the ones that were made everyone feel like we were going to have a good time.

You represented a Chicago Designer in their first professional fashion show of thier line. Did you feel a certain responsibility about that? Were you more nervous for yourself or your designer? What final words of advice or encouragement did your designer give you before they sent you onstage?

My designer, Nora, talked to me backstage and just reminded me to have a great time, so I didn't feel any pressure about it. I wasn't really nervous about the show, but more thrilled and anxious for it to start. I hope my designer was pleased with my performance.

What reaction did you have when you saw your own television commercial on CBS2?

I was surprised that I was pleased with how I did. Usually I don't like the way I look or sound when I see myself in something later, but maybe being in this competition has boosted my self-confidence in a way.
Reflecting on your experience from model call to runway, what is your favorite memory?

My favorite memories are at both extremes, the first being when we were selected as finalists, and the other being the fashion show. It was such a good feeling to just think to yourself, "Wow, I made it this far."

What is next for you?
In the near future, I see myself doing a lot more modeling, and I would also like to develop my other talents as a performance artist. Right now I feel like I've developed a lot of momentum and I would like to see myself go far in either the Modeling or Entertainment industry.

Walking in the runway show at Fashion Focus 2009 - Jennifer

At Fashion Focus you learned how models deal with all kinds of situations and conditions. How was it backstage with all of the water flooding the dressing area?  Did any of your wardrobe get wet? How did it feel to deal with the challenges presented by the rainy weather backstage and then step onto the runway and walk as if nothing was happening?

I thought it made it more fun! Ya, it sucked because it was cold and wet, but oh well!

You walked on the runway with seasoned professional models in the Macy's Presents the Designers of Chicago show. Did you learn tips from them? How did they treat you? What were your observations?

It was so cool to be able to work with real models, and I definitely got a taste of how hectic things can get as you try to change so quickly each time.

Your represented a Chicago Designer in their first professional fashion show of thier line. Did you feel a certain responsibility about that? Were you more nervous for yourself or your designer? What final words of advice or encouragement did your designer give you before they sent you onstage?

I was nervous for both of us! Cynthia just told me to have fun with it and chill out.

What reaction did you have when you saw your own television commercial on CBS2?

It was so cool, I was like, OMG that's me!

Reflecting on your experience from model call to runway, what is your favorite memory?

My favorite memory is definitely the runway show, it was so much fun I want to do it again!

What is next for you?

Well, I'm still in high school but college after this, and hopefully modeling throughout.

Walking in the runway show at Fashion Focus 2009 - Veronica

At Fashion Focus you learned how models deal with all kinds of situations and conditions. How was it backstage with all of the water flooding the dressing area? Did any of your wardrobe get wet? How did it feel to deal with the challenges presented by the rainy weather backstage and then step onto the runway and walk as if nothing was happening?

It was crazy backstage and the biggest challenges were keeping the runway and shoes dry, as well as the wardrobe and our hair because water was dripping from the roof. I think everyone did their best not to let the water get in the way and I hope it didn't show once we stepped out of the dressing area.

You represented a Chicago designer in their first professional fashion show of their line. Did you feel a certain responsibility about that? Were you more nervous for yourself or your designer? What final words of advice or encouragement did your designer give you before they sent you onstage?

The face that it was my first runway and first professional fashion show of the designer made me twice as nervous but a few words of encouragement from Catherine Furio made it a lot easier.

What reaction did you have when you saw your own television commercial on CBS?

I saw it while working out at Equinox and it was so surprising I don't even remember it well, but everyone else that saw it told me it was great.

Reflecting you experience from model call to runway, what is your favorite memory?

It was all so fun that I can't pick just one. The makeover, photo shoot, commercial, runway and all the training for it, it was a great experience that I will always remember.

What is next for you?

That I don't know, but I like surprises.

Before the Final Runway Walk at Fashion Focus - Jacquelyn

Your final runway walk during Fashion Focus is tomorrow. What do you think will be the most exciting part of walking the runway at the "Macy's Presents the Designers of Chicago" show?

I think it will be a real adrenaline rush! I'm very excited!

What have been the biggest changes that you've seen in yourself from all the training you've received since August?

I'm a little more confident in myself and know that I can do whatever I set my mind to.

Do you have any special good luck "rituals" you'll do before the big walk on Thursday?

I just try to relax and not worry that I could mess up. I just think positively and know I'm going to do the best I can.

Win or lose, how has this Mario Makeover impacted your life?

Win or lose, I gained a lot of modeling experience and I am so thankful for that - modeling is what I really want to do! I also go a chance to meet so many amazing and talented people. If I don't win, I'll be so happy for whoever does because all of my fellow contestants are truly amazing people.

Before the Final Runway Walk at Fashion Focus - Natalie

Your final runway walk during Fashion Focus is tomorrow. What do you think will be the most exciting part of walking the runway at the "Macy's Presents the Designers of Chicago" show?

Its hard to pick just one part, I'm so excited about all of it. I think I'm most excited about actually walking the runway at such a big show! Its going to be one of the best experiences of my life.

What have been the biggest changes that you've seen in yourself from all the training you've received since August?

Definitely my walk! Ford has helped so much with perfecting it and helping me learn what works best for me.

Do you have any special good luck "rituals" you'll do before the big walk on Thursday?

I don't have any right now, but I'm thinking I should probably get one :)

Win or lose, how has this Mario Makeover impacted your life?

The Mario Makeover has made a huge impact on my life. I feel like so many doors are opening up for me now and I am so grateful.