I gasped and then laughed. “You can’t be serious! You know I have no experience,” I answered. “But you could do it - I know you could,” she said. I looked around at my packing boxes and said, “With no experience I would be so noticeable among your trained models. In any case, I haven’t unpacked my shoes yet and I don’t know which box they’re in.” She quickly answered, “That won’t be a problem because Stones Shoe Shop are providing all the shoes! Please do it mum. I’m sure you would enjoy it.” Enjoy it?! My mind was in a turmoil. I really wanted to help but was overwhelmed at the unusual request. Sylvia had already arranged with the owner of the Academy of Elegance that if I agreed, she would teach me the footwork and say whether she thought I could do it successfully or not. So I agreed to give it a go. Next day I went along to the Academy’s modelling school and to my horror, I was taken to a large room where very young girls were practising on the catwalk. Worse still, I was directed to go on next with only the most basic instruction, and while the girls were standing there watching. Eventually the ordeal was over and I was told, “You will manage OK.” When I thought about it I did not feel at all confident and with all my unpacking still to do - why did I agree to it? Then I proceeded to the first fashion shop. Sylvia had mentioned that I would find this manageress dominating and most particular. I hoped she would see I lacked experience and refuse to allow me to model her garments. Having introduced myself, the manageress looked me up and down and said in a cold voice, “You won’t do. You’re not large enough. I want a size 18 or 20.” A feeling of relief swept over me and I turned to go. “Come back and put this suit on,” she demanded. No please or will you! I was annoyed but walked to the dressing-room and did as she asked. I was then told to walk down there, turn and come back here, etc. By this time I was determined to do well and not give her the pleasure of finding fault with me! I really resented her manner. “That looks very good. Now try this on,” I was told. After a few more garments had been displayed she said, “You will do. I’ll contact Miss Hunter (Sylvia’s professional name).” Why had I put myself in this position? I felt angry as I normally wouldn’t have accepted being spoken to like that without forthright comment. Next I went to see the manager of a fur business for him to decide whether I would be allowed to model a most expensive fur coat. This man was a gentleman and I enjoyed talking with him - such a contrast from my previous experience. Yes, he would be happy for me to model his coat. This made me feel good, but I went home feeling quite bewildered by this new world that had suddenly opened up before me. I didn’t really like it but I did have a sneaky feeling that part of me was enjoying the challenge! My next visit was to the workshop of a very well-known couturier, another new experience. This man was very approachable but very busy. I tried on a three-piece ensemble for him and I said, “I couldn’t wear this - it’s much too short.” “Nonsense,” he said, “You have good legs and this is the fashion!” I also wore one of his evening gowns which he called ‘The Governor’s Lady.’ This gown had beautiful feathers all around the neckline. I had never worn anything like this before, and it really made me feel very regal. The other calls I made and the clothes I wore don’t stand out in my mind. The opening day of the week-long programme of Fashion Parades arrived and I learned a lot. I needn’t have worried for the models were only interested in themselves. We had to change garments quickly and remember to change shoes, earrings and other accessories each time. Help was given but we were responsible for our own outfits. Everything went very well and Sylvia did marvellous job presenting. I modelled several times after that but decided it was too time-consuming. However, with the money I earned I bought the beautiful couturier three-piece that I had thought was too short! It was navy blue and white, comprising a dress, coat and hat. I had another very different dress made to go with it because Sylvia and my son Rodney were both getting married in the same week, one on Wednesday and the other on the Friday! So this way I had two outfits to wear to the weddings, and both were top fashion. Looking back to those days, I’m glad that I took the challenge as it proved to me that at the age of fifty-six years one can still master a new and unusual experience - and enjoy it! |
|