My First Paris Fashion Week Runway Experience

Walking the runway for the first time at Paris Fashion Week was a surreal and unforgettable experience. I had the honor of walking for SIMAHIRO Couture, a stunning brand from designer Hiro Mounangaht, with incredible photos captured by the talented Mehdi Koussou.

Third outfit, very out of my comfort zone

For someone who has participated in pageants, this was a completely different world. Pageantry is about letting your personality shine on stage—being dynamic, fun, and full of energy. The walk itself is vibrant, meant to express confidence and charisma. But on the runway, it’s a whole different story. As a model, your job is to showcase the couturier's vision. It’s not about you—it’s about the artistry of the designs you're wearing. The expression is more neutral, controlled, and elegant, which was a unique shift for me.

That said, it was an exhilarating experience, and I truly hope it won’t be the last time I step onto the runway.

From Nerves to Confidence: A Lesson in Preparation

The day of the show, I was a mix of nervous and excited. But I also felt prepared, thanks to everything I’d learned from my pageant journey. Competing in pageants taught me the importance of preparation, discipline, and confidence under pressure. It’s not just about what happens on stage; it’s about the work you put in behind the scenes.

For this runway show, I relied on all those lessons and felt grateful for the habits I had picked up along the way. My fitness routine, for example, became more intentional over time. I started incorporating Pilates into my workouts, and it transformed not just my body but my mindset. Pilates taught me that fitness can be both mindful and slow—pushing your body in a way that nurtures it, not exhausts it.

I used to believe that working out had to be high-intensity to be effective, but I learned that honoring what your body truly needs is far more powerful. Pilates has been the perfect balance of strength and mindfulness for me. It's about moving with intention rather than chasing exhaustion.

Picture with the designer Hiro Mounangaht and model friend Natalia Krassikova

A New Approach to Wellness

Preparing for the show also made me more aware of what makes me feel my best. I revamped my diet and started paying closer attention to how my body reacts to different foods. It’s been a journey of discovery—learning what fuels me, what makes me feel good, and what doesn’t. Being more mindful of my health, fitness, and nutrition has unlocked a side of me I didn’t know existed.

This experience showed me the importance of delayed gratification and discipline. Sticking to a fitness regime, making smart food choices, and staying focused on the end goal truly paid off. Walking that runway was not just about fashion—it was a culmination of self-care, discipline, and growth. These new habits I picked up made me feel confident on stage.

What’s Next?

Walking the runway at Paris Fashion Week was a dream come true, but it’s only the beginning. I’m excited to see where this new path will take me and to continue exploring both the world of fashion and the personal journey that goes along with it.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from this experience, it’s the power of preparation, mindfulness, and staying true to yourself. I look forward to what’s next—hopefully many more runways, and continued growth in mind, body, and spirit.