TNP New Face: Getting runway ready
The New Paper New Face 16 finalists get catwalk tips from ex-supermodel Pat Kraal
The New Paper New Face 16 finalists received a special catwalk tutorial from someone extremely qualified.
Former Singapore supermodel Pat Kraal is based in Paris, but she is back in town for a family visit and was invited to coach the top 20 girls on their catwalk last week.
Groomed by Carrie Models in the 80s, she left for the French city at the age of 20 with no job offers and got her big break as a model for fashion house Givenchy.
Call it an occupational hazard, but Kraal immediately spotted areas that needed to be fixed during her session with the New Face girls.
The 54-year-old told The New Paper: "Everyone has to start somewhere. They need training, definitely. They lack confidence. But it's not easy, walking in front of everyone."
It starts with the beat.
And it came in handy that marketing management student Liana Azman, 23, is also a club DJ with Altra Management.
HIT THE BEAT
She played one of her mixes for them to walk to. Each girl was given a chance to show off her catwalk.
"Listen to the music and count the beats," Kraal said while guiding the girls.
She gave the finalists tips on making use of whatever accessories they had on, and even taught them how to take off their jackets elegantly while walking on the runway.
She added: "It's just practice (and) practice.
"When I first started modelling, I was wearing my heels non-stop. Wake up in the morning, walk, have breakfast, brush my teeth - all with my heels.
"(They have) to be high, but comfortable. You have to wear them and be able to walk in them."
Kraal was impressed with student Emilbiany Nenggal Intong, 18.
"She walked very well, had lots of confidence," said Kraal. "It's so natural for her, the way she turns and everything."
Freelance model and student Kim Min Pei Lam, 22, was taught by Kraal a few years ago when she was with Carrie Models.
Kim said: "When we see so many people walk, we get distracted and we change our style. So I'm glad to go back to the roots and learn from where I started out in the beginning."
Those with no prior experience when it comes to catwalking also enjoyed the session.
Shwetaa Rai, 19, a communications student at SIM University, said: "It was beneficial because I've got no background so I needed her guidance."
National University of Singapore undergraduate Zahra Khanum, 21, added: "It's a lot to learn, a lot to take in.
"It's really not just walking, but also the turns, the technique and the strategy of doing things, but enjoying it at the same time."
Vote for Miss Popularity
Voting for The New Paper New Face 2016 Miss Popularity is still on.
The first weekend of online voting garnered over 7,000 votes and you can visit www.tnp.sg/misspopularity2016 to vote for your favourites. Closing date is Friday at noon.
The winner of this subsidiary title pockets $1,000.
And at the finals on Friday at 7.30pm at Marina Square, if you correctly guess who wins Miss Popularity, you'll have a chance to win a one-night stay at Marina Mandarin worth $800.
The New Paper New Face 2016 is presented by Subaru MotorImage, with official fashion mall Marina Square and official make-up Cosmoprof Academy.
One of Singapore's most prestigious modelling competitions, The New Paper New Face is now in its 24th year.
Get The New Paper on your phone with the free TNP app. Download from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store now
