The Art of Striding
Walking with purpose and poise is a learned skill, not just an innate talent. Mandy Lieveld, a seasoned former model and highly sought-after walking coach,
specializes in refining gaits for fashion’s elite, including brands like Michael Kors, Versace, and Bottega Veneta. Her expertise lies in transforming awkward or tentative movements into assured, powerful strides. She works with both professional models and individuals seeking to enhance their personal presence. The author, intrigued by Lieveld's ability to dramatically alter one's walk, decided to experience this transformation firsthand, booking a private session to address a perceived slouch and a less-than-elegant gait, particularly when navigating challenging footwear.
Foundations of Confidence
Upon meeting Lieveld in a sunlit, mirrored studio in Manhattan, the initial focus was on posture. She emphasized opening the chest, as if embracing the surrounding light, and consistently encouraged a sense of relaxation. Lieveld meticulously adjusted the author’s shoulders, aiming to alleviate tension between the shoulder blades. Central to her philosophy are the 'CNS' qualities: confident, natural, and strong. These are the attributes that casting directors and modeling agencies actively seek, forming the bedrock of an effective runway presence. Lieveld's approach integrates psychological insights, leveraging her background in psychology to help models build resilience against frequent rejections and foster self-assurance.
Evolving Gait & Psychology
Lieveld's journey to becoming a walking coach began after a modeling career was cut short by myasthenia gravis, a neuromuscular disease. This experience instilled in her the importance of pursuing passions while learning about the power of poise through dance. She pursued psychology, recognizing its direct applicability to the modeling world, where confidence and managing rejection are paramount. This blend of physical training and psychological understanding allows her to address the mental aspects of performance. The way individuals walk can reveal a great deal about their self-perception and emotional state, with slouching often being an unconscious attempt to recede or avoid interaction, as noted by clinical psychologist Nicole Maleh. Evolutionary psychology also offers insights, suggesting that assertive gaits, like that of an alpha male ape, convey dominance and confidence.
Runway Ready Techniques
Navigating the unique challenges of the fashion runway, especially in high heels, requires specific strategies. Lieveld employs memorable mnemonics and practical tips to enhance comfort and control. For instance, she uses the sound 'splash, splash, splash' to encourage a lighter, more energetic footfall, contrasting it with a forceful stomp. The 'core is the engine of your walk' is another key piece of advice, prompting models to subtly engage their core muscles for stability, particularly when wearing heels. This contraction provides a sense of groundedness without impeding breathing or speech. Additional visual cues, like holding an umbrella behind the back to promote an open chest and improve lumbar alignment, further refine posture and movement. For the signature stern runway expression, models are instructed to imagine laser beams emanating from their eyes, conveying an intense, knowing gaze.
