I'm a Curve Model, and Here’s What the Backstage Experience at NYFW Is Like with the Brand That Understands It Well.

      You're not dreaming—the representation of curves on runways is vastly different from what it was in previous years. Nevertheless, I appreciate every opportunity I have to showcase my style because, honestly, each experience feels like a gift. I've walked a runway or two, and one reason I adore it so much is that it provides me with the same adrenaline rush I experienced during my musical theater days. You step out, and just like that—it's over! It's two minutes of pure energy before I retreat backstage to catch my breath. I thought I’d take you behind the scenes to show you what it really takes to prepare for the Christian Siriano S/S 26 show in New York.

      (Image credit: Getty Images)10 a.m.: Coffee is essential. My call time was 12:30, which felt incredibly fortunate. A diva (that's me) can't start her day without coffee, so I woke up and ordered a quad-shot iced almond latte from Butler. Being Australian, I'm proud of our coffee culture. That quad shot was crucial fuel for the day ahead.12:15 p.m.: On my way to Herald Square. I took the subway to Macy's in Herald Square, where the runway was located. Every time I hear "Herald Square," I think of the song "Give My Regards to Broadway"—very appropriate for a theater kid pursuing her Broadway dreams on a fashion runway. Honestly, the subway is always the quickest mode of transport during fashion week when the streets are in gridlock.

      12:30 p.m.: Check-in. Upon arrival, I checked in, located my dressing area, and headed straight to hair.

      Seeing my name on that little card is always surreal. It never gets old.

      1 p.m.: Hair with Lacy Redway. The talented Lacy Redway led the hair team. Her vision was a "liquid wave"—effortless yet structured, like your hair is flowing even while stationary. Sitting across from a friend provided me with the perfect view of the organized chaos at the hair station. It's mesmerizing to watch a team of artists working in perfect sync.1:45 p.m.: A surprise facial. After hair, I was fortunate to receive a facial from the Borghese Roma team. They introduced me to their products (including a serum I got to take home), and the entire experience was surprisingly soothing amidst the chaos. These brief moments of calm mean everything during fashion week.

      2:30 p.m.: Rehearsal prep (two hours until showtime). Just before our run-through, I got a quick layer of makeup applied and then searched for my shoes for the walk-through.

      Pro tip: Always practice in the shoes you plan to wear. If they pinch, slip, or slide, you need to discover that early so you can use hair spray for grip, tape potential blister spots, or insert gel insoles. There’s nothing worse than realizing your shoes are torture devices mid-walk.

      3 p.m.: Back to makeup (1.5 hours until showtime). I returned to the makeup chair for the finishing touches from the talented Gilbert Soliz.

      The look: sculpted, glowing skin with a bold lip. Watching your reflection transform in that chair feels like putting on armor before battle, only much prettier.

      3:45 p.m.: Food is fuel (45 minutes until showtime). By this time, I was famished. Days during fashion week can extend to over six hours from call time to end, so eating is crucial. At times, you may literally be sprinting to the next venue. I actually witnessed a few models running—full-on sprinting—to arrive at the Sergio Hudson show after ours. The hustle is genuine.

      4:45 p.m.: Getting dressed (15 minutes past showtime). Finally, it was time to dress, and Christian himself came over for final adjustments.

      That moment when the designer makes personal adjustments before the runway is nerve-wracking but incredibly special.

      5:30 p.m.: Showtime (one hour past call time). Fashion week shows rarely start on time—it’s part of the charm. We were waiting for a special guest to be seated, and then, like clockwork, Coco Rocha opened the show.

      (Image credit: Getty Images)By the time she was changing into her final look, I was stepping onto the runway. Walking past icons like Oprah and Lizzo? I could have happily lingered out there for 10 minutes. The energy in that room was electric.

      Post-show: Full-glam subway ride. After the show, I took the subway back to my hotel—still in full glam—before meeting my boyfriend downtown for dinner at a new place called Eel Bar. I highly recommend it if you're looking for something a little different in the city.

      Nightcap at the Bowery. Even though I was exhausted, I went for a quick nightcap with