Sask. man walks the runway during New York Fashion Week

Merasty, who has built a career in health and wellness and who has never modeled before, saw a call-out for models on social media and decided to apply. He found out he was accepted in August and was able to pay to attend through a small honourarium from the event, sponsorships and his own funding.

Merasty modelled for fashion designers Enfant Martyr from Montreal and Delvene Cockatoo-Collins from Australia.

Merasty was nervous, but didn’t let that stop his from walking down the runway twice. (Image Credit: Submitted photo/Christopher Merasty)

“I think it was a really good opportunity for me to go down this path and show men and young men that things like this are possible,” he explained.

“We just have to be willing to put our name out there and not be afraid of trying new experiences when those opportunities come knocking on your door. Accept them. Take every advantage and opportunity you can and make it happen for yourself.”

During his two runway appearances, Merasty said he was extremely nervous and had the feeling his legs might give out on him. He stayed focused, however, and remembered the advice to keep his shoulders back, chest out, hips straight, walk in a straight line with one foot in front of the other, and to look straight at the camera and not at the people.

“It was funny because when I walked out on the second runway, somebody called my name out in the audience … and I had such a hard time trying not to smile,” Merasty said.

“I had a serious look on me. It was incredible. I was just thrilled with every opportunity I had over this past weekend. All the talent that was in one place was just truly, truly incredible.”

Merasty was in New York City during the 25th anniversary of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Centre. While he didn’t attend any events being held to commemorate it, he did take in some sights.

“We were only about a block away from Times Square, so we went for a tour through Times Square where they had these drones representing the two Twins Towers,” Merasty noted.

“We [also] went down to the memorial site centre the day before 9/11. We did a short video representing the people there and honouring the people who are gone and the family’s lives that were changed forever due to the impact of a world-changing event like that.”

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derek.cornet@pattisonmedia.com

by Derek Cornet

Sask. man walks the runway during New York Fashion Week

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