Lined up backstage, smiling, moving, dancing, we jammed together in a medley of face-paint, flowers, and intriguing clothing.  A hushed message was passed down the line and back, a door opened and shut, nipples were discussed, short shorts were adjusted.  Music… Applause… and GO!

One of the most interesting adventures I’ve ever embarked on brought me to new summits last Wednesday night at Boulder Theater for Elephant Journal’s Walk the Talk Show. 

As with all adventures worth having, the memorable part is intertwined symbiotically with the people and occurrences along the way, and has almost nothing to do with arrival at the destination; although arrival with face-paint and a spotlight often solidifies the journey into something experiential and recordable.

We worked with prAna for outfits, which are some of the most amazingly positive people around; friendly, helpful, and dedicated to bettering the world.  prAna has wonderful products, and the world-consciousness to go with it.  It’s been a true pleasure working with them over the last few months, and many have become really good friends. 

 Urban Pearl Salon did the hair and Afterglow Cosmetics makeup for all the models (having no hair, mine was an extensive tribal head “tattoo” that Tia did a phenomenal job on!).  UP is a really unique place, always supporting local artist, charities like Saint Baldricks, and putting in extra time for things like this runway show.  It blows me away every time I see them put their life aside to support something worthwhile.  Their priorities are definitely in the right place, and working with them has been awesome. 

Steve Z did the prAna side of the photography for the runway show, and did an excellent job!  I’ve known Steve for almost 5 years, and really respect him for choosing the path that makes him most happy.  He has some great skills as a photographer, and a real eye for capturing stellar moments.  I’ve never known a photographer to take so few pictures, but for them to come out so awesome.

Waylon Lewis is a juggler of events and connections, and yet, despite all the chaos he lives with, there is an underlying softness and dedication.  Every time I see him, he takes the time to stop for a moment, shake hands, make eye contact, and share a few words.  I appreciate people who set their priorities such that the small but important things continue to always happen. 

The positive energy, attitude, and smiling people blew me away!  EVERYONE, was friendly, up-beat, and happy to be there.  What a pleasure to see a complex operation pulled off without a harsh word, or a raised voice, and even more than that, with enthusiasm, and joyful smoothness. 

Standing in a spotlight in front of 400 people provided the humbling power to shove me over a cliff of unexpected personal growth.   My experience alone in front of groups before this was to perform something, or say something, which effectively takes me out of the spotlight and puts it on what I am doing or saying.  Modeling, on the other hand, is raw and open.  I felt like, through every motion and pose on stage I was saying “Here I am, have a look.  I am Larkin, and I am human.”  The confidence and power of that instant are unrivaled, because they had nothing to do with a life accomplishment or action, and everything to do with who I am, naked and pure.

My journey continues, but in this moment I pause to reflect on the brightness that is life, and share some of the thoughts that came out of such an experience.

Walk the Talk Show : Eco Fashion Summer 2009 from Waylon Lewis on Vimeo.