Taming the Catwalk: The Michael Maddox Interview

When you think of high-end fashion shows what do you think of? Beautiful people. Expensive clothes. Exciting locations. Lavish set designs. Blaring music. This is what fashion is all about; creating a show that will capture audiences with fashion flare. When the cameras are flashing and spectators are clapping, this is when you have made it. You are now a runway model.

But behind every great model stands a great tool. This tool does not bind your stomach. It does not make acne disappear. This tool is one man. A man that is known throughout the modeling industry as the best of the best; A man who's name is familiar to any one that has ever dreamed about being a runway model in New York, Milan or even Paris. This very important tool is Michael Maddox.

Maddox never imagined becoming a fashion icon. He knew that he always had a different kind of creative side but never thought of having the life he has today. When he first got into fashion he was working three jobs. One day while working at The Good Guys, a friend approached him and Maddox gave him a heads up on his great ensemble. Later his friend asked him to be his guest at a fashion show and the rest is history. Before Maddox knew it he was reading every book available on fashion, and studying in libraries to prepare him for his future career. "When you are creative you can do anything," explains Maddox.
When asked what was so interesting about training models, he simply stated, "It is like watching a baby being born." Maddox has made it his passion to train models. Not only how to walk, but how to see the inside as well. "You need to learn to crawl before you can walk. It is important for models to have self-confidence within themselves."

Maddox finds that at the end of the day he is a trainer for glamour. As well as training models for top-notch model agencies, Maddox directs and produces fashion shows. When producing he selects the models in favor of the designer's campaign, he selects the entire production staff, as well as the music selection. When he finds time to direct he insures that all of the elements run together - the clothes, the models, the music, and so on.