Bless their Hearts,
…these runway models are not alone in experiencing slides, slips, and falls. Underestimating the power of a polished floor, we have all found ourselves flat on the floor, humiliated, and looking for the closest piece of furniture to crawl underneath.
I use one or both of these methods to prep slick, new shoes that will be worn by on-camera talent. These very simple stylist tricks can prevent both talent tumble as well as personal embarrassment:
- Sandpaper: Lightly scuff the bottoms of new shoes with sandpaper. Be careful not to scuff the sides of the shoes or any area that will be visible to camera. I keep both 80 grit and 120 grit sandpaper in my kit.
- Hairspray: Spritz the bottoms of the shoes with strong hold hairspray and let the spray dry for about a minute until it’s sticky to the touch. Spray as needed. I keep Nexxtacy by Nexxus in my kit because it is super sticky and alcohol free.
★ Make sure the hairspray will not damage the flooring surface. If you are uncertain, ask the art department, location manager, or props.
