If you have ever wondered why models sometimes just break their rhythm midway and pose on a runway, Huang Mei Si will let you into a little secret - these glamorous girls are about to trip over their long dresses.
Making a quick twirl and then a sudden pose are the only way to regain their balance and stop from falling face down, she says.
If you have been watching ntv7's Deal or No Deal gameshow, you might recognise her as the girl with suitcase number 8.
Mei Si started doing runway modelling recently and found out that it was a world of difference from static modelling.
"Firstly, you have to learn to do the runway strut, where you are supposed to sway your hips while imagining you are walking on a tightrope," she tells
Star Motoring.
And as if such a walking style is not difficult enough, Mei Si says models are occasionally required to wear heels as high as four inches.
"Some designers have a penchant of creating elegant dresses that are very long and can easily hamper the wearer's stride.
They may look elegant but runway walking in them can be tricky," she says.
But not all is lost as models can still learn to walk with style if they know a few tricks.
"You need to learn to kick the length of the dress forward so you won't trip over them," the chatty and lanky 23-year old laughs.
Mei Si started modelling two years ago to earn extra pocket money while studying in Kolej Damansara Utama.
"At the time, my friends also encouraged me to join pageants because they felt I stood a chance of winning."
Mei Si tried her luck and was selected as Miss Malaysia Chinese Cosmo International 2007, a pageant held in Miri, Sarawak, and organised by Hong Kong's Phoenix TV.
As a model, she also discovered the importance of maintaining a slim figure to stay hired.
Local modelling agencies prefer girls who are at least five feet nine.
"For that height, the ideal weight is around 48kg. I think I am a bit over that ideal," says Mei Si.
Although there are many ways to keep slim, Mei Si choses the healthy way through regular exercises, eating lots of vegetables and controlling her diet.
"Models must also drink plenty of water or their skin will get dry," she says.
Armed with a degree in computing studies in 2006, Mei Si says she has yet to use her qualification meaningfully as she is now focusing on modelling.
To help her get around, Mei Si uses a Proton Gen.2 MME edition which she bought last year. The Gen.2 is also her first car.
"For me, handling is more important than outright performance, as I would be able to control the car much better," she says.
She chose the Gen.2 MME because of its sporty looks, good performance and handling, as well as affordability.
Priced at around RM60,000, the Gen.2 MME came with a limited run of 200 cars, and Mei Si's is car number 33.
"I feel the Gen.2 is right for me as there are some other cars with similar performance that cost twice the price," she says.
One other car she fancies though is the Mitsubishi Lancer 2.0GT, which we received for a photo shoot with Mei Si, courtesy of Mitsubishi Motors Malaysia Sdn Bhd.
She is familiar with Mitsubishi cars, having appeared as the brand's ambassador at the Kuala Lumpur International Motor Show in 2006.
"The Lancer has an aggressive look and its large alloy wheels easily increases its sporty appearance," says Mei Si.
She says the car's interior might look simple but is neat and functional.
"The acceleration is good but the ride is a bit hard. I still like the Lancer because it has good handling."