So when organisers of a fashion show ask you to step into the shoes of one of their regular models who can’t make it – what else can you do but answer their cry for help?

So was I modelling in the fashion capitals of London, Paris or Milan?

No, I was on a catwalk closer to home – Wolverhampton.

And my fashion assignment was with a dozen glamorous ladies who turned models for the night all in the name of charity.

The Mayor’s Parlour in the Civic Centre was the venue for the evening of indulgence with the latest autumn/winter fashions from Beatties department store on show.

On my way there I did fear my modelling debut was over before it had actually begun.

Believe it or not, I slipped over in the rain and lost the heel of one of my shoes. It could only happen to a model.

Greeted

Thankfully I was carrying spare footwear so was able to continue. Of course my black ankle boots were hardly the thing to wear with an evening dress – but we’ll come back to that later.

I was greeted by organiser Carole Bird, who is manager of the fashion concession CC – formerly Country Casuals – at Beatties.

“I’m so pleased you were able to step in at short notice,” she said.

“No problem. I’m always up for a challenge,” I told her, wondering what I had let myself in for.

“Oh by the way, you are also going to be a make-over model,” she added.

Oh crumbs, I thought, not only have I got to parade in front of the audience, I’m also going to be made up in front of them.

Well there was no going back so the next stage in my new life as a model was to try my outfit on.

There were rails and rails of ladies fashions and Carole picked a slinky black evening dress from Planet.

Its bold floral pattern made me feel a bit apprehensive as it’s not my usual style, but once on the dress was quite amazing.

I was starting to feel like a model and I’d had my hair done earlier, so that helped the whole transformation process.

But the nerves soon kicked in. What if I did a Naomi Campbell and fell over?

How do the likes of Kate Moss and local girl Erin O’Connor handle their pre-catwalk nerves, I laughed to myself as I tucked into a tasty buffet of sandwiches and crisps. Can’t imagine any super skinny models feeding their faces before a show.

Thankfully my fellow models – the ladies from Beatties – put me at ease. Kay told me there was nothing to worry about.

“Just relax and, most of all, enjoy it,” she told me as we stepped out for the makeover. “And if it makes you feel better chat to your fellow model as you walk past the audience.”

For the next 30 minutes I was given a Christian Dior makeover and then I paraded across the floor showing off my new look.

Then it was show-time. The ladies from Beatties were ever the professionals, with a show director, choreographer and dressers making sure things went as smooth as clockwork behind the scenes.

Thankfully I was just modelling the one outfit – the others had six costume changes.

From casual to the tailored look to evening wear, they had it covered. Outfits from Planet, Windsmoor, Viyella and CC were among those on show.

I was very impressed as I watched the models do their turns and as the parade of eveningwear began I knew it would soon be my turn.

I felt quick sick. “You’re not really nervous are you?” one of the ladies asked.

Smile

Luckily I had a helping hand – well an arm actually – in the form of one of only two male models (who incidentally went down a storm with the predominately female audience).

“You’re on, Maria,” said show director Sue.

And before I knew it I had entered the room arm in arm with Jeff, and we paraded past the audience showing off our outfits.

It was over within seconds – and although I was extremely relieved I have to admit I did enjoy it.

All that was left was the finale where we all graced the room again. And by this point I think I even managed to break into a smile.

The audience sounded their appreciation to all the models, the event raised £726 for the mayor’s charities and everyone went home happy – if not exhausted.

It was all over and I survived. I may have been nervous but who wouldn’t take up the chance to be transformed into a glamorous model for the day?

My outfit may not have been created by the likes of Dolce & Gabbana but then who could afford it if it was? It’s a lot more fun and realistic to actually model something we can afford from a local store.

“It really has been fantastic from start to finish,” said Carole.

“It looked like all the audience members enjoyed themselves as did our ladies who did a fabulous job modelling the outfits.”

They did indeed. They all looked fantastic and ever so confident. And they were a great help to me – in particular show director Sue, who was left barefoot all evening after I literally stepped into her shoes following my earlier footwear disaster while on the way to the Civic Centre.

It’s a hard job this modelling lark, and as for the stress levels, well, I think I’ll stick to my day job.