The Model’s Meow
I have always wondered why the runway that models walk on is called a catwalk. I mean, we’re talking about models here, not cats. One explanation that I got, and I’m not very convinced by, is that the models’ graceful stature reminds people of the poised way that cats walk. I must say that models don’t really remind me of cats. A much better explanation I got is that a catwalk is a “long, narrow footway”, and as we all know – cats don’t need more than a narrow passage to walk.
Apparently, the term catwalk was once used to describe narrow passages for ships, not models in fashion shows. I also read that the first time the word “catwalk” was used was by children’s author Beatrix Potter, in the late 19th century. She used it to describe a narrow walkway in the garden. So, whatever the origin of the word catwalk is, just imagine how cute it would be to see actual cats prancing on the catwalk in Haute couture creations.