Veterans take part in 'Salute The Runway' fashion show

New York Fashion Week is upon us, and fashion writers have been busy analyzing necklines and heel heights.

E! reports that the BCBG Max Azria line was "frothy" and "airy." The New York Times says the Coach show had more of a "retro-teenage-Americana" vibe.

However, before any of the models could strut their stuff on the catwalks, 14 veterans donned their high heels to show the world you don't need to be a professional model to rock the runway.

On Wednesday, they walked in the "Salute the Runway" fashion show.

In fact, one writer for Glamour noted how nice it was to see this particular show before the fashion frenzy, writing "What's better than a heartwarming anchor to a busy week of running around and looking at clothes?"

One of the women who walked in the show was retired Army Capt. Leslie Nicole Smith. She was deployed in Bosnia when she lost her leg and some of her eyesight. She spoke with Fox News before taking the stage:

"When this happened, you know, I never thought I could walk again. So I have to tell you, walking the runway tonight is so extra special to me, I mean, it's just overwhelming."

CBS spoke with Kelly Smith, a pilot for the California Air National Guard:

"You want to be able to serve your country as a service member, as a veteran. ... But that doesn't mean that you always want to have slicked-back hair and no makeup and boring fingernail polish."

Women's Wear Daily reports the women who were chosen as the show's models are members of the U.S. Air Force, Navy, Army, Coast Guard and Marine Corps.

So just what was in store for those 14 admirable women?

First up, a lesson from none other than Victoria's Secret supermodel Hilary Rhoda, who taught them how to walk in those high heels.

They then got their makeup done by makeup icon Bobbi Brown.

In fact, CBS reports this was the only fashion week show Brown decided to participate in.

The event was sponsored by Fatigues to Fabulous, which raises awareness about women in the military and the issues they experience when they transition back into civilian life.

Examiner points out that this is the first real big runway show for the group. It started doing smaller fashion shows on military bases in June of this year.

There are currently about 1.8 million female veterans in the U.S.

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