Individualized beauty was the theme backstage at Diane von Furstenberg today, and really, who better to embody a fiercely unique look than the show's opener, the British model and musician Karen Elson? With her fiery red hair and haunting complexion, Elson is hardly one to nod to conformity. T stole a few moments with the seasoned runway pro to speak about walking for a fashion legend, her much-talked-about haircut (she wore extensions for the runway), and why she still gets pre-show jitters. How long have you known Diane von Furstenberg? We met years and years ago. It hurts to remember how long ago it was. What's it like to walk in her show? I mean, she's so fabulous. You feel like such a strong, confident woman. I love everything she does with her clothes, her philanthropy and how she supports the fashion community. There's no one else like her. What goes through your head when you're on the runway? I'm terrified walking a runway. I'm terrified I'm going to fall - and I do! It's almost like the curse I can't seem to lift in my life. I work myself up so much, and the concentration is like, please don't fall. And I always have a slip. Even if it's just a little one. It kills me. I'm terrible at it. Is the experience much different from performing on stage? It's a different form of anxiety. When I'm singing, you know, it's like I get lost in it, and it's beautiful. It's a totally different world. Speaking of totally different, you recently cut your hair off, right? I've had it short for a while, to be honest. It's just that people are noticing it now. I did a story almost nine months ago for Italian Vogue where my hair was short. I think it's because it's all one length now. Who did the cut? He did! Gestures to the hairstylist behind her. Joe Martino at Orlo Salon. What else are you up to this week? I'm doing Anna Sui's show and Michael Kors's, and I think that's it. I'm not doing too many. I'm not 18 anymore. I'm 34, I've got two kids. I want to enjoy it. How have the parties been this season? Fun. Really fun. I've known all these guys for years, so the parties are like a nice little meeting of the family. How do you unwind after it all? I take it easy. I go back to my hotel and have a glass of rosé and have some spaghetti. I'm not one of those harried youngsters. They need to have their energy bars!