My first assumption about the anime was that it was going to be about high school kids having the time of their life, fun, and games, and all at fashion shows (since the title is literally Smile at the Runway), but bOY was it way more serious and dramatic did I initially assumed it would be.
I don't think it's very common to choose fashion as the main plot for animes, and I can see why since it's basically people working their butt off to be able to walk on it, and more people working their butt off backstage for all the clothes, accessories, stage, music, etc. But aside from a little bit of anime cliche moments here and there, so far so good.
It MIGHT feel a bit too fast paced, and a bit forced at times, but it slows down, and comes closer to reality from Episode 4.
A pretty good balance with fiction and reality.
