​For the approximately two million New Yorkers who use public transit, advertising can be a meditation tool. While standing on the subway staring at these ads for Cole Haan and Macy's, I pondered their inspiration. We've all seen photo shoots in TV or movies with photographers yelling abstract directions at their models. To that end: What were these models told?

​"Okay, someone on the street just yelled out that you're walking into a closed store, but you just laugh like, 'Hey, what do you know?' And show the bag. Perfect!"

​"You're tip-toeing around the corner! Then you run into your neighbor, and he's like, 'Hey, don't step on my blue suede shoes, am I right?' and you pretend to laugh. Gorgeous!"

​"You're taking a quick walk down to the local penitentiary when you stop and wonder: 'Did I forget to lock my apartment?' And show the shoes. No, I need more from the other foot. Brilliant!"

​"You and your girlfriend went to some weird loft to see a friend of a friend's band, and you're like, 'Are they ever going to go on?' Yes! That's it!"

"It's kindergarten picture day, and you don't understand how headbands work. Kid, you're a natural."​

​"You're in the middle of your DJ set at the museum when you realize another girl is wearing the same blouse as you. And that bores the shit out of you. Bravissimo!"

Credit: Flickr user emilyrides. Used with a Creative Commons license.​