by Paris – Paris Fashion Week always produces big celebrity moments. Over the years, the event has seen A-list actors, musicians and cultural icons grace its front rows, runways and after parties.
Below, WWD takes a look at some of the most memorable moments that have defined Paris Fashion Week throughout its history — from when “Zoolander” stars Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson shut down the Valentino runway in 2015 to when Gigi Hadid walked a crasher off the runway Chanel. runway in 2020 and more.
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Nicole Kidman x Chanel, Spring 2005
Who can forget Nicole Kidman’s iconic 2004 commercial for Chanel perfume No. 5? Directed by Baz Luhrmann, the ad reportedly cost $33 million, making it one of the most expensive of all time. The luxury label’s spring 2005 collection picked up where the ad left off, with a red carpet adorning the runway and photographers flashing in the stands. Seated in the front, the actress stole the spotlight in a liquid satin jacket secured with a bejeweled brooch.
Lady Gaga x Mugler, autumn 2011
When Lady Gaga’s stylist Nicola Formichetti (responsible for the pop star’s iconic raw meat dress and other outrageous ensembles) became Mugler’s new creative director, it was clear from the start that Gaga would play a role in reviving the brand. Creating an exclusive soundtrack to her menswear debut, Gaga wore a series of custom-made bras in the build-up to her first womenswear collection in 2011, where she strutted down the runway smoking cigarettes .
Rihanna and Cara Delevingne x Chanel, fall 2014
Rihanna and Cara Delevingne upped the ante when they spotted catwalks at Chanel’s supermarket show in 2014. The labels were homegrown, and the offering included everything from soup to nuts to Cambon jam and chainsaws.
Kim Kardashian x Givenchy, Spring 2015
At Riccardo Tisci’s spring 2015 Givenchy collection, Kim Kardashian, her then-husband, Kanye West, and Kris Jenner filled the front row, dressed in garments that radiated Gothic love. The real star, however, was one-year-old North West, who stole the spotlight in a mini version of her mother’s dress.
Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson x Valentino, fall 2015
Art and life collided in 2015, when “Zoolander” stars Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson covered the Valentino runway. Delivering their best Blue Steel looks, the actors took to the catwalk in character, belting out The Human League’s “Don’t You Want Me”. The stunt announced the sequel to the cult comedy and confirmed that Stiller and Wilson would reprise their roles as male models Derek Zoolander and Hansel McDonald.
Celine Dion, Spring 2019
Celine Dion took the couture season by storm in 2019, serving up a steady stream of enviable looks. Highlights included an all-black Chanel sweater dress from the brand’s spring 2019 collection that featured louche chain link hardware and a matching belt; Iris van Herpen’s delicately draped dress; and a Vêtements blazer, miniskirt, and top emblazoned with “I love Paris Hilton” on it.
Gigi Hadid x Chanel, Spring 2020
While walking in Chanel’s spring 2020 runway show, model Gigi Hadid took it upon herself to escort a bumper man off the runway. Hadid was seen calmly putting her hand on the spreader’s shoulder and walking her to the back of the stage. The crasher, Marie Benoliel, a comedian and YouTube personality better known as Marie S’Infiltre, was dressed in a houndstooth suit and flat top hat. Since the stunt, Benoliel’s Instagram following has grown from 199,000 followers to more than 672,000.
Balenciaga, Fall 2022
Nicole Kidman, Kim Kardashian, Dua Lipa, Naomi Campbell, and Bella Hadid were just some of the celebrities who appeared in Balenciaga’s 2022 couture runway show. The event’s front row was just as star-studded: among VIP players in attendance included Kris Jenner, her granddaughter North West, rapper Offset, and actress Alexa Demi.
Kylie Jenner and Doja Cat x Schiaparelli, Spring 2023
Both Kylie Jenner and Doja Cat took social media by storm when they arrived at Schiaparelli’s spring 2023 couture show with their endless custom looks. The rapper was covered in 30,000 hand-applied Swarovski ruby crystals, a red-hot silk opulent bustier, a hand-knitted skirt made of lacquered wooden beads, and a shawl. Jenner arrived in a black, ruched velvet dress and the most unusual accessories: a fake, life-size lion head.
Gigi Hadid x Coperni, Spring 2023
Coperni and Bella Hadid delivered one of the most viral fashion moments of the spring 2023 season when she sported a body spray-painted dress, generating $26.3 million in media influence value. The label teamed up with Fabraican to create the dress, which is made from a patented material that dries on impact with any surface, including liquids. The fashion, healthcare and automotive industries are exploring the uses of the technology, which can create a layer of non-woven fabric.
K-pop x Celine, Spring 2023
Thousands of screaming fans packed the Palais de Tokyo – the venue for Celine’s spring 2023 men’s show – when Lisa Blackpink and Kim Taehyung, aka V from BTS, turned up to show their support. This was V’s first public appearance since BTS’ hiatus was announced earlier that month and the devotees went crazy after each other as they all fought backstage to leave.
Sam Smith x Vivienne Westwood, Autumn 2024
Singer Sam Smith made her runway debut when she walked, not once but twice, in the Vivienne Westwood show in 2024. In her first look from the Renaissance-inspired collection, Smith sported a mash-mish of checked pieces, including hot pants without bottoms and a shawl scarf, while clutching a walking stick. The latter was an all-black ensemble featuring a mesh halter top and a floor-length, ruffled sleeveless wrap dress.
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