PARIS — Paris Fashion Week always delivers big celebrity moments. Over the years, the event has seen A-list actors, musicians and cultural icons grace the front rows, catwalks and after-parties.
Below, WWD takes a look at some of the most notable celebrity moments that have defined Paris Fashion Week throughout history — from the moment ‘Zoolander’s’ stars Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson closed Valentino’s runway in 2015 to the moment Gigi Hadid crashed of the Chanel escort. runway in 2020 and more.
More from WWD
Nicole Kidman x Chanel, Spring 2005
Who can forget Nicole Kidman’s iconic 2004 commercial for Chanel No. 5 perfume? The ad, directed by Baz Luhrmann, 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: a red carpet on the catwalk and flashy photographers in the stands. Sitting front row, the actress stole the spotlight in a liquid satin jacket, secured with a bejeweled brooch.
Lady Gaga x Mugler, Fall 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 reinvigorating the brand. Gaga created an exclusive soundtrack for his menswear debut and went on to wear a slew of bespoke outfits leading up to his first womenswear collection in 2011, where she walked the catwalk while smoking a cigarette.
Rihanna and Cara Delevingne x Chanel, Fall 2014
Rihanna and Cara Delevingne stocked up on the essentials as they perused the aisles at Chanel’s supermarket-inspired fall 2014 show. The labels were based on the house’s lore, and the offerings included everything from soup to nuts to jambon Cambon and a chainsaw.
Kim Kardashian x Givenchy, Spring 2015
At Riccardo Tisci’s Spring 2015 Givenchy collection, Kim Kardashian, then-husband Kanye West, and Kris Jenner filled the front row, wearing pieces that nodded to Gothic romance. The real star, however, was one-year-old North West, who stole the spotlight in a miniature 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 closed Valentino’s runway. The actors showed off their best Blue Steel looks and took to the catwalk in character, performing ‘Don’t You Want Me’ by The Human League. 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 2019 couture season by storm, delivering a steady stream of enviable looks. Highlights included an all-black Chanel jumpsuit from the brand’s Spring 2019 collection, accented by louche chain link hardware and matching belt; a finely spun, flowing Iris van Herpen dress; and a Vêtements blazer, miniskirt and top with ‘I love Paris Hilton’ written on it.
Gigi Hadid x Chanel, Spring 2020
While walking the Chanel Spring 2020 fashion show, model Gigi Hadid took it upon herself to escort a crasher off the runway. Hadid was seen calmly placing her hand on the intruder’s shoulder and leading her backstage. The crasher, Marie Benoliel, a comedian and YouTube personality best known as Marie S’Infiltre, was dressed in a houndstooth tweed suit and a flat 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 seen at Balenciaga’s fall 2022 couture show. The front row of the event was just as star-studded: among the VIP arrivals included Kris Jenner, with her granddaughter North West in tow, rapper Offset and actress Alexa Demi.
Kylie Jenner and Doja Cat x Schiaparelli, Spring 2023
Kylie Jenner and Doja Cat both set social media on fire when they arrived at the Schiaparelli Spring 2023 couture show with their breathtaking custom looks. The rapper was covered in 30,000 hand-applied ruby red Swarovski crystals, a red-hot silk bustier, a hand-knit skirt made of lacquered wooden beads and a scarf. Jenner arrived in a black velvet dress with ruffles 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 spring 2023 when the model had a dress spray-painted onto her body, generating $26.3 million in media impact value. The label collaborated with Fabrican to create the dress, which was made from a patented material that dries on impact with any surface, including liquids. The fashion, healthcare and automotive industries are exploring applications for the technology, which can create a layer of non-woven fabric.
K-pop x Celine, Spring 2023
Palais de Tokyo – the venue for Celine’s spring 2023 men’s show – was mobbed by thousands of screaming fans when Blackpink’s Lisa and BTS’ Kim Taehyung, aka V, showed up to show their support. It was V’s first public appearance since announcing BTS’ hiatus earlier that month and the crazy devotees showed up in such large numbers that all the guests were escorted backstage to exit.
Sam Smith x Vivienne Westwood, Fall 2024
Singer Sam Smith made their runway debut when they walked not once but twice in Vivienne Westwood’s fall 2024 show. In their first look from the Renaissance-inspired collection, Smith wore a medley of plaid pieces, including bottomless hot pants and a scarf, while holding a walking stick. Their second was an all-black ensemble featuring a mesh halter top and a ruched wrap dress with floor-length long sleeves.
The best of WWD