As this year’s spring/summer fashion month comes to an end and virtual pandemic shows seem like a thing of the distant past, we finally welcome back the frantic, eccentric, and often overly dramatic conventional runway shows.
Now whilst it’s not quite the 90s and early 2000s feud filled, scandalous, headline hitting affair, this year had its moments – Bella Hadid I’m looking at you!
So, let’s go back through the history books and reminisce on the 7 most shocking, impressive, and iconic runway moments.
Alexander McQueen spring/summer ‘99
Probably the most unforgettable moment on this list is McQueen’s 99 finale. Standing on a revolving wheel, model Shalom Harlow had her dress spray painted black and gold with robotic arms. Widely credited with inspiring the Bella Hadid spray on dress at the Coperni show this year, this jaw dropping moment will forever be cemented in fashions history
Coperni spring/summer ‘23
Speaking of spray on dresses, this year’s Paris fashion week boasted one of the most talked about moments in the fashion world. Consisting of Bella Hadid walking on stage near nude and having a dress literally sprayed onto her body with a spray on technology called Fabrican, and then instantly walking the runway, this shows closer will be sure to be talked about for years to come.
Versace spring/summer ‘20
The return of the infamous green dress that launched google images; Jennifer Lopez shocked everyone when she walked out in a reworked version of her iconic Grammys dress almost two decades after it became the most talked about red carpet look ever.
Chanel spring/summer ‘20
A moment that has been shared across social media countless times has to be when Gigi Hadid became an unexpected bodyguard and dragged a runway crasher off the stage at Paris fashion week. The hilarious moment involving French comedian Marie S’Infiltre (almost) overshadowed the finale of Chanel’s breath-taking show, set on the rooftop of the Grand Palais
Jean Paul Gaultier autumn/winter ‘92
Possibly one of the most show-stopping, yet scandalous runway shows, Gaultier’s 1992 show showcased more than just clothes with Madonna taking off her jacket and walking the runway with her bare chest.
Marc Jacobs for Louis Vuitton autumn/winter ‘11
Reclaiming her ‘Kate Mess’ nickname and reputation, Kate Moss decided to walk the runway smoking a lit cigarette (on national no smoking day ironically). Aside from the countless fire hazards the moment will forever remain one of her most iconic.
Karl Lagerfeld for Chanel spring/summer ‘15
Somewhat of an unconventional catwalk, the legendary Karl Lagerfeld took to the streets of Paris for a feminist street protest, with models holding signs saying things such as ‘history is herstory’ and ‘women’s rights are alright’. Whilst the protest did lead to some backlash, with many accusing Lagerfeld of exploiting the feminist movement for profit, it still is one of the most historic moments fashion week has seen.