Celebrity Moments in Paris Fashion Week History: Kim Kardashian & More

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 notable celebrity moments that have defined Paris Fashion Week throughout its history — from when “Zoolander’s” stars Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson closed Valentino’s runway in 2015 to when Gigi Hadid escorted a crasher off the Chanel runway in 2020 and more.

Nicole Kidman x Chanel, Spring 2005

Who can forget Nicole Kidman’s iconic 2004 commercial for Chanel No. 5 perfume? Directed by Baz Luhrmann, the advertisement 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 decking the runway and photographers flashing in the stands. Seated 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 get-go that Gaga would play a role in helping to revive the brand. Creating an exclusive soundtrack for his menswear debut, Gaga went on to wear a slew of custom-made getups in the buildup to his first womenswear collection in 2011, where she came strutting down the runway smoking a cigarette.

Rihanna and Cara Delevingne x Chanel, Fall 2014

Rihanna and Cara Delevingne stocked up on the necessities when they perused aisles at Chanel’s supermarket-inspired fall 2014 show. The labels riffed on house lore, and the offering 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 out the front row, dressed in garments that nodded to Gothic romance. The real star, though, was one-year-old North West, who stole the spotlight in a miniature version of her mother’s gown.

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. Delivering their best Blue Steel looks, the actors came in character to the catwalk, strutting to 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 couture season by storm in 2019, serving up 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 fine-spun, undulating Iris van Herpen gown; 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 crasher off the runway. Hadid was seen calmly putting her hand on the interloper’s shoulder and walking her to the backstage area. 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-topped 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 a few of the celebrities featured in Balenciaga’s fall 2022 couture runway show. The event’s front row was just as star-studded: 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 aflame when they arrived at Schiaparelli’s spring 2023 couture show with their show-stopping custom looks. The rapper was covered in 30,000 hand-applied ruby Swarovski crystals, a red-hot silk faille bustier, a hand-knit skirt made from lacquered wooden beads, and a shawl. Jenner arrived in a black, ruched velvet gown and the most unusual of accessories: a faux, 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 the model had a dress spray-painted onto her body, generating $26.3 million in media impact value. The label teamed with Fabrican to create the dress, which was made from a patented material that dries on impact with any surface, including liquids. The fashion, health care, and automotive industries are exploring the uses of the technology, which can create a non-woven fabric layer.

K-pop x Celine, Spring 2023

Palais de Tokyo — the venue for Celine’s spring 2023 men’s show — was mobbed by thousands of shrieking fans when Blackpink’s Lisa and BTS’ Kim Taehyung, aka V, turned up to show their support. It was V’s first public appearance since BTS’ hiatus announcement earlier that month and crazed devotees turned out in such force that all 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 sported a mish-mash of checked pieces, including bottomless hot pants and a shawl scarf, while clutching a walking stick. Their second was an all-black ensemble that featured a mesh halter top and a floor-length, ruffled long-sleeve wrap dress.