The Most Iconic Runway Moments
By Laoise Kiernan McDaid
Over the years, there have been many, many iconic runway looks and moments. So, I have curated this list so we all may enjoy and appreciate the grace, eloquence, and creativity of these designers and models.
This iconic runway moment came at the start of Naomi Campbell’s amazingly impressive career. Here, she teeters on her shoes before eventually falling. However, she handles the moment with grace, laughing at herself, and then carrying on. Naomi later revealed that several designers contacted her with requests to purposely fall on their runways to recreate this moment.
This runway show staged in the Valley of the Temples in Sicily was regal and beautiful. The negotiations to gain permission for the staging of the runway show here began two years in advance. A wooden floor even had to be constructed for the models to walk on in order to preserve the area. The collection took inspiration from the site, and the looks emulate Greek and Roman Goddesses. The show took place at sunset with a certain intimate ambience that is rare for designers like Dolce and Gabbana. It was a roaring success and was applauded by designers and fashion enthusiasts around the world.
Gianni Versace has always taken pride in hosting loud, dazzling, and rebellious fashion shows, even whilst other designers were concerned with elegance and poise. This particular collection is so iconic as it completely embodies this aesthetic that Versace has maintained throughout his career. Each and every look received rapturous applause as it made its way down the runway. Looking back on this collection we can appreciate how the rhinestone adorned dresses captured the perfect blend of debauchery and rebellion.
This stunning fashion show took place in 2016 and the theme was ‘Legends and Fairytales’. It saw models like Bella Hadid and Kendall Jenner literally walking on water. The preparation for the show took four years and Fendi donated three-million dollars to the restoration of the Trevi Fountain. A transparent catwalk was constructed for the models to walk on. A beautiful illusion of walking on water and the astonishing backdrop of the Trevi fountain created a truly iconic moment in fashion.
This iconic moment came during the Chanel show at Paris fashion week when Gigi Hadid flawlessly escorted Marie S'Infiltre off the runway. The comedian had jumped onto the runway dressed in a monochromatic outfit, which made her difficult for the shows security to spot. Whilst this could have been a disaster, Gigi’s quick thinking allowed the show to finish seamlessly. She was seen blocking Marie’s way before firmly escorting her off the runway. This moment showcases Gigi’s poise and composure.
Possibly the most iconic moment on this list is Alek Weg’s infamous wig throw. The model had been styled in a blonde wig. As she turned on the runway she quickly and impulsively pulled it off her head and threw it into the crowd. She later said “that wig was not just about me taking it off to make a scene. It was a time that I was just starting in fashion, to work. And the one thing that I told my agents was if you are going to represent me, I’m not going to be a gimmick and be in for a couple of seasons. You’re going to take it all or leave it.” Alek spread an important message of acceptance and empowered other models to stand up for themselves if they are uncomfortable with how they are being portrayed.
Yes, Queen Naomi is on the list twice. She is simply that iconic. This moment was during the Versace Spring/ Summer collection at Milan fashion week in 1998. There was an almost theatrical performance between Campbell and a male model as he ran on stage in a panic as Naomi seductively teases him with a gun. This moment has a strange elegance and high voltage drama which remains unparalleled.
