Fashion weeks are just as much about the vibrant personalities attending and making headlines as they are about the exquisite garments. Beyond showcasing future trends, these events highlight who is currently shaping cultural conversations.
At the recent New York Fashion Week, Vivian Wilson, Elon Musk’s eldest daughter, garnered significant attention. She notably walked in three different shows: Prabal Gurung, Alexis Bittar, and Dauphinette, dramatically kicking off the latter with a scream on the catwalk.
Olivia Cheng, the designer behind Dauphinette, acknowledged the anticipated buzz surrounding Vivian’s involvement. “We knew there would be a certain level of virality around Vivian’s appearance,” Cheng stated, referencing Ms. Wilson’s public critiques of her estranged father, which have drawn considerable public interest. “People genuinely care about what she has to say.”
Another unexpected star who captured attention on the runway was Olandria Carthen, a fan favorite from the latest season of the reality series ‘Love Island USA.’ Her walk in the Sergio Hudson show was met with a rare round of applause from the audience.
Ms. Carthen, alongside her co-star Nicolas Vansteenberghe, was also spotted in the front row at the Off-White show. They were joined by none other than Ellie the Elephant, the New York Liberty’s famously twerking mascot. Given that Off-White serves as the team’s official culture and style partner, Ellie’s presence highlighted the growing crossover appeal of mascots. Shana Stephenson, the Liberty’s chief brand officer, noted that Ellie has truly “transcended sports, transcended what it means to be a team’s mascot, and truly immersed herself in fashion, style, and New York culture.”