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The Most Surprising Models of Fashion Week Spring 2024

by Carolyn Twersky
Updated: 
Originally Published: 

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Without the ability to promote projects due to the ongoing strikes, some celebs may be feeling a little anxious to get glammed up, get out there, and see and be seen. It was no surprise then, when the stars took fashion month by storm, using the opportunity to attend events without breaking protocol. Many just sat on the sidelines, enjoying the shows from the front row, but others joined in on the fun, leaving their lives in the hands of the designers. Of course, there were many non-actors dipping their toes into the world of runway as well, and some returning to the craft after years away. New York brought us an appearance of ’80s “It girl” Cornelia Guest at Dennis Blasso, and the return of original Helmut Lang models at Peter Do’s debut for the brand. In Paris, though, stars came out in droves, eager to get on the runway. Angela Bassett made her debut at Mugler, and Cathy Horyn changed her job description from “fashion critic” to “Balenciaga model.” And that’s far from all the shocking appearances on the runway during the spring/summer 2024 season. Below, we break down every surprising model in New York, London, Milan, and Paris.

Troye Sivan

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After attending many shows throughout the week, Sivan ended Paris Fashion Week on the runway for Miu Miu.

Cailee Spaeny

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Considering Miuccia Prada designed custom costumes for the upcoming film Priscilla, it makes sense the movie’s star, Cailee Spaeny would return the favor and close out the designer’s spring/summer 2024 show for Miu Miu.

Angela Bassett

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The iconic actress made her runway debut in a flowing satin dress at Casey Cadwallader’s Mugler show.

Paris Hilton

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After sitting front row for most of Paris Fashion Week, Hilton joined in on the action and walked in the Mugler spring/summer 2024 show.

Fan Bingbing

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It was quite the surprise to see Chinese actress Fan Bingbing take on the runway at the Mugler show.

Cathy Horyn

Courtesy of Balenciaga

The Balenciaga spring/summer 2024 show was filled with unexpected models on the runway, but likely no one was more of a surprise than fashion critic Cathy Horyn.

Kim Kardashian

Courtesy of Balenciaga

While Kardashian didn’t actually walk in the show, she did pose for the collection’s lookbook.

Amanda Lepore

Courtesy of Balenciaga

The preformance artist and night life legend also made an appearance on Demna’s runway.

Diane Pernet

Courtesy of Balenciaga

Industry icon Diane Pernet took on the runway in a black, leather trench coat and wrapped up hair.

BFRND

Courtesy of Balenciaga

The spring/summer 2024 collection was closed out by Demna’s husband, the musician BFRND, who also created the music for the show.

Yseult

Courtesy of Balenciaga

Musician Yseult became the first plus-size model (alongside Paloma Elsesser) to walk in a Balenciaga show.

Ella Gvasalia

Courtesy of Balenciaga

It immediately became clear that the Balenciaga presentation was going to be a unique one when the show opened with Demna’s mother, Ella, on the runway.

Claudia Schiffer

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After a six-year hiatus, Claudia Schiffer returned to the runway to close the Versace show.

Natalia Bryant

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Kobe Bryant’s daughter—who has been slowly making her way into the fashion industry over the past few years—made her runway debut at the Versace show in Milan as her mom, Vanessa, watched from the front row.

Dimitra Petsa

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The Greek designer closed out the Di Petsa spring/summer 2024 runway show by walking out in a dress of her own design

YG

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The rapper walked in fellow LA-native Willy Chavaria’s runway show at the Woolworth Building in Tribeca, and later followed it up with a performance at the designer’s after party at the Boom Boom Room.

Dylan Mulvaney

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Broadway actress and TikTok star didn’t let her never-ending parade of haters stop her from taking on the runway at The Blonds’ spring/summer 2024 show.

Cornelia Guest

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The Debutante of the ‘80s, Cornelia Guest, served as Dennis Basso’s inspiration for his spring/summer 2024 collection, which celebrated “Great American families.” It is fitting, then, that Guest closed out the show in a black and blue strapless gown.

Weyes Blood

Courtesy of Proenza Schouler

The singer and songwriter tried her hand at modeling in Proenza Schouler’s show.

Waris Ahluwalia

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Man about town, designer and frequent Wes Anderson actor Ahluwalia plastered on his best fake smile to walk in the Collina Strada show.

King Princess

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The singer/songwriter also joined in on the smiling fun in a completely sheer lace dress.

Tallulah Willis

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The surprising models at Collina Strada were rounded out by Tallulah Willis (daugther of Demi Moore and Bruce Willis), who walked in spike-covered Mary Janes.

Michelle Zauner

Courtesy of Batsheva

Author and lead vocalist of Japanese Breakfast played the role of the quirky, casual bride at the Batsheva show in a t-shirt dress with a tulle mermaid hem and sleeves.

Amy Fine Collins

Courtesy of Batsheva

Collins also joined in on the fun at Batsheva, donning a decidedly ‘50s-inspired high-low coat dress.

Magdalena Frackowiak

Courtesy of Michael Kors Collection

While Frackowiak has slowed her runway presence almost to a halt over the last few years, she’s making a comeback during the spring/summer 2024 season, walking in both the Michael Kors Collection and Ralph Lauren shows.

Sasha Pivovarova

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A few original Helmut Lang models rejoined the fold for Peter Do’s debut with the brand, including Russian supermodel, Pivovarova, who closed out the presentation.

Mipam Thurman

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Uma Thurman’s brother also returned for the brand’s big moment and walked the runway in a sleeveless suit with a jacket on top.

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