The presence of Celebrities and influencers on the runway isn’t exactly a new phenomenon. From globally recognised stars like Kylie Jenner walking for Coperni to social media sensations like Diane Eneje gracing local runways, the trend of non-models stepping onto the runway has become more prominent than ever.
At first glance, it seems like a win for everyone: more buzz, more press, more eyes on the event. But beyond the excitement and spotlight a key question arises—does this shift the purpose of the runway? Is it still a platform to showcase artistry, or has it become just another stage to show star power?
Are runway shows about the clothes or the person?
Runway shows are the ultimate stage for designers to present their vision. Every stitch, cut, and fabric choice is carefully crafted to tell a story. Models have traditionally been the blank canvas for this artistry, their role being to fade into the background and let the clothes shine. But the balance shifts when influencers like Diana Eneje or stars like Davido step onto the catwalk. When this happens, it’s not just about the clothes alone anymore; it’s about the celebrity.
Conversations veer away from the intricate tailoring or daring silhouettes and become almost entirely about the celebrity’s personality, presence, and star power.
Does the spotlight shifts away from the designer?
Take a moment to consider what this means for designers. While some argue that celebrities on the runway overshadow the collections, it can also be seen as a powerful collaboration. Designers and stars come together to create moments that amplify the reach of the brand. Rather than “stealing the spotlight,” these partnerships often merge fashion and fame to captivate a broader audience. It’s less about competition and more about a shared platform where both the designer’s vision and the celebrity’s influence can shine. A perfect example is Lanre Da Silva Ajayi’s recent showcase at Lagos Fashion Week. Media mogul Mo Abudu, dancer Kaffy and actress Rita Dominic walked the runway, both in stunning pieces from the collection.
@topnaijalife Rita Dominic hits the runway for Lanre Da Silva … … #ritadominic
So we can’t say that celebrities bring nothing of value. Far from it. They generate excitement and draw audiences who might not usually tune into a fashion show. For a growing fashion industry like Nigeria’s, where designers are working to gain global recognition, this attention can be game-changing. Collaborating with celebrities might open doors, but unfortunately, it seems that they also dominate the room.
What happens when professional models are also celebrities?
A unique twist in this conversation arises when professional models become celebrities in their own right. Supermodels like Bella Hadid, Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner are no strangers to the runway, but their global fame means they carry just as much star power as celebrities. The question then becomes: do they distract attention from the clothes too?
The answer isn’t straightforward. On one hand, they’re trained professionals who know how to present a designer’s vision without overshadowing it. Models like Naomi Campbell, Anok Yai, and Adut Akech bring expertise that makes them an asset to the runway. On the other hand, their fame adds an undeniable layer of spectacle. People aren’t just watching Naomi Campbell because of her flawless walk—they’re watching Naomi Campbell.
Naomi’s presence isn’t just about her walk; it’s about witnessing an icon who embodies decades of cultural impact. Anok commands attention as a symbol of diversity and individuality, while Adut’s story of resilience as a South Sudanese refugee turned global supermodel captivates audiences. While their professionalism enhances the runway, it raises an important question: can a model ever truly be a blank canvas when their very identity carries so much weight?
Fashion’s balance: Art versus fame
The problem arises when the runway stops being about the clothes and becomes a stage for personalities. A model’s job is to disappear and let the audience immerse themselves in the garment’s story. A celebrity, by contrast, brings their own story. Their fame, history, and personal brand become part of the show, sometimes overshadowing the creative work they’re meant to highlight.
This shift also challenges what fashion shows have traditionally been about. Designers rely on the runway to communicate their ideas, and to present their art as pure and unfiltered as possible. The moment the audience is more interested in who’s wearing the clothes than the clothes themselves, we risk losing the essence of what makes a runway magical.
The future of the runway: Collaboration, not competition
That said, the collaboration between fashion and fame doesn’t have to be a battle for attention. It’s about balance. Celebrities walking the runway can generate excitement, but they must complement the collection rather than eclipse it. Designers, after all, are the true stars of the runway. The clothes they create are the story we’re here to see—everything else should only enhance that vision.
Fashion is about storytelling, and the runway is the stage. While celebrities and influencers can bring the spotlight, it’s the clothes that should shine brightest. Let’s keep the focus where it belongs—on the artistry and vision of the designers who make the magic happen.
