The Most Surprising Models of Fashion Week Fall 2026

Rick Owens’s partner and muse, Michèle Lamy, walked the Matières Fécales show in Paris. And while the 82-year-old has long been a major figure in the fashion industry, this is only her third time making an appearance on a runway. In 2021, she walked for Owens, and a year later, she took part in a Yeezy presentation. 

Guinness, similarly, made a rare appearance on the Matières Fécales, taking part in her fourth runway show, and her first since Celia Kritharioti’s couture presentation in 2023.

The controversial entrepreneur and longevity science guinea pig was the third surprising model at the Matières Fécales show in Paris.

Demna’s debut for Gucci was filled with rappers-turned-models, including Vincenzo Camille, the Brit better known as Fakemink.

But Fakemink wasn’t the only newbie on the runway. He was joined by fellow rapper Nettspend.

Mel B brought some spicy energy to London Fashion Week. The Spice Girl closed out the Natasha Zinko show, skipping down the runway in a bathrobe-inspired mini dress and plush heels. At one point, she pulled down the neckline of the dress to reveal a cheetah print bra—very Sporty Spice.

Pose star Dominique Jackson returned to the runway for the first time this season, closing Conner Ives’s show in a fur-lined hooded cape and slip dress.

Every season, Completedworks taps a famous face to take the reins of its fashion show and walk guests through the brand’s latest offerings. This time around, it was Jemima Kirke who had the honor. The Girls star took on the role of unhinged party host, Régine McQueen, for the scripted presentation.

Princess Julia took a break from DJing all the London Fashion Week parties and walked the Lueder show in a fittingly gothic look.

Many have been wondering what Leith has been up to since leaving The Great British Bake-Off earlier this year. The answer? Walking in London Fashion Week, apparently. The restaurateur and TV star hit the runway at the Vin + Omi show, escorted by the designers themselves.

Is that Marian Brook? The Gilded Age star walked the Eckhaus Latta runway in a pattern clashing look.

GQ’s global fashion correspondent, Samuel Hine, took a break from writing about fashion shows and instead took part in one, walking for Eckhaus Latta during NYFW.

Is there anything more appropriate than German DJ HorsegiirL to walk in the Showpony show?

Internet star Clavicular’s appearance on the Elena Velez runway was a match made in forced controversy heaven.

Artist Amy Sherald put down the paintbrush and threw on a strapless wool dress to walk the Carolina Herrera show.

Sherald was hardly the only artist at Wes Gordon’s presentation. She was joined by a number of her contemporaries, including French painter Anh Duong.

Also on the runway was New York-based artist Eliza Douglas, perhaps best previously known to the fashion world thanks to her status as a muse and collaborator of Gucci creative director Demna.

Gallerist Hannah Traore joined the Carolina Herrera group in a strapless a-line midi dress.

Photographer Ming Smith walked the runway in a leopard print crewneck cacoon coat.

Sculptor Rachel Feinstein also took a turn.

Feinstein was joined by her daughter, Flora Currin.

After coming out of retirement last year, model Romae Gordon has kept busy. She followed up an appearance at Matthieu Blazy’s couture debut for Chanel with Rachel Scott’s debut for Proenza Schouler.

Writer Zoe Dubno took time off from promoting her book, Happiness & Love, to walk in the Proenza show.