This year’s Forces of Fashion, taking place on October 16, is dedicated to the art, drama, and influence of the runway throughout history. In honor of that, Vogue editors are sharing their favorite fictional fashion shows that have appeared in movies and television shows throughout the years.
I may have only been nine-years-old when 2001’s Zoolander first came out, but I remember it instantly becoming one of my favorite and most-watched films. (It still is.)
Growing up in rural Canada, the high-fashion world was a total enigma to me—but I was fascinated and enchanted by it, especially after watching Zoolander. Even though the film—which stars Derek (Ben Stiller) and Hansel (Owen Wilson) as competing, not-so-bright supermodels—satirizes the fashion industry to a comical degree, I was instantly obsessed with the crazy, glamorous world that it created. My favorite scenes, of course, were the absurd and theatrical catwalk moments—whether it was the dramatic “walk-offs” between Derek and Hansel (and judged by David Bowie, no less), or the garbage-themed couture collection (called “Derelicte”) that evil designer Mugatu (Will Ferrell) debuts near the end of the movie. It was all a total feast for the eyes.
Though my knowledge of what a real runway show looks like was extremely limited at the time, I had no difficulty believing that Mugatu’s “Derelicte” presentation—which turned pieces of trash into couture—was the real-life standard. What? You mean to tell me that real front rows don’t feature Lil’ Kim sitting beside the Prime Minister of Malaysia? Today’s front-rows are strategically placed with current, of-the-moment VIP stars—but the Zoolander crowd was, well, wonderfully random and eclectic. It may have been extremely exaggerated, but the film made Fashion Week look so splashy, over-the-top, and fun. I knew I wanted to be a part of that world.
My favorite moment, however, is the competitive walk-off that Hansel and Derek partake in about midway through the film. First of all, can we talk about their impeccable outfits? I’m not sure which saucy getup I enjoy more: Hansel’s lavishly fringed suede jacket, or Derek’s red snakeskin ensemble? Seeing them both strut with confidence—in an industrial-style warehouse, where real-life shows are often hosted—even inspired me to have my very own fashion show competitions with my sister at home. (Yes, that was my idea of fun as a kid.)
Even the Zoolander sequel—released in 2016—had some pretty epic fashion show moments, too. Remember when Ben Stiller and Owen Wilson—both very much in-character—crashed a real-life Valentino catwalk, and filmed it for a sequence in the movie? Life imitating art! I love that, in both films, runway shows serve as a secondary character—a running bit that drives the plot forward. And, sure, they may be totally unrealistic and foolish, but they will always hold a special place in my heart. Cue: Your best “blue steel” pose!
