There Was a ’90s Supermodel Reunion at the Michael Kors Show

by Patricia Karounos April 20, 2021

There was really only way to mark the occasion of Michael Kors’s 40th anniversary: By getting together some of the original supermodels of the 1990s, of course.

The beloved American designer recruited Naomi Campbell, Helena Christensen, Shalom Harlow and Carolyn Murphy to walk the runway — in eye-catching shimmery gowns — for his Fall/Winter 2021 collection The show, which celebrated the brand’s milestone, was recorded on location in New York City’s theatre district and streamed on April 20.

Naomi Campbell walks in the Michael Kors Fall/Winter 1999 fashion show in New York. Photography via Getty Images.

The supers were staples on ’90s catwalks — including Michael Kors shows, naturally. Together, they were behind some of the most iconic fashion moments. Christensen basically started a trend when she walked the Marc Jacobs-helmed Perry Ellis Spring/Summer 1993 runway wearing a plaid dress, cropped cardigan and Dr. Martens. Canadian Harlow brought many game-changing finales to life, like being covered in spray paint by robots at the Spring/Summer 1999 Alexander McQueen show. Campbell became the first Black model to cover French Vogue, and has walked in shows for just about every major fashion house, from Chanel and Versace to Vivienne Westwood. (Early in her career, she actually infamously fell on the runway of Westwood’s fall 1993 show while wearing ultra high platforms, resulting in the lasting image of her laughing it off before getting back up on her feet.)

Carolyn Murphy and Helena Christensen walk along 46th Street during the Michael Kors fashion show. Photography via Getty Images.

Earlier today, the OGs joined a star-studded cast of models for the anniversary celebration, including legends like Alek Wek, Liya Kebede and Karen Elson, and some of today’s most famous faces, like Bella Hadid, Soo Joo Park, Paloma Elsesser, Ashley Graham and Irina Shayk.

The Michael Kors 40th anniversary show was held in the heart of Broadway to honour the designer’s love of the stage, and was influenced by the joy of dressing up for a night out — something that hopefully more people will be able to do soon. To support theatre, Kors made a donation to the Actors Fund (which supports performers and behind-the-scenes entertainment and performing arts workers), and kicked off the show with veteran actors like Kristin Chenoweth, Marisa Tomei, Debra Messing, Bette Midler and more to help raise awareness around the non-profit.

You can watch the runway show here, and check out some of the best looks below.