We Compared How Outfits Look on Runway Models vs. Celebrities — but We Can’t Decide Who Truly Nailed It

Fashion shows aren’t just glamorous social gatherings for celebrities — they’re also the perfect opportunity to scout standout looks for upcoming red carpet moments. But once those runway outfits are worn by the stars, they often take on a completely different vibe from how they first appeared on the catwalk.

1. LaQuan Smith and Sydney Sweeney

The original runway vibe is all about elongated, seamless elegance, while Sydney’s version turns the look into a bold statement piece, where the metallic element steals the show and gives the outfit a gladiator-chic twist.

2. Elie Saab model and Jennifer Lopez

Designer Elie Saab is famous for their evening gowns that are considered to be symbols of femininity and sensuality. Looking at the elegant look on Jennifer Lopez, we can see the dress emphasizes all the best parts of her body. Both the deep cleavage and the high cutout look appropriate on her. At the same time, the singer decided not wear the headband, which made her look more sophisticated.

3. Alexis Mabille Couture model and Dita Von Teese

Such a tight-fitting dress looks especially impressive on an hourglass-type body shape — that’s why it seems to have been created especially for Dita von Teese. The outfit looks more appropriate on the burlesque star rather than on the model. Perhaps it’s the hairdo and the makeup that played into the winning look as well.

4. Moschino model and Lizzo

It seems that this dress was not meant to be worn by anyone except for the runway model. This outfit looks more like a designer’s joke. Nevertheless, Lizzo chose this very dress to go out. As a result, we can not only see this singer’s perfect body shape, but also her perfect sense of humor.

5. Chanel model and Margot Robbie

Back in 1994, Claudia Schiffer appeared on the runway in a spectacular flowing dress from Chanel. Many years later, in 2020, Margot Robbie decided to go back to that collection and appeared at the 92nd Academy Awards in the same vintage outfit. However, the actress ditched the corset and the saturated dark blue color, that would’ve actually suited her perfectly. In the end, the look became a bit different, but no less original.

6. Zuhair Murad model and Catherine Zeta-Jones

This amazing dress from Zuhair Murad looks good on both ladies. The only exception is that the model in this dress looks more like a nymph, while Catherine Zeta-Jones looks more like a queen. The actress also asked to remove the cape, which made her image look more down-to-earth.

7. Zuhair Murad model and Kate Beckinsale

This is another dress that requires a curvy shape. It feels that the dress lacks something on the runway and that it looks more effective on Kate Beckinsale. Moreover, the bright red color looks perfect on the actress.

8. Giambattista Valli model and Priyanka Chopra

On the model, the look feels ethereal and editorial, with sheer layers and vertical sparkle creating a long, fluid line. On Priyanka Chopra, it becomes pure red-carpet glamour — the fit emphasizes her curves, adding a sultry, confident energy, while her soft waves and warm makeup transform the runway’s cool elegance into star-powered drama.

9. Alexander McQueen model and Rosamund Pike

At first glance, it might seem that this rather strange dress cannot be adapted to real life, but Rosamund Pike has proven, by her own example, that she can do it. The actress decided against the weird headwear and the wide belt, and eventually she ended up with an elegant and almost classic look.

10. Elie Saab model and Rita Ora

The singer has a more curvy shape than the runway model, that’s why it seems that the designer dress looks more effective on her. Moreover, Rita Ora has an olive skin tone that successfully sets off the powdery color of the outfit.

11. Stephane Rolland model and Heidi Klum

It’s hard to compare outfits when the celebrity is a fashion model. Nevertheless, it seems that Heidi Klum put on a totally different dress. If the outfit looked more like a shapeless curtain on the runway, Heidi managed to make the look sensual and even showed her slender legs to the public.

12. Gucci model and Cate Blanchett

When deciding to wear such a bright dress, there is always a possibility that you’ll get lost in it, but Cate Blanchett proved that it’s not clothes that make a person look beautiful, but the other way around. As a result, the actress wore this wonderful look, created in the Baroque style. The fact that the diva decided to go without the cross-body bag was a good decision, because this accessory visually splits the body diagonally.

13. Valentino model and Florence Pugh

This dress resembles an exotic flower — it has a very unusual style and a bright color that doesn’t match everyone. However, Florence Pugh managed to create a unique and very memorable look — the actress only elongated the outfit a bit and put the collar down in order to get rid of the impression that she doesn’t have a neck.

14. Tom Ford model and Zendaya

Zendaya managed to “tame” this unusual top from Tom Ford. She looked like a princess in it, and the bright neon color of the outfit matched her personality perfectly. Also, looking at the perfect body shape of the celebrity, it’s clear that she could perform as a model on the runway herself, too.

15. Valentino model and Vanessa Kirby

This Valentino look blooms like a walking bouquet — oversized scarlet roses and a dramatic sweeping coat. On the runway model, it reads as bold fashion sculpture, striking and theatrical. On Vanessa Kirby, it transforms into polished red-carpet romance. Her sleek styling softens the volume, turning the statement florals into modern, feminine elegance rather than pure runway drama.

Be sure to check out our other article featuring celebrities whose transformations through the years are hard to believe.