Fashion

11 Insane Fashion Week Looks That Made Us Feel Sorry for the Models Wearing Them

Fashion Week brings us countless sources of entertainment and joy: the latest trends all in one place, gorgeous dresses we can only dream of wearing, and above all, models who didn't quite know what they were in for when they were hired for the runway.

Probability-wise, each fashion show will have at least one look that doesn't quite measure up, and in most cases, pushes the boundaries of what can be considered "clothing." While the Miranda Kerrs and Kate Mosses of the world flounce down the runway in breathtaking finale gowns, other lesser-known models will inevitably be stuck in an ensemble that looks vaguely torturous to wear. We found 13 models from Fashion Weeks past whose high heels we definitely wouldn't want to walk in.

by Tyler Atwood

Chanel Couture's Knee Pads

As much faith as we place in Karl Lagerfeld’s genius designs, there are some things the world just isn’t ready for yet. And lilac metallic knee pads (with matching arm pads and fanny pack to boot) are one of those things. At least this model had something to break the fall if she tripped on the runway.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Alexis Mabille's Paper Butterflies

As beautiful and ethereal as butterflies may be, having one perched on your nose for an hour just seems like it would be irritating. One unlucky model at Alexis Mabille’s Spring 2014 show not only had a paper butterfly affixed to her nose, but a host of them atop her head as well. This is one look we hope never makes it off the runway.

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Schiaparelli's Wigs

Not only does this wig from the Schiaparelli runway look uncomfortably toasty, it also appears to obscure the model’s vision. Probably not an ideal combination for a heavily lit, narrow runway.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Jean Paul Gaultier's Pantsuit

Between the exaggerated gaucho pants, the jaunty hat, and the voluminous sleeves, Gaultier’s pantsuit looks like a handful to pull off. Add to the ensemble a pair of pointy-toe heels, and you have the recipe for fashion disaster on the runway.

Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Alexander McQueen's Tulle Dress

Though sartorially intriguing, this McQueen dress with its inverted tulle ruff at the neck looks a bit too scratchy for our taste. We hope it functions like a windbreaker for the model, because the detail does little else for the dress.

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Louis Vuitton's Feathered Headdress

Unless you work in a Las Vegas casino where beaded bikinis and feathered headdresses are proper professional attire, we’re thinking this Vuitton ensemble is neither comfortable nor appropriate for any occasion we can think of.

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Marc Jacobs' Maxi Dress

As much as we love Marc Jacobs (and we do, we really do), the model wearing his embroidered maxi dress ensemble looks about two seconds away from tripping over her hem, or simply melting to the floor under the weight of her outfit.

Peter Michael Dills/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Dsquared's Ruffled Shorts

While we adore Dsquared’s whimsical, flirty aesthetic, Dean and Dan crossed the line over to uncomfortable with these ruffled shorts. The look may have been beautiful on paper, but translated to barely more than an embellished diaper on the runway.

Andreas Rentz/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Antonio Berardi's Slit Skirt

We love a maxi skirt with a subtle slit at the side (see Angelina Jolie’s Versace gown at the 2012 Oscars). But this Antonio Berardi skirt just isn’t getting it quite right. The super-high slit as well as its placement at the center of the skirt makes for a slightly uncomfortable effect. At the very least, the skirt looks well ventilated.

Ben A. Pruchnie/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images

Balmain's Leather Overalls

It’s rare to find an ensemble that is simultaneously too cozy, too itchy, and too flashy, but these Balmain overalls with embellished undershirt seem to be all three at once. We might just stick to our tried-and-true one leather piece per outfit.

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Rodarte's Deconstructed Biker Outfit

We aren’t quite sure what’s going on with this deconstructed ensemble, but we are sure it looks uncomfortable in the worst way. A fringed, barely-there miniskirt with an unfinished-looking hem is held up by leather suspenders, while the only real coverage appears to be the sleeveless leather vest. We hope the runway was adequately temperature-controlled.

Slaven Vlasic/Getty Images Entertainment/Getty Images
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