Runway extravaganza in Paris celebrates 100 years of French fashion – and sports

Model and actress Cara Delevingne poses for photographers upon arrival at the Vogue World event in Paris. Photo: AP

Models, singers and sports stars descended on Paris Sunday (June 23) for a glitzy event celebrating 100 years of French fashion.

As a runup to the Olympics next month, the Vogue World runway show also shone a spotlight on the sporting arena.

Different athletic disciplines were used to represent each style decade – from 1920s to the present day. These included cycling, gymnastics, tennis, fencing and lots more.

Not only that, there were more than 151 models and 188 athletes that were roped in for this grand extravaganza.

For example, models Gigi Hadid and Kendall Jenner appeared on horseback to show off designs by Hermes. Cyclists from the French national team rode by guests to show off a quintet of Chanel dresses.

Read more: More athletes are making their mark as the faces of luxury fashion brands

Tennis stars Serena and Venus Williams walked the runway, together with other athletes like footballer Djibril Cisse, basketballer Victor Wembanyama, fencer Miles Chamley and skier Eileen Gu.

Balenciaga presented a stylish interpretation of track athletics, while Jacquemus showed off a different take on aquatic wear.

There were live performances by known names in the showbiz industry – Sabrina Carpenter, Teyana Taylor, Aya Nakamura, Bad Bunny – to wow and impress guests, as well.

If not on the runway, the red carpet was also a big focus.

Famous guests were seen posing and preening for photographers wearing designers labels – almost all of which were in the show's lineup.

Carine Roitfeld (French fashion editor), Ib Kamara (fashion designer) and Alexandre Samson (Palais Galliera museum curator) helmed this year edition, together with Pat McGrath returning to lead makeup design.

World-renowned dancer (also Rihanna's Super Bowl halftime show choreographer) Parris Goebel oversaw the artistic direction and choreography.