Vivian Wilson debuts at New York Fashion Week in trans-only runway show
Vivian Wilson, the 21-year-old estranged trans daughter of tech billionaire Elon Musk, made a striking debut at New York Fashion Week (NYFW), walking the runway in a politically charged show that championed trans rights and challenged societal norms.
Vivian, who legally changed her name and gender in 2022, took centre stage in designer Alexis Bittar’s Spring/Summer 2026 presentation titled “MISS USA 1991: A Dream Sequence.” The show, held at the Abrons Art Center on 12 September, featured a surreal, pageant-inspired theme where each model represented a U.S. state currently enacting legislation that restricts trans rights.
Wearing a shimmering red gown, gold accessories, and a sash reading “Miss South Carolina,” Vivian embodied what she described as “the mean, bitchy one” of the fictional pageant contestants. “My heart is black as an abyss, so I just have to activate the evilness,” she joked backstage.
The show was more than fashion - it was a statement. Bittar, who cast only trans women for the presentation, described the collection as “a story about misogyny, unchecked predators, objectification and trans rights,” drawing inspiration from cult films like Blue Velvet, Carrie, and The Virgin Suicides.
Vivian, who uses the Instagram handle @vivllainous, later shared behind-the-scenes moments and selfies from the event, captioning one with “First fw show done, very slay.” She also expressed gratitude to Bittar for the opportunity, calling it an honour to debut in such a meaningful show.
This appearance marks a significant moment in Vivian’s growing public presence. Earlier this year, she performed at the RuPaul’s Drag Race All Stars Season 10 premiere and fronted a campaign for identity-focused fashion brand Wildfang.
Her relationship with Musk remains distant. In past interviews, she has criticised him for deadnaming her and promoting anti-trans rhetoric. “I don’t have that inheritance,” she said. “I can afford food. I have friends, a shelter, and some expendable income, which is nice and much more fortunate than most people my age in Los Angeles”.
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