From A$AP Rocky lifting his son mid-show to Ranveer Singh’s emotional gestures—has the runway become too casual?

There was a time when runways felt like sacred space—where models moved in silence, clothes spoke volumes, and designers took their bows with studied restraint. Today, that hush has been replaced with waving, flashes, and at times, an unexpected embrace of sentiments. We’re watching a soft shift happen in real-time: the runway, once distant and untouchable, is now distinctly human.

At first glance, it feels like a natural evolution. After all, fashion—despite its reputation for aloofness—has always been a mirror to culture. And culture today is casual, connected, and always online. It makes sense that fashion shows now play host to children, unfiltered laughter, and even reverent gestures.

Most recently, at A$AP Rocky’s AWGE show during Paris Fashion Week on June 27, the rapper broke that ground. After models walked his “Obligatory Fashion” collection—an exploration of formal uniforms versus casual streetwear—A$AP Rocky paused mid-show to lift his toddler son, Riot, into the air before closing the finale, blending professional presentation with a deeply personal moment. Warm? Certainly. Fashion-forward? Depends on who you ask.

The moment sparked a wave of reactions. Supporters saw it as a celebration of fatherhood and authenticity. Detractors argued it deflected attention from the craftsmanship of the collection. Echoing a similar move, his partner, Rihanna, graced the front row with Riot on her lap, their presence turning the runway into more of a family tableau than fashion theatre.

In India, Bollywood’s ramp culture hasn’t been immune to this. Take Sonakshi Sinha and Zaheer Iqbal's joint appearance, which felt more like a public romance reveal than a showcase of couture.

Another case in point is Ranveer Singh, whose high-energy entrances often turn into heartfelt public moments—whether it’s showering affection on his wife Deepika Padukone or touching his mother’s feet. These moments reflect a broader pivot: in the battle for likes and headlines, fashion shows are becoming stages first and runways second. 

So, has the runway become too casual? Not entirely. It’s becoming more human, more porous—and that isn’t inherently a problem. But fashion must remain vigilant. The story must still centre the garment. Emotion should support, not supersede, the craft. A runway can be personal without becoming pandering, evocative without losing elegance. 

In an age obsessed with being “real,” fashion may well rediscover its magic by reclaiming its mystery. Because sometimes, the boldest statement on a runway isn’t what’s done—it’s what isn’t.

Lead image: Getty Images

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