Hadid Imposter Shows Security Need [Opinion]

The 2020 spring fashion week runways were very interesting this year to say the least. Fashion week in Paris was going very smoothly for Gigi Hadid. According to her Instagram, Hadid was in runways for Ralph Lauren, Tom Ford, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs, Burberry, Chanel, and more. The one runway that stood out the most was the Chanel runway at the Grand Palais, where an imposter jumped on the runway stage with Hadid.  

Having this being a popular event, surprisingly there was not more security. The woman had been identified as a YouTube prankster, Marie Benoliel. She was wearing Chanel to try to blend in to impersonate one of the models, but Hadid new better. Hadid was the one who escorted her off the stage, not security. Numerous celebrity and fashion sites covered the story. According to numerous sources, security failed to get to Hadid and Benoliel in time. Sadly, Hadid had to take the incident into her own hands. Security should have been the one to handle the situation, not Hadid. This woman could have been dangerous, being she got very close to the models. It is hard to determine what people’s true intentions are at public events. The excuse of “not getting there in time” should not be an excuse. Those security guards hopefully learned their lesson. 

Benoliel did not cause harm to anyone, besides the Chanel runway.  Benoliel posed and smiled on the runway, making out this serious event to be a joke. This was not okay; she should not have been messing around on a professional show. She looked childish and lacked respect for the people who worked on this runway. Hadid did not shed a smile, because she had to stay professional. Hadid in photos seemed a little annoyed, but given, it is understandable. I would have been irritated in her situation for sure. This incident may have been planned, but it is hard to state that it was. Benoliel is known for antics, and she can now add this to her resume.  

Benoleil explained in an interview stating “’You see, last week I did the Etam catwalk just like that, because I’ve always wanted to walk the runway. I found it a bit low end so I decided to face the best runway, Chanel.” Benoliel explained the Chanel runway was “the ultimate challenge.” How she speaks proves how childish she really is. Having this be the second runway, she should have been banned from attending the rest of the shows. The security should have been on top of this before she was able to walk through the door. Security needs to be more secured before this incident happens again, or for a second time. I can imagine people who work in the fashion business felt frustration with the lack of security.  

Hadid has been through a lot in fashion week history. According to numerous sources this is not Hadid’s first mishap during Fashion Week. Hadid has been attacked before, which should have made security more willingly to protect her. Hadid is huge in the fashion business, which also puts her at risks of being attacked. This incident was more physical, her and her sister Bella Hadid were attacked but managed to fight back. Hadid has stated that women should have a “right to fight back.” They had every right in this instance. Famous people have a right to defend themselves, just like everyone else would do. Gladly, the incident in 2019 Paris Fashion Week was not physical. If anything, the security should not have let anyone near them that looked suspicious.  

Hadid handled this incident with grace, but it could have ended badly. Security for the models should be top priority for these runways. If this woman wanted to hurt one of the models, she very well could have. Security should be sitting next to the runway to prevent imposters from jumping on the stage. Security at these runways should not be another thing Benoliel can mock. Next year’s Fashion Week should be more heavily secured for the model’s safety. No one wants to see these women get hurt, and they deserve to feel safe. These women should not have to worry about anyone intruding on their moment on the runway.