This week, fans of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills may have spotted Lisa Rinna in Paris, but if you’re used to her signature honey blonde spiky bob, you might’ve done a double-take. Instead of her usual style, Rinna embraced a variety of wigs while attending the Haute Couture shows, each more striking than the last. From a dramatic inky black bowl cut paired with a blue Balenciaga sports jacket for Demna's final couture collection to an eye-catching lilac beehive for Viktor & Rolf, Rinna’s looks were a sight to behold.
The wigs, styled by renowned hairstylist Johan Hellstrom (the man behind the star-studded Björn Axén brand), were crafted with impeccable precision. In fact, Hellstrom revealed on Instagram Stories that the wigs were applied by a team of two, ensuring every detail was perfect. If you weren't aware of Rinna’s massive fanbase (over 3.7 million Instagram followers), her new looks might have made you think she was going for a more undercover approach. In truth, these wigs are more about catching eyes and sparking conversations. And they’ve certainly done just that. Comments online have been playful, with one TikTok user even quipping, "It’s giving Bob from Beetlejuice" beneath a video of Rinna at the show.
But if we view fashion as a medium for creative expression, especially when it comes to haute couture — which is all about craftsmanship and individuality — should more people be embracing unique accessories like wigs?
A History of Fashion Statements
Rinna is not alone in her daring fashion choices. Couture week has seen countless jaw-dropping moments over the years, with celebrities using their appearances as an opportunity for artistic expression. From Doja Cat painted entirely red and encrusted with 30,000 Swarovski crystals to Kylie Jenner bringing a life-sized lion’s head as her accessory, couture has always been a stage for the fantastical and the extravagant. But, surprisingly, wigs — especially vibrant or unconventional ones — are still relatively rare. Rinna’s wigs have certainly turned heads, but they stand out for their boldness.
In 2023, she was seen sporting an ‘80s-inspired bowl cut at Paris Fashion Week, while other looks included a platinum blonde Marilyn Monroe blowout and a fiery red pixie cut. Rinna herself has spoken about the fun she has with these wild hairstyles, noting, "I’ve had such a ball doing that kind of stuff," in a 2023 Bravo interview. But wigs aren’t just a Rinna trademark. Designers like Jeremy Scott and Anna Sui have used wigs to add flair to their collections, with models at shows sporting pastel and neon bobs or mullets. More recently, Rei Kawakubo at Comme des Garçons transformed wigs into sculptural art, with plastic helmets that challenged traditional hair styling altogether.
The Power of Wigs: From History to High Fashion
Wigs have deep roots in history, dating back to ancient Egypt where they were worn as status symbols and to shield heads from the sun. In African and Black communities, wigs have long been worn for cultural expression, hair protection, and to navigate societal beauty standards. However, in the context of modern fashion, wigs have become an avant-garde accessory that can elevate any outfit. They’re not just a protective style — they’re a statement, much like a bold set of jewelry, a quirky handbag, or even extravagant makeup.
For most people attending fashion week, practicality reigns. Editors, buyers, and stylists are typically busy with a packed agenda, so their outfits tend to lean toward comfort and professionalism. However, for those like Rinna, standing out in the crowd is often the goal. In today’s digital age, outlandish looks are bound to grab attention, and a head-turning wig is a simple yet effective way to do that. After all, at any costume party, the wig is often the centerpiece — the ultimate finishing touch.
So, while the idea of donning a bold wig might not be for everyone, it certainly adds to the fun and flair of haute couture fashion week. For Rinna and others, it’s the perfect accessory for making a statement — and one that’s sure to leave a lasting impression.