By Amelia Hansford
Copyright thepinknews
Vivian Jenna Wilson defined the word icon last week, while making her runway debut at New York’s Fashion Week.
The 21-year-old trans influencer, who is the estranged daughter of controversial billionaire Elon Musk, showed the catwalk a thing or two during Alexis Bittar’s Spring/Summer 2026 presentation on Friday (12 September).
Walking the runway dressed in a short-sleeved shimmering red gown, complete with gold jewellery and a “Miss South Carolina” sash, Wilson epitomised the notable jewellery brand’s dream-like “Miss USA 1991” theme.
Inspired by films such as Blue Velvet, Carrie, and The Virgin Suicides, the surrealist event combined social commentary with vintage theatrical fashion to create a faux beauty pageant. According to Teen Vogue, each model in the show represented a state that is pushing anti-trans legislation.
Commenting on the event, Alexis Bittar wrote in an Instagram post that the show, which he described as a “dream sequence,” is a story about “misogyny, unchecked predators, objectification, and trans rights.”
He thanked Wilson for “trusting me” and “honouring me with your first show as Miss South Carolina.”
Other models during the presentation included Tommy Dorfman as Miss West Virginia, Amara Gisele as Miss Florida, Niko Haagenson as Miss Utah, Miss Dylan as Miss Alabama, Elfron Danzig as Miss Tennessee, and Gia Love as Miss Louisiana.
Speaking about the event, Wilson joked that South Carolina is a “state I’ve never been to before in my life.”
“This is my first show,” she said. “I’m a little bit nervous, but I did some good prep work. Got a full night’s sleep. I’m hyped, I’m ready to get out there.”
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The event was a perfect pick for Wilson’s runway debut, given the influencer’s work in promoting trans rights and debunking transphobic rhetoric.
The trans personality became notable in 2024 for her fierce reads of right-wing pundits, including her estranged father, Elon Musk.
Since then, she has launched headfirst into internet stardom for her videos and posts on TikTok, Threads, and more.
The 21-year-old even jump-started a drag career in June after performing at an immigration legal aid fundraiser.
The newfound fame hasn’t come without drawbacks, however. Wilson recently opened up about the abuse she’s faced, particularly online, telling The Cut magazine that she has received “really creepy” messages from trolls and anonymous accounts on social media.
“A lot of people can be really creepy, especially about my body,” she said. “People say the most disgusting, unhinged things they would do to me. It makes me feel gross.”
