Supermodel Emily Ratajkowski has officially broken the internet again, but this time, it isn't for a sultry Instagram selfie. During the highly anticipated Gucci Fall/Winter 2026 show at Milan Fashion Week, Ratajkowski's runway walk became the instant subject of a viral debate. While she looked undeniable in a crystal-covered silver bodycon dress, her stomping strut was labeled by social media users as everything from "GTA NPC coded" to "trying not to look drunk." Despite the online roast, the 34-year-old star didn't let the chatter ruin her night, later spotted cozying up to her boyfriend, filmmaker Romain Gavras, at a star-studded post-show dinner.
The Walk That Sparked a Viral Firestorm
It was supposed to be a triumphant moment: Demna's first official runway show for the Italian powerhouse, held at the historic Palazzo delle Scintille. But as soon as Ratajkowski hit the catwalk, the focus shifted from the clothes to the cadence. Clad in a shimmering, high-gloss silver mini dress and embellished heels, her walk was noticeably aggressive, with a heavy-footed rhythm that seemed at odds with the delicate couture.
Within minutes, clips of the walk flooded TikTok and X (formerly Twitter). One user's comment, which garnered thousands of likes, read, "It’s giving ‘my Uber is here and I can’t find my shoes.’" Another viral tweet compared her motion to a Grand Theft Auto character glitching into a wall. Critics pointed out a "disconnect" between her upper body elegance and her lower body's heavy stomp, with one top comment on Instagram noting she walked with "the essence of wearing trainers" while in stilettos.
Social Media Reacts: "GTA Coded" vs. "Power Walk"
The internet remains divided. While the meme factory worked overtime, loyal fans rushed to her defense, calling the strut a "power walk" that fit the show's edgy, pragmatic theme. Demna’s vision for Gucci 2026 is reportedly "lighter, softer, yet senseless," and some fashion insiders argued that Ratajkowski’s unconventional gait was a directorial choice rather than a malfunction. Regardless of the intent, the moment has already cemented itself as one of the most memorable Milan Fashion Week highlights of 2026.
Romain Gavras and Emily Ratajkowski: Unbothered in Milan
If the criticism phased the My Body author, she certainly didn't show it. Hours after the show, Ratajkowski was photographed looking radiant at the exclusive Gucci dinner at Baretto. She was joined by her boyfriend, 44-year-old French director Romain Gavras, confirming their romance is still going strong after going "Instagram official" just last week.
The couple, who were first linked in late 2025, appeared inseparable. Gavras, known for his work on the film Athena and for previously dating Dua Lipa, kept a protective arm around Ratajkowski as they navigated the paparazzi flashbulbs. Their public display of affection served as the perfect counter-narrative to the online noise, proving that a little runway controversy is nothing compared to a night out in Milan with a new beau.
Demna’s Gucci Debut: The Bigger Picture
Beyond the viral memes, the show itself was a pivotal moment for the fashion industry. This marked the first physical runway presentation under the creative direction of Demna, formerly of Balenciaga. The collection featured a mix of "party girl" aesthetics and sharp business wear, with other icons like Kate Moss and Karlie Kloss also gracing the runway.
Ratajkowski’s silver look was part of a broader trend of high-gloss glamour that defined the evening. While her walk may have stolen the headlines, the collection received praise for its bold reimagining of the brand's heritage. The inclusion of diverse modeling styles—from Moss’s signature slink to Ratajkowski’s controversial stomp—seems to be part of the new "senseless" era of Gucci that Demna promised.
A History of Runway Moments
This isn't the first time a celebrity walk has polarized the fashion world, nor is it Ratajkowski's first brush with scrutiny. As a model who successfully transitioned from commercial shoots to high fashion runways, she has often faced critiques regarding her technique compared to "traditional" catwalk models. However, her ability to generate buzz is exactly why top-tier brands continue to book her.
Whether you view it as a celebrity runway fail or a genius marketing move, one thing is certain: Emily Ratajkowski knows how to keep the world watching. As Milan Fashion Week continues, all eyes will be on her next move—and her next step.
