New York Fashion Week kicked off with its usual flair and spectacle—but it also delivered an unexpected viral moment.
While the event is synonymous with haute couture and carefully curated runway shows, it has also become a magnet for pranksters and protestors seeking attention. This year, one such stunt slipped past the radar—at least for a while.
So, what happened?
A video from New York Fashion Week has gone viral, amassing more than 6 million views across social media. The clip shows an imposter confidently strutting down the runway, seemingly indistinguishable from the actual models—despite wearing a transparent trash bag and a pink shower cap.
What’s most surprising is that no one in the audience appeared to question his presence. The crowd cheered, applauded, and watched intently, unaware that the walk had nothing to do with the official show. Only a handful of onlookers later realized that he was not a scheduled model.
The imposter moved seamlessly along the runway, soaking up the spotlight and applause, until security finally stepped in and escorted him out of the venue.
Imposter Identified
Soon after the video spread online, sharp-eyed viewers identified the man as Fred Beyer, an online personality known for pulling public pranks. He has built a sizable following through prank videos and social experiments shared on social media.
Adding fuel to the buzz, Beyer later teased the stunt on Instagram with the caption “Incoming Danger,” hinting at a full video release on YouTube.
As the clip continues to circulate, social media users are reacting with a mix of amusement and disbelief—many questioning how such a bold prank managed to unfold on one of fashion’s biggest stages.
