Willem Dafoe Returns to the Runway for Miu Miu’s Paris Fashion Week Presentation 12 Years After Walking in Prada’s Viral ‘Villains’ Show

Willem Dafoe made a surprise return to the runway on Monday, closing Miu Miu’s spring 2025 fashion show in Paris.

Dafoe embraced posh styling in a navy overcoat and sweater, which he paired with a white button-up and gray pleated trousers. He wasn’t the only actor on the catwalk, with “Boys Don’t Cry” star Hilary Swank also making an appearance.

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Willem Dafoe closes Miu Miu's spring 2025 presentation in Paris on Oct. 1, paris fashion week runway modeling
Willem Dafoe closes Miu Miu’s spring 2025 presentation in Paris on Oct. 1.

Stars in the front row included Camila Cabello, Addison Rae and Blackpink’s Jennie. Miu Miu’s latest womenswear presentation melded the label’s preppy-meets-sporty sensibilities with luxe crushed leather pieces and bold, colorful patterns.

Dafoe is no stranger to the world of modeling — in fact, he and Miu Miu’s creative director, Miuccia Prada, go way back. In 2012, the Oscar nominee walked the runway for the brand’s sister label, Prada, appearing in its “Villains” fashion show.

Willem Dafoe closes Miu Miu's spring 2025 presentation in Paris on Oct. 1, paris fashion week runway modeling
Willem Dafoe closes Miu Miu's spring 2025 presentation in Paris on Oct. 1, paris fashion week runway modeling

The menswear presentation featured appearances from famed actors like Dafoe, Gary Oldman and Adrien Brody, who are known for their on-screen portrayals of antagonists. Some of Dafoe’s defining roles include the Green Goblin in 2002’s “Spider-Man” and robber Bobby Peru in David Lynch’s 1990 film “Wild at Heart.”

Creative director Miuccia Prada was inspired by fashion’s ability to convey authority, particularly among men. “Clothing is also a tool of power and a way to express male vanity,” she told WWD at the time.

Although the show was more than a decade ago, the “Villains” showcase resurged on TikTok recently. Dafoe also appeared in the corresponding ad campaign for Prada.

More recently, Dafoe has appeared in campaigns for Calvin Klein’s collaboration with Palace, as well as for the German online retailer Zalando.

Willem Dafoe walks in Prada's fall 2012 fashion show in Milan, villains
Willem Dafoe walks in Prada’s fall 2012 fashion show in Milan.

Remembering Prada’s ‘Villains’ Runway, A Catwalk Cast of Hollywood’s Antiheroes: Willem Dafoe, Gary Oldman, Adrien Brody & More [PHOTOS]

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Launch Gallery: Remembering Prada's 'Villains' Runway, A Catwalk Cast of Hollywood's Antiheroes: Willem Dafoe, Gary Oldman, Adrien Brody & More [PHOTOS]

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