On September 12, 2025, Vivian Jenna Wilson, the 21-year-old estranged daughter of tech mogul Elon Musk, made a striking debut at New York Fashion Week (NYFW), captivating audiences with her poised runway walk and a bold, viral comment about her father that set social media ablaze. Stepping onto the catwalk for Alexis Bittar’s Spring-Summer 2026 show, themed “MISS USA 1991: A Dream Sequence,” Wilson not only marked her entry into the high-fashion world but also used the platform to deliver a pointed statement about Musk, further intensifying their public feud. Her appearance, combined with her candid remark, has sparked widespread discussion, with hashtags like #VivianWilson and #NYFW trending globally on platforms like X. As a transgender model and advocate, Wilson’s debut represents a powerful moment of self-assertion, blending fashion, identity, and activism in a way that has redefined her public narrative.

The Alexis Bittar show, held at the Abrons Art Center in Manhattan’s Lower East Side, was a pageant-inspired spectacle addressing themes of misogyny, objectification, and trans rights. Wilson, representing South Carolina, glided down the runway in a shimmering red sequined gown with flutter sleeves, accessorized with a purple sash reading “Miss South Carolina” and gold statement earrings. Her long blonde hair cascaded over one shoulder, and her confident stride belied the fact that this was her first-ever NYFW appearance. Backstage, Wilson spoke to Nylon magazine, admitting to pre-show nerves but emphasizing her preparation: “This is my first show! I’m a little bit nervous, but I did some good prep work and got a full night’s sleep. I’m hyped.” The designer praised her, noting in an Instagram post, “Thank you for trusting me, Vivian, and for honoring me with your first show as Miss South Carolina.” The show’s focus on states where trans rights are under threat added a layer of significance to Wilson’s participation, aligning with her advocacy for transgender visibility.

Following her debut, Wilson walked in three additional NYFW shows over the next few days, including Prabal Gurung’s Spring/Summer 2026 presentation, where she wore a white knit ensemble, and Chris Habana’s avant-garde “POP” show, backed by Pornhub, where she donned a chainmail dress with metallic pellets. Her rapid ascent in the fashion world, coupled with her poised demeanor, drew comparisons to her grandmother, Maye Musk, a veteran model who walked NYFW’s Juzui show earlier in 2025. Yet, it was Wilson’s off-the-cuff comment about her father during a backstage interview at the Chris Habana show on September 15 that catapulted her into the global spotlight. When asked about her relationship with Musk, she paused, then said, “He’s not a father—he’s just a guy with a bank account who thinks he can buy the world’s respect. I’m here to live my truth, not his shadow.” The remark, captured on video, spread like wildfire across X, garnering millions of views and igniting a polarized debate about family, fame, and identity.

Wilson’s comment struck a nerve, resonating with those who view her as a symbol of independence and resilience. Social media erupted with support, with posts like, “Vivian Wilson just owned NYFW and called out Elon Musk’s nonsense. Iconic!” trending alongside clips of her runway walk. Fans praised her for carving her own path, with one X user writing, “She’s not just Elon’s daughter—she’s Vivian, and she’s killing it.” Others, however, criticized her for publicly disparaging her father, with comments like, “Vivian’s only famous because of Musk. This is just nepo baby drama.” The term “nepo baby” became a contentious point, with some arguing her opportunities stem from her father’s fame, while supporters countered that her talent and activism stand on their own merit. “She’s thriving despite him, not because of him,” one user posted, summing up the sentiment of her defenders.

The viral comment added fuel to an already strained relationship. Wilson, who legally changed her name and gender in 2022 to distance herself from Musk, has been vocal about his absence and lack of support during her childhood. Born Xavier Alexander Musk to Musk and his first wife, Justine Wilson, she came out as transgender at 16, adopting her mother’s maiden name and the first name Vivian, inspired by a character from the online game Paladins. In a 2025 Teen Vogue interview, she described Musk as “uncaring and narcissistic,” revealing she hasn’t spoken to him since 2020. Her NYFW comment echoed these sentiments, framing Musk as a distant figure more concerned with wealth and influence than family. Musk’s 2024 remarks, where he referred to her by her birth name and claimed she was “killed by the woke mind virus” in a Daily Wire interview, have only deepened their rift, making her latest statement a bold rebuttal.

Wilson’s NYFW debut was more than a fashion milestone; it was a statement of autonomy. Her choice to represent South Carolina, a state that passed restrictive gender-affirming care laws in 2024, underscored her commitment to trans rights. Speaking to NBC News backstage at the Chris Habana show, she said, “Fashion and art are inherently political. I’m here to show that we exist, we’re thriving, and we won’t be erased.” Her presence in shows with explicit social messages amplified her platform, earning praise from designers and activists alike. Tommy Dorfman, a fellow trans model who walked in Bittar’s show, posted on X, “Vivian’s courage is everything. She’s not just walking runways—she’s walking for all of us.” The fashion world, often criticized for lacking diversity, embraced Wilson as a fresh voice, with industry insiders predicting she could become a fixture at future fashion weeks.

The viral nature of her comment about Musk also sparked broader conversations about privilege and identity. Wilson has been open about her financial independence, telling The Cut she lives modestly with roommates in Los Angeles and has no access to her father’s $415 billion fortune. “People assume I have a lot of money,” she said. “I don’t have hundreds of thousands of dollars at my disposal.” Her rejection of wealth as a goal, coupled with her focus on authenticity, resonated with younger audiences, particularly Gen Z, who flooded X with memes and fan art celebrating her as a “trans icon” and “anti-nepo queen.” One viral meme showed Wilson strutting past a Tesla factory with the caption, “When you ditch the Musk name and still slay.” Critics, however, argued her platform stems from her father’s fame, with one X post reading, “She’s only on that runway because of Elon. Let’s not pretend this isn’t nepotism.”

Musk has not publicly responded to Wilson’s NYFW comment, though his recent X activity, including posts about Tesla’s AI chip design and Optimus engineering, suggests he’s focused on business rather than personal disputes. His silence contrasts with his vocal reactions to past criticisms, leading some to speculate he’s avoiding further escalation. Meanwhile, Wilson’s mother, Justine, a Canadian author, has remained supportive, with Wilson joking in Teen Vogue that she inherited her “cringe and chronically online” personality from her. The contrast between her close relationship with her mother and her estrangement from Musk has fueled public sympathy, with many viewing her NYFW success as a triumph over adversity.

As NYFW concluded, Wilson celebrated her whirlwind week on Instagram Stories, posting a selfie captioned, “First FW show done, very slay.” Her rapid rise, from a drag performance debut as Vivllainous in June to commanding four major runways, signals a promising career. She told NBC News she’s passionate about languages and art, hinting at future projects like Twitch streaming or further modeling. The fashion world’s embrace of her talent, combined with her unapologetic stance, positions her as a cultural force beyond her father’s shadow.

Wilson’s debut and viral comment have redefined her narrative, casting her as a bold voice in fashion and activism. The polarized reactions—admiration from supporters, skepticism from critics—reflect the complexities of navigating fame, family, and identity in the public eye. As social media continues to buzz with her runway highlights and quotable jab at Musk, Wilson’s story underscores the power of authenticity in a world obsessed with wealth and influence. “I’m not here to be Elon’s daughter,” she told Nylon. “I’m here to be Vivian.” For now, her star is rising, and the fashion world—and the internet—are watching closely.