In a moment that connects the past with the present, Lily Brant, daughter of renowned supermodel Stephanie Seymour, made her highly anticipated runway debut at Paris Fashion Week on 3 October 2023. The 21-year-old showcased her talent by walking for the iconic fashion house Alaïa, a brand that holds significant personal history for both her and her mother.
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Dressed in a stylish khaki trench-style minidress and paired with black ankle boots, Lily’s appearance on the catwalk drew comparisons to her mother, who found her footing in the fashion industry through the same brand during the 1980s. Stephanie Seymour, now 58, was the muse of Azzedine Alaïa, the celebrated designer who passed away in 2017. The bond shared between Alaïa and Seymour was evident, as he was instrumental in launching her modelling career after she faced multiple rejections during her early days in Paris.
Reflecting on her journey in an interview with Vogue, Lily expressed her unique connection to Alaïa and how it has been shaped since childhood. “I knew Azzedine from a very young age,” she revealed. “I always remember going to his house as a kid. He would have these big dinners, and I would go with my brothers and my mum and my dad.” Her fond memories included recounting how Alaïa was not only welcoming but also treated her like family, always sharing hugs and kindness.
Lily’s ties to the designer extend beyond childhood memories. She recalled receiving a black dress from Alaïa at the age of 13, which has remained a cherished item in her wardrobe. “It fits like a shirt on me now! I hope one day to pass them down to my own children,” she shared, revealing her deep appreciation for the gifts and memories associated with the late designer.
The bond between mother and daughter runs deep, with both women navigating their paths in the world of high fashion. Seymour previously detailed her own nerves during her inaugural runway experience, describing how she would utter, “I can’t believe I’m doing this,” to calm herself. Yet, despite her anxiety, Alaïa continued to feature her in his runway shows, cementing their relationship.
Lily, reflecting on her recent show, conveyed her gratitude for the opportunity. “I feel so lucky that I got to walk in the show, and that I got to work there, and that I just have this special connection.” Now signed with Ford Models, she has honed her skills and knowledge while interning at Alaïa’s fashion house during summers while still in her teens.
Her work at Alaïa involved both public relations and the brand’s atelier, experiences that Lily described as profound. “Everyone there is so sweet and talented and genuine, and it feels like home,” she noted, emphasising the warmth and support she felt within the team.
Despite the triumphs, the family has faced significant challenges, including the tragic loss of her brother, Harry Brant, who died from an accidental overdose in January 2021 at the age of 24. The emotional journey seems to have deepened her connections within the fashion industry and strengthened her resolve in celebrating her family’s legacy.
As she continues to carve her own path in modelling, Lily pays homage to her family’s rich history while embracing her individuality. Her runway debut serves as not only a triumph for herself but also a heartfelt tribute to the influences that have shaped her life in the fashion world.