The relationship between celebrities and the paparazzi is a complex one. Yes, sour, lecherous photographers can exploit people seeking privacy, take photos of celebrity children when asked to refrain, and capture some of the darkest moments of people’s lives. But when things are good, paparazzi are just another tool in a celebrity’s (or publicist’s) kit. What better way to hard launch a relationship, hit the rebound, or model your new fashion line than with a conveniently timed pap walk?
Thanks to the paparazzi, restaurants became runways this year, with Rihanna, Hailey and Justin Bieber, Taylor Swift, and other A-listers turning Giorgio Baldi, Funke, and Via Carota into an opportunity to be seen on their own terms. The Kar-Jenner clan uses the paps to help promote their businesses. And even brands are getting in on the action now, with Bottega Veneta deploying paparazzi-style photographs of A$AP Rocky and Kendall Jenner for their latest ad campaign.
Below, Vogue rounds up a few of our favourite pap walks of 2023. Some are glamorous, some are deeply silly, and others are a naked cry for attention. We’ll let you decide what’s what.
Photo: Getty Images
Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce Made It Official
Swift told Time that the Kansas City Chiefs tight end caught her attention on an episode of his podcast. “This all started when Travis very adorably put me on blast on his podcast, which I thought was metal as hell,” she said. While the two apparently had some private time, they ultimately made it official by taking a number of pap walks outside New York City restaurants, including the Waverly Inn and Nobu.
