Macaulay Culkin Makes Bold Style Statement with Painted Nails at Paris Fashion Week

Actor Macaulay Culkin surprises fans at the Jean-Paul Gaultier show in Paris, flaunting painted toenails alongside singer Tyla during a rare high-fashion outing.

By: AXL Media

Published: Mar 9, 2026, 12:35 PM EDT

Source: People

An Unexpected Crossover in the Front Row

The pairing of Culkin and Tyla became an immediate highlight for fashion observers, who praised the "crossover" of the 90s icon and the 24-year-old "Water" singer. While Tyla donned a classic Gaultier-inspired corseted midi dress with a signature cone bra, Culkin opted for a more casual, "millennial-chic" aesthetic, pairing his striped top with simple blue jeans. The duo’s lighthearted interaction—centered on their shared appreciation for nail art—offered a humanizing contrast to the typically stoic atmosphere of high-fashion runways. Fans on social media noted that Culkin’s willingness to "kick off his shoes" perfectly encapsulated his subversive public persona.

A Rare Streak of High-Fashion Appearances

Culkin’s presence at the Gaultier show follows a prior appearance at the Dior Fall 2026 runway just days earlier on March 3. During that event, he was seated between model Emily Ratajkowski and Stray Kids member Hyunjin, wearing a sweater inspired by the children's classic The Very Hungry Caterpillar. These back-to-back appearances mark a significant increase in visibility for the actor, who has historically avoided the fashion circuit. Aside from walking for Gucci in 2021 and a brief appearance for Tommy Hilfiger in 2001, Culkin has spent much of the last two decades maintaining a private life away from the paparazzi.

Balancing Fatherhood and a Public Resurgence

This sudden fashion week residency coincides with a broader return to the spotlight for Culkin and his partner, actress Brenda Song. The couple, who share two sons—Dakota, born in 2021, and Carson, born in 2023—have transitioned from a strictly low-profile existence to attending major industry events. Earlier this year, they made a coordinated appearance at the Golden Globes, where Culkin served as a presenter. During the ceremony, he poked fun at his own reclusive reputation, quipping that despite his strong association with the Christmas season, he does indeed "exist all year round."