Kate Moss reportedly left organisers scrambling after withdrawing at the last minute from a Tate Britain exhibition celebrating 1990s art and fashion, despite being one of its central figures.
The 52-year-old supermodel had been expected on the red carpet, but photographers and event organisers were left waiting for hours on Tuesday night before it became clear that she would not be attending.
Kate was due to pose beside some of her most recognisable photographs, as well as fashion pieces she wore during the 1990s that are included in the exhibition.
Sources told The Daily Mail that Kate chose to skip the event after becoming concerned that she could be overwhelmed by fans and photographers on arrival.
One source said: ‘It was a mad scramble as bosses didn’t discover Kate had pulled out until 10pm, when the event had finished.
‘She’d heard that guests like Donatella Versace had been swarmed by fans when they arrived, and she only ended up staying for an hour before leaving at 9:30pm.
Kate Moss reportedly caused a last-minute headache for organisers after pulling out of the Tate Britain’s 1990s exhibition, despite being a major focus of the event
The model was expected to feature prominently in a series of famous images from the era, including a photograph of her wearing the iconic ‘naked dress’ in 1993
‘Kate didn’t want to be bombarded in the same way and so she decided to duck out.’
The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for Kate Moss for comment.
The 90s: Art and Fashion brings together photographs, videos and runway outfits worn by Kate throughout the decade, placing her at the heart of the exhibition.
Among the featured works is ‘Young Pink Kate’, the photograph used on the exhibition’s main posters. Juergen Teller captured Kate at her London home in 1998.
Kate previously described the portrait as showing ‘the real me’. In her book Kate, she wrote: ‘Because it is just us having a laugh in my bed. There wasn’t a hair or makeup artist or anything.’
The portrait also appears on the cover of the exhibition book, which is currently being sold by Tate for £40.
The exhibition also includes videos of Kate wearing the displayed Vivienne Westwood Anglomania Autumn/Winter 1993 pieces, along with the famous angel dress from John Galliano’s Spring/Summer 1994 Princess Lucretia collection.
Visitors are greeted as they enter by a 1993 photograph of Kate wearing Liz Bruce’s ‘naked dress’.
She famously wore the revealing design while attending Elite Model Agency’s Look of the Year party in London in 1993.
Sources told The Daily Mail that Kate withdrew after hearing guests including Donatella Versace had been mobbed by fans when they arrived at the event
The 90s: Art and Fashion showcases photographs, videos and runway looks worn by Kate during the decade, making her a defining presence throughout the exhibition
Kate was seen in Paris last week, where she attended the Tom Ford Spring/Summer 2027 show on Thursday.
The model also joined the revellers at Saint Laurent’s star-studded Paris Fashion Week after-party – on her daughter Lila’s 24th birthday – and was later seen returning to The Ritz hotel.
Running from October 8th, 2026, to February 13th, 2027, The 90s: Art and Fashion at Tate Britain explores the creative energy and cultural influence of the decade through a mix of art, photography, fashion and design.
The exhibition brings together striking photography by figures including Juergen Teller, David Sims and Corinne Day, alongside work by leading artists such as Steve McQueen, Damien Hirst, Sarah Lucas and Yinka Shonibare.
Fashion films and elements of music culture further capture the distinctive spirit of the era, while designs by influential names including Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen and John Galliano highlight the designers who helped define 1990s style.
