Photographed by Irving Penn, Vogue, January 1993
Forget Fashion Week. For in-demand models, the week is a monthlong tour of walking the world’s glossiest catwalks in possibly four different countries. That’s the case for models and friends Vittoria Ceretti and Nora Attal, who have both walked at Vogue World: London and in a combined 17 shows so far since the spring 2024 collections started in New York.
Earlier this week, Ceretti posted a recap of her fashion month on Instagram. There were selfies, hotel rooms, more selfies, and a snap of her and Attal hooked up to IVs and golden “banana” bags while lounging on a cream couch.
IV therapy has been touted by the alternative-medicine set as a way to bounce back from colds, the flu, exhaustion, or a really nasty hangover. Kendall Jenner, Gwyneth Paltrow, and Hailey Bieber are also known to be fans. “The benefits of IV therapy include hydration, energy, increased immunity, and glowing skin,” says Sheryl Soleiman, MD. “Depending on other added components, it can also result in reducing inflammation, and studies are pending about potential antiaging effects.”
In Ceretti’s and Attal’s case, this appears to be what is colloquially known as a banana bag, according to a representative at The IV Doc, an IV-therapy business in New York, London, and Los Angeles. “The name ‘banana bag’ comes from the yellow color that the ingredient riboflavin (vitamin B2) gives it,” IV Doc says. “Other ingredients include saline solution, vitamins B1 and B9, and magnesium.”
Likely, this is a custom concoction made just for Ceretti and Attal to give them energy and keep them well for the rest of the month. “We offer various customized combinations of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids depending on the needs of the client,” says Jamie Gabel, MS, PA-C, the medical director of Advitam, an antiaging clinic in Manhattan.
The controversy surrounding IV therapy comes from the safety of receiving this treatment outside of a sterile space like a doctor’s office, where only certified medical professionals are involved. But Soleiman and Gabel agree it is safe for most, though you need to always look into the place you select before going there and always share your full medical history.
This article was originally published on Vogue.com.