A night of champagne and couture nearly turned tragic for Australian fashion influencer Eli Moulton, who’s now issuing a warning every style lover should hear.
Fresh from the Glenelg BMW opening on August 11, Moulton was still wrapped in her chic, billowy neck scarf when the unthinkable happened, it got caught under a moving car. In seconds, her glamorous accessory transformed into a dangerous trap, leaving a painful burn circling her neck.
Sharing the incident on Instagram, Moulton kept her trademark humour intact, captioning her video with: “REMOVE your neck scarves before entering or operating any heavy machinery! Nearly decapitated myself getting the scarf tangled underneath the car on the way home.” But beneath the wit, her message was serious - long scarves, floaty sleeves, and loose ties can become instant hazards around vehicles or heavy machinery.
“Thriving and surviving,” she reassured followers in a follow-up Story as she headed to get her wound treated. Social media poured in with love and relief. “Eli! That is frightening. Looks sore too. Hope you are,” wrote one fan. Another chimed in: “Only just seen this! You poor thing also a good reminder for us all!”
One commenter even recalled the chilling case of dancer Isadora Duncan, who in 1927 was killed when her signature silk scarf caught in the wheel of a moving sports car, snapping her neck instantly.
Fashion history has its glamour, but also its cautionary tales.
Moulton’s accident is a timely reminder that while we all love a dramatic scarf moment, especially in winter, safety trumps style. If you’re driving, riding a bike, or even leaning near escalators, keep loose fabrics tucked, tied, or off entirely. The same applies to maxi sleeves, dangling belts, and layered jewellery that can catch on things without warning.
Because here’s the truth: no outfit, no matter how fabulous, is worth risking your life for. And if a style queen like Eli can have a close call, it’s a sign for all of us to rethink where and how we wear certain statement pieces.
Sometimes, the most fashionable choice is the safest one.