Paris Couture Week kicked off with a bang as the Schiaparelli show took center stage on Monday morning. The event was a star-studded affair with celebrities like Serena Williams, Kelly Rutherford, and Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu arriving in style in stretch limos and white Rolls Royces.
The Schiaparelli Couture SS25 – FNW collection was a sight to behold, starting with a stunning phoenix gown that featured 3D chrome trompe l’oeil feathered wings. The show, titled The Phoenix, paid homage to founder Elsa Schiaparelli and her ability to constantly reinvent herself, much like the mythical bird.
The collection featured a leitmotif of Phoenix-wing shoulders on washed silk gowns and wool crepe bustier dresses, all with plunging necklines. The show was staged impeccably in the basement of the Hotel Solomon de Rothschild, creating a surreal atmosphere with just three huge chandeliers as decor.
Each model walked right up to the front-row, lit from below with beams of light to create a Degas lighting effect. Their heads were wrapped in transparent crepe, adding to the mysterious and empowering vibe of the show. The dresses were finished corset style at the back, with intricate details like a bustier dress made of hundreds of moving circles.
The collection also featured standout pieces like a cocoon-shaped jumpsuit made of faux horsehair and sequins that resembled a zebra skin, and a bird of paradise fantasy jacket with trompe l’oeil feathers. The show was accompanied by a soundtrack of ballads, setting the mood for a surreal and sensual ballet.
Creative director Daniel Roseberry explained that he wanted the collection to feel old yet young and twisted, avoiding a sense of nostalgia or homage. The result was a mesmerizing display of fashion that left the audience in awe.
Overall, the Schiaparelli show at Paris Couture Week set the bar high for the rest of the event, showcasing the brand’s dedication to innovation and creativity in the world of haute couture. It was a truly unforgettable experience for all who were lucky enough to witness it.