By Nina Kremer

PARIS FASHION WEEK 2025 RECAP:

HAUTE COUTURE

Armani Privé, in contrast to Valentino, showed slimmer silhouettes, with soft, flowing skirts and pants. They also opted for a jewel-tone color palette with metallic gold and silver woven throughout the collection. This gemstone theme continued with rainbow bejeweled blazers, bodices, and slip dresses. One dress had a modest silhouette, a maxi skirt and long sleeves, but was completely sheer and the model was covered only by horizontal stripes of gold jewels.

Dior took a gothic approach, with models in black mohawks parading down the runway sporting oversized black coats and suit jackets. The house also included soft elements, like tulle capes mimicking feathers. This edgy nature theme continued with a dress made of strands of tiny pink chiffon flowers flowing down a crinoline, creating a waterfall effect.

Finally, Chanel stuck with its business-wear brand in pastel and cream colors. The light and airy looks were grounded by the same thin black belt. The collection played with contrast, blending flowy silhouettes with structured, long coats, and muted tweed with a pop of color underneath. Chanel chose to finish off the show with a classic bridal look, with their classic jacket and skirt complemented by a billowing train and veil.

This week, the runways of Paris Fashion Week celebrated haute couture. While haute couture encourages creativity and avant-garde artistry, motifs like tiered ruffles, blazers, bows, and high necklines unified the collections.

Valentino showed Victorian-inspired silhouettes with collars and oversized hoop skirts. Designer Alessandro Michele played with a mix of textures, incorporating woven, pleated, tulle material into the looks. Starting off strong, Michele began with a dress with an oversized skirt made of red, green, blue, and white ruffled fabric that from afar resembled fur. Arranged in a diamond checkerboard pattern, the skirt mimicked the woven bodice, and the striped draped sleeves created a contrast between the geometric shape and soft material.