What's happened
Paris Couture Week showcased a blend of historical inspiration and avant-garde design. Highlights include Elie Saab's romantic silhouettes, Schiaparelli's surrealist pieces with a pulsating heart necklace, and Jean-Paul Gaultier's mythological themes. The collections emphasized craftsmanship, cultural narratives, and innovation, reaffirming couture's relevance in contemporary fashion.
What's behind the headline?
The Paris Couture Week demonstrates a strategic shift towards storytelling and technological innovation in haute couture. Schiaparelli's 'beating heart' necklace exemplifies how surrealism remains a powerful tool for viral impact, blending art and fashion to captivate audiences. Chanel's new J12 Bleu, crafted from advanced ceramic, signifies a move towards integrating high-performance materials into luxury watchmaking, appealing to a unisex, modern consumer. Elie Saab's romantic silhouettes reinforce the enduring appeal of craftsmanship and historical inspiration, while Jean-Paul Gaultier's mythological themes highlight a continued interest in cultural narratives. Collectively, these collections underscore a broader industry trend: couture is increasingly about emotional storytelling, technological innovation, and cultural resonance. This approach ensures that haute couture remains relevant, engaging, and influential, even amid rapid technological change and shifting consumer preferences. The emphasis on craftsmanship and storytelling will likely drive future collections, reinforcing couture's role as a laboratory for creativity and cultural dialogue.
What the papers say
The New Arab highlights Elie Saab's inclusion in the official couture program, emphasizing his collection's exploration of Syrian optimism through pastel, pleated dresses. Gulf News discusses Schiaparelli's viral 'beating heart' necklace, a modern homage to surrealist art, and Chanel's innovative J12 Bleu watch, crafted from ceramic in a striking blue hue. AP News covers Jean-Paul Gaultier's mythologically inspired collection, featuring romantic silhouettes and historical references, and also notes Elie Saab's romantic, heritage-driven designs. The contrasting focus on surrealist innovation and romantic craftsmanship illustrates the diverse directions couture is taking, with viral moments and technological advancements both playing key roles in shaping the narrative.
How we got here
This season's couture collections follow a trend of blending historical references with modern aesthetics. Designers are exploring cultural narratives, craftsmanship, and technological innovation to reaffirm couture's place in the luxury market. Recent collections have also responded to a shifting cultural landscape, emphasizing storytelling and emotional resonance.
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What Are the Biggest Entertainment and Culture Highlights Right Now?
Stay up-to-date with the latest in entertainment and culture. From fashion weeks to new anime seasons and trending stories, discover what’s making headlines today and get answers to your most pressing questions about the world of entertainment.
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What Are the Highlights of Paris Couture Week 2025?
Paris Couture Week 2025 showcased a stunning blend of fashion, art, and history. Designers pushed creative boundaries with collections that honor the past while embracing innovation. From surreal spectacles to technological marvels, this season proved couture's enduring relevance. Curious about the standout collections, how history influences modern fashion, and the latest innovations? Keep reading to discover the key moments from this glamorous event.
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France, officially the French Republic, is a country consisting of metropolitan France in Western Europe and several overseas regions and territories.
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Paris is the capital and most populous city of France, with an estimated population of 2,150,271 residents as of 2020, in an area of 105 square kilometres.
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Elsa Schiaparelli was an Italian fashion designer. Along with Coco Chanel, her greatest rival, she is regarded as one of the most prominent figures in fashion between the two World Wars.
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