Last week’s SS2025 Paris Haute Couture Week showcased a blend of opulence, innovation, and a nod to historical aesthetics with a modern spirit. In true haute couture style, we saw endless extravagance, not holding back on textures or shapes. We’re breaking down the key themes from the creme de la creme of couture collections.

Chanel

Celebrating the house’s 110th anniversary, the Chanel team treated us to a delightful combination of colors and embellishments. Taking a departure from the classic black and white palette, Chanel ushered in jewel tones, including amethyst and crimson, but it was shades of blue that took center stage. Gracing everything from tweed suiting to a celestial embellished gown to a billowing hooded cape, blue hues were on parade from daytime elegance to exquisite evening glamor.

Coquettish bows continued to make an appearance on waists and necklines, and trompe l’oeil designs added a playful touch to remind us that fashion is all about fun. We can’t wait to see what Matthieu Blazy brings to the house as he takes the reins at Chanel.

Valentino

Alessandro Michele’s Valentino couture debut is off to a spectacular start after last week’s presentation. Gowns showcased strong silhouettes, with nipped waistlines contrasted against structured pannier-style skirts that swept the floor with maximum volume. 

Texture played a significant role in the collection, from tulle and chiffon layers to crochet lace dresses, including matching gloves and headpieces. Ruffles, tiered skirts, and delicate chiffon pleats all contributed to the collection’s decadence. 

Dior

Maria Grazia Chiuri showcased a fantasy-filled runway at Dior’s couture show, including a modern take on corsetry, crinolines, and cage skirts. Rigid structure contrasted against feminine textures in embellished tulle and organza. We saw feathers, butterflies, and flowers along with tiers upon tiers of lace and petal-like chiffon.

Delicate hues were styled with feather-tipped mohawk hairstyles for a hint of edginess that had us imagining how fashion’s cool crowd would wear Dior couture for every day—if only!

Schiaparelli

Daniel Roseberry has done it again, showing a lineup of breathtaking couture gowns at Schiaparelli. Modernity met opulence in the form of feathers, pearls, lace, and embroidery, with twisted ribbon-textured gowns delivering innovative architectural shapes.

Avant-garde, exaggerated silhouettes put strong shoulders, collars, and hips on full display, while structured bustiers celebrated the feminine form. We saw evidence of Roseberry’s mythological inspiration come to life as sun motifs and gilded accessories that added an air of ethereal fantasy to the collection.

Final Thoughts

Couture week has come to a close, but we’ll be dreaming of these stunning gowns for a long time to come. Keep an eye on the red carpet this awards season to see which runway looks make their way into the world of celebrity style!

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Jeanine Gordon is a freelance content marketer with a passion for creating stellar strategies for global brands and small businesses alike, specializing in fashion, beauty, and lifestyle.

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