From Chanel and Dior to Schiaparelli, the gowns that stole the spotlight
Couture Fashion Week has once again taken over Paris, bringing with it a dazzling display of artistry and craftsmanship. Kicking off the season were Schiaparelli, Dior, and Giambattista Valli, unveiling their highly anticipated spring/summer 2025 collections.
Over the coming days, we can expect an array of spectacular ballgowns gracing the runway—each a glimpse into the styles likely to dominate this year’s red carpets. January’s couture shows always offer a first look at the elegance and extravagance that will define the upcoming awards season.
Below, we highlight the standout moments from the collections as they debut. From intricate embroidery to avant-garde silhouettes, here’s everything you need to see from the spring/summer 2025 couture presentations. And let’s not forget the front-row glamour—celebrities like Pamela Anderson, Karlie Kloss, and Kelly Rutherford have already made their stylish appearances.
Valentino: A Symphony of Craftsmanship
Valentino’s spring/summer 2025 couture collection was a breathtaking tribute to craftsmanship. The opening look alone required an astonishing 1,300 hours of meticulous work, setting the tone for a lineup of 40 equally intricate designs. Rich in embroidery and embellishments, each piece reflected the brand’s commitment to artistry.
The show’s dramatic setting—a darkened venue with flashing lights and tiered stadium seating—added an air of theatricality, making for an immersive experience. While some designs embraced historical influences, others pushed the boundaries of modern couture, all unmistakably infused with Alessandro Michele’s signature vision.
Stay tuned as we continue to showcase the most unforgettable moments from this season’s couture runways.
Jean Paul Gaultier: A Tribute to Fashion’s True Master
For designer Ludovic de Saint Sernin, the opportunity to create a collection for Jean Paul Gaultier was nothing short of a dream come true. Honoring Gaultier’s legacy as “one of fashion’s true masters,” he sought to blend the house’s signature codes with the essence of his own eponymous brand.
“This collection is also a toast to the countless worlds and characters that have come to life here,” read the show notes, referencing the Jean Paul Gaultier atelier where the show took place. The designs celebrated the house’s signature playfulness, opulence, and irreverence—embracing the whirlwind of whimsy, sex, chaos, and camp that defines Gaultier’s enduring influence.
Miss Sohee: A Fusion of Couture and Artistry
Sohee Park marked a major milestone this season, officially debuting her namesake label, Miss Sohee, on the couture schedule. “Craftsmanship is at the heart of everything I create,” Park shared ahead of the show. “For this collection, I wanted each piece to embody the meticulous artistry that defines couture.”
Described as “a journey of discovery, inspired by both classical and modern sculptures,” the collection explored the intersection of fashion and art. Honoring her South Korean heritage, Park incorporated traditional techniques perfected by master artisans, seamlessly blending cultural legacy with contemporary couture. The result? A breathtaking showcase of sculptural silhouettes and intricate embellishments, solidifying her place among fashion’s rising stars.
Armani Privé
Armani is such a red-carpet favourite, and when you look at the glorious gowns that came down the spring/summer 2025 Privé catwalk, it’t not difficult to see why. This collection – which marked 20 years of the couture arm of the label – was all sequins, glitter and glam. Entitled ‘Lumières’, it was inspired by the power of light. “Haute couture allows me to step into a realm of fantasy and experimentation, expressing my vision through the art of savoir-faire in a way no other medium can,” the designer told press backstage.
Chanel
Chanel was celebrating 110 years of its couture atelier this season, and marked it with a collection dedicated to Gabrielle Chanel’s use of color.
“With her radical use of black, the couturière brought about a major aesthetic revolution,” the house explained in the show notes. “Yet, she was also a great colourist. She worked with every colour of the spectrum, from blacks to whites, from the softest pastels to the most vivid tones.”
These colours were seen throughout – on the tweed suits, the bright silk blouses and the beautiful billowing gowns. Designed by the in-house studio team, this collection marks one of the last before we see what new creative director Matthieu Blazy has in store. He will take over during the ready-to-wear shows in October.
