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SS25 Haute Couture Week Final Thoughts

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Marine fantasies from two visionary designers


As SS25 Paris Haute Couture Week unfolds, we dive into a realm where fashion transcends reality, offering a glimpse into the fantastical and unattainable. Haute couture is not just about garments—it’s a space for dreams and artistic expression at its peak. By the way, it’s about true luxury for a few.

Whether drawing from mythological fantasies or embodying a designer’s essence, haute couture captivates with its artistry. Among the collections that resonated with us were the mesmerizing creations of Jean Paul Gaultier and Yuima Nakazato—each echoing the enchantment of marine life in their own distinctive ways.

SS25 Haute Couture – Jean Paul Gaultier: nautical fantasies reimagined


We were captivated by Naufrage, the sea-inspired collection by Ludovic de Saint Sernin, this season’s guest designer for Jean Paul Gaultier. From shipwrecked mermaids to daring sailors, pirates and majestic sailing ships, the show was an ode to the nautical themes so deeply embedded in Gaultier’s DNA. Corsetry, second-skin gowns, and audacious tailoring wove a seamless narrative, staying true to the house’s heritage while offering a fresh, contemporary twist.

This was so much Gaultier—bold, imaginative, and beautifully executed. The brand’s iconic codes were reinterpreted with a modern edge, proving that reinvention doesn’t mean losing identity but rather refining it with artistry.


Yuima Nakazato: ethereal nomads in a dreamlike desert


A dim light. A barren desert at the center of the stage. The distant sound of waves. Models moving in slow motion, as if suspended in time. The Japanese Yuima Nakazato transported us to a world where tradition and futurism merged effortlessly. His garments, a fusion of ethnic beauty and modern innovation, carried an almost sacred quality. The craftsmanship was exquisite, with accessories that perfectly complemented the ethereal silhouettes. The overall effect was mesmerizing—like watching a noble tribe with luminous souls making their way through the vastness of a quiet, moonlit night.


Valentino through the eyes of Alessandro Michele—Valentino?


Alessandro Michele’s first haute couture collection for Valentino left us wondering: do we still need designers who are actually capable of doing their job? Apparently, not anymore. 

A black backdrop illuminated by LED lights. Exaggerated silhouettes. Two details we appreciated: the graceful presence of models of all ages, including middle-aged and beyond; and the focus on individual pieces. And yet…

What we saw wasn’t couture but costume. The collection felt like a direct extension of Michele’s Gucci era, repurposing his own aesthetic that, while impactful, didn’t translate into the world of Valentino. The essence of Valentino’s haute couture— gowns for a few lucky ones —was missing as most pieces were unwearable.

We couldn’t help but wonder: why doesn’t he launch his own brand instead? And above all, how is Mr. Valentino doing after seeing this show?

SS25 Haute Couture Week endnotes


In conclusion, as the SS25 Paris Haute Couture Week comes to a close, we are once again caught in the whirlwind of musical chairs—who exits, who enters, and what it all means. The relentless cycle of change seems to overshadow the very notion of timelessness, while the designer’s ego increasingly takes centre stage, shaping the narrative more than the heritage itself.

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Spring-Summer 2025 Haute Couture Week

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When lightness meets the weight of Arnault’s words on Trump


One eye on the Spring-Summer 2025 Haute Couture Week, the other on Bernard Arnault’s praise for Trump. A season meant to celebrate lightness—now weighed down by heavy words.

From Monday, 27 January, to Thursday, 30 January 2025 in Paris, the world of haute couture unveils its splendour. So, a grand display of craftsmanship and imagination—one that ultimately serves a more practical purpose: selling perfumes and cosmetics.

However, we took some time to watch a few video clips, though Arnault’s praise for Trump felt like a cold shower. Bernard Arnault, founder, chairman, and CEO of the LVMH group—a conglomerate that owns Dior, Louis Vuitton, Bulgari, Fendi, Moët & Chandon, and Veuve Clicquot—made headlines with his recent statement:

“I see optimism in the United States after Trump’s inauguration,” he said, contrasting it with France, where rising corporate taxes and growing unemployment are weighing on the economy.

Meanwhile, LVMH reported a 17% drop in net profit, reflecting a broader luxury slowdown. Arnault now looks to the U.S. as a potential bright spot, hoping it will offset weakening demand in China.

A few Spring-Summer 2025 Haute Couture Highlights


Schiaparelli: Ribbons, bustier gowns, body-hugging dresses, and dramatic special effects. Roseberry looks to couture’s past, to its relentless pursuit of perfection. An unapologetic maximalist, he pushes haute couture to its limits, exploring just how far it can go.

Chanel: A logo-shaped catwalk featuring the iconic double C—white and minimal—set the stage for a collection that exuded lightness. The Chanel woman is fresh and carefree, dressed in soft pastel hues enhanced by accents of purple and red. Now, let’s see what Blazy will bring to the table.

Dior: The concept of a bird-woman made Chiuri less boring than usual. Models walked against a floral, vividly coloured backdrop, wearing punkish feathered headpieces reminiscent of bird crests—symbols of freedom. Ruffles, sheer fabrics, and cage-like crinolines completed the vision. Chiuri, for once, was not entirely dull.

Other shows are taking place, with only a handful streamed live—such as Jean Paul Gaultier. Most follow the “film revealed later” formula, perhaps in an attempt to maintain a sense of exclusivity. Real or not, by the following day, social media will be awash with clips and images.

What kind of world are global leaders shaping?


While we keep an eye on the Spring-Summer 2025 Haute Couture Week as a source of inspiration, we can’t help but ask: what kind of world are people like Arnault shaping? According to him, should France and Europe follow Trump’s vision? Is that really their recipe for a meaningful future?

And what about LVMH’s sustainability commitments? With Trump withdrawing from climate agreements, will LVMH follow suit—or take a stand?

It’s all quite concerning.

Ultimately, what about the end customers? So, what about you? Are you willing to support brands that embrace this worldview?


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Fashion in 2025: Navigating Political Influence and Economic Turmoil

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What lies ahead for the industry?


Fashion in 2025 navigates a delicate balance between political influence and economic turmoil. But what are the challenges and shifts shaping the industry? What lies ahead for the future of fashion?

Recent political events and ongoing wars (including the much-awaited but uncertain ceasefire in Gaza) have generated significant economic challenges, while Trump’s re-election in the US signals an unstable and tumultuous year ahead. Sustainability, once a key focus, has largely disappeared from the agenda, and consumer trust continues to erode.

Struggles shaping the fashion in 2025


If 2024 was a difficult year, 2025 offers little reprieve. According to a report by McKinsey & Company, 80% of fashion executives foresee no improvement in the global fashion industry this year. Furthermore, Trump’s re-election has sparked deep concerns across multiple fronts, with profound implications for the fashion world.

Trump’s proposed tariff hikes threaten to reshape trade flows. As The Times aptly headlines: “The Fashion World Fears High Tariffs”

President-elect Donald J. Trump has proposed a tax of at least 60% on goods from China—a move that could devastate small American brands. Counter-sourcing will likely become one of the biggest struggles for these businesses.

According to the National Retail Federation, Trump’s tariff proposals could increase apparel prices by 12.5% and footwear prices by 18.1%. If Chinese-made goods are hit with higher tariffs, the cost of everything from mobile phone cases to Barbies could skyrocket. In this scenario, pricier trousers may be the least of consumers’ concerns.

Most critically, “The idea that a substantial American apparel manufacturing industry could be revived overnight is a myth,” as designers point out. There are neither enough skilled workers to support such a transition, nor the infrastructure to sustain it. (source)

Yet, Trump’s politics won’t stop at America’s borders—European markets will also feel the strain.

2025: Market trends


The negative environment predicted a year ago has now taken hold. Consumers, having experienced a period of high inflation, are increasingly price-sensitive. Meanwhile, the acceleration of climate change and a marked shift away from sustainability further compound the challenges.

Economic uncertainty, geographic disparities, and shifting consumer behaviours dominate the fashion landscape. To remain relevant, brands must adapt—not by chasing fleeting trends but by proving their lasting value. Consumers demand more than just products; they seek alignment with their personal values and a genuine commitment to purpose.

The way forward


Fashion in 2025 resides at the intersection of political influence and economic turmoil. In a climate of instability, the question isn’t merely about survival but about meaningful evolution. Brands that centre their strategies on value and integrity will stand out. This means doubling down on quality, fostering transparent communication, and investing in long-term relationships with both customers and suppliers.

As we navigate 2025, let’s shift the narrative. Let’s champion resilience, creativity, and authenticity. In the face of adversity, fashion has the unique power to inspire and connect. Let’s make that the legacy of this challenging year.

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Breaking Free From the Social Media Trap: Instagram Algorithms and TikTok’s Future

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Should we adapt or explore new ways to connect?


Exploring the possibilities of breaking free from the social media trap has become increasingly urgent. With Instagram introducing a new algorithm and TikTok facing a ban in the US, one must ask: does it make sense to keep adapting to the strategies of tech giants, or would it be healthier to seek alternative ways to connect?

Although we don’t use TikTok, we can’t deny that the new Instagram layout is a major disappointment. We’ve never been ones to chase the algorithm, preferring instead to use social media as a tool for fostering genuine connections. 

That said, let’s take a closer look at what’s been happening in the social media landscape recently.

Why Instagram’s algorithm changes are problematic


The recent Instagram update has sparked significant concerns among creators and users alike. Here’s why:

1 – Excessive Emphasis on Video Content
Instagram’s new algorithm highlights its ongoing attempt to mimic TikTok, favouring vertical video content. This shift burdens creators who specialise in static content, such as photos and graphics, as the algorithm prioritises 9:16 videos, reducing the organic visibility of other formats.

2 – Disruption of Feed Harmony
For those who have curated cohesive feeds based on the 1:1 ratio, the update is highly disruptive. Truncated posts lose their visual coherence, and there’s no way to retroactively adjust previously published content to fit the new layout.

How the TikTok ban exposes social media’s fragility


TikTok’s brief shutdown on Sunday, coupled with its uncertain future, reveals just how delicate the fragmented social media landscape truly is. The ByteDance-owned platform temporarily disabled its app in the United States to comply with a divest-or-ban mandate. Although web browser access was restored for some US users, the mobile app remained largely inaccessible.

These shifts in the social media ecosystem highlight the growing tension between platforms prioritising fleeting trends and users striving to preserve their creative integrity. Meanwhile, many simply follow along blindly, seldom pausing to question the impact. 

Finding healthier alternatives to connect


Breaking free from the social media trap has never felt more urgent. Our lives, data, and connections are increasingly controlled by a few tech giants. When they change their strategies, we bear the consequences. If they shut down, we risk losing everything. Is this truly a safe or sustainable environment?

Rather than continuously adapting to their ever-shifting priorities, we believe it’s time to explore healthier, more meaningful ways to connect. The power to create a better digital future lies in our hands.

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Creativity in Fashion: A Hollow Shell

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The most present word in fashion debates, yet absent in practice


Creativity is one of the most overused and misrepresented words in the fashion industry—a once-vibrant ideal now reduced to a hollow shell. A broken promise. What was meant to be the heart, the spark, the very foundation of fashion has been pushed to the periphery, sidelined in favour of other priorities. Yet, everybody now talks about it.

2024: an omnipresent, hollow shell of a word


Throughout 2024, the word “creativity” dominated every panel discussion, CEO interview, and designer or creative director reshuffle. It felt like an industry-wide admission: “We’ve been focusing on marketing, naming new creative directors, and growth and then growth again. But we lost sight of creativity.”  

For instance, consider the interview with Frédéric Grangié, Chanel’s Head of Watches and Jewellery, in Le Temps. Grangié cautioned that the luxury industry is facing a profound crisis—one that goes beyond the temporary challenges of economic slowdowns. He highlighted a fundamental shift: luxury is losing its mystique as the allure of exclusivity diminishes and customers grow increasingly disillusioned with high-end brands.

Grangié’s message was unequivocal: genuine creativity, coupled with a long-term strategy, is the only viable path forward. Without these, luxury brands risk losing their essence and faltering under the weight of the growing crisis.

Fashion & creativity


Indeed, brands have lost their distinctiveness, morphing into interchangeable entities. An industry once revered for its idiosyncratic creativity has devolved into a hollow vessel, prioritising profit over vision. The relentless chase for marketability and fleeting trends has stripped many maisons of their credibility and authenticity. Also, it relegated creativity to a secondary, almost insignificant role.

As a result, the fashion industry finds itself at an impasse. Simultaneously, prices have skyrocketed—often without justification—further alienating consumers. And yet, in a striking irony, the same experts now declare, “We need to focus on creativity.”

Really? Dear mainstream brands, what have you been offering all this time?
According to the Cambridge Dictionary, creativity is the ability to produce original and imaginative ideas or to create something new.
Isn’t that supposed to be your role?

Conclusion


In short, fashion was once a vibrant celebration of creativity and craftsmanship. A space where ideas flourished and vision reigned supreme. Over time, however, this core spark has been sidelined, overshadowed by greed, financial gain, and unsustainable growth. What was once the heart of the industry—creativity—now stands as a hollow shell, a mere echo of its former vitality.

Now, we are afraid it’s being called back into focus—not out of genuine reverence, but as a desperate response to declining business.

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