Paris Couture 2025 through China’s eyes

What happened Paris Haute Couture Week unfolded as a dazzling spectacle of creativity and celebrity power, underscoring how couture is increasingly stepping out of its rarefied bubble and into the public eye. Once a realm reserved for the world’s top 1%, haute couture is now leveraging pop culture, celebrity influence, and social media to remain relevant and visible to broader audiences. Kicking off the week, Schiaparelli mesmerized attendees with its “Back to the Future” collection, blending surrealist elements with futuristic silhouettes under the creative direction of Daniel Roseberry. Drawing from the legacy of Madame Grès and Yves Saint Laurent, Roseberry’s collection merged architectural silhouettes with theatrical flair, including a heart-shaped, diamond-encrusted necklace that literally “beat” on the back of a gown. Chanel’s Fall 2025 Haute Couture show, held at the Grand Palais, was another focal point, not least because of the high-wattage celebrity turnout: Chinese stars Wang Yibo and Xin Zhilei sat on the front row. The collection itself, inspired by the British countryside and Scottish Highlands, drew mixed reviews. While some praised its delicate craftsmanship, others on Chinese social media platform Xiaohongshu (also known as RedNote) and Weibo lamented a lack of novelty: “Another collection of tweeds and bows? Chanel needs a reboot,” wrote Xiaohongshu user @Chamula. Others defended the house’s classicism, citing its meticulous artistry. Balenciaga’s show marked the emotional farewell of Demna as creative director after a decade-long tenure that reshaped the fashion house’s identity. The show featured stark silhouettes, a silent runway punctuated only by models reciting their names, and a retrospective of Demna’s most iconic works. Chinese and global celebrities, including PP Krit, Yang Chaoyue, Chen Feiyu, and Kim Kardashian, added star power to the somber yet defiant spectacle. Weibo lit up with tributes to Demna’s legacy. Fashion blogger RUKRuoshuke (@RUK若舒刻) wrote, “Demna made fashion more inclusive and playful. He brought streetwear into the world of haute couture and forever changed how we perceive it. Tonight’s show felt like a memoir of the past decade.” The Jing Take What dominated Chinese social media wasn’t just the designs, it was the people wearing them. Netizens on Weibo and Xiaohongshu flooded feeds with reactions to their favorite celebrities and the cultural implications of their appearances. Chanel, in particular, drew both admiration and criticism. Xiaohongshu user @Joyland commented: “This season’s Chanel remains beautifully crafted but lacks surprises. The real anticipation lies with the upcoming debut of new creative director Matthieu Blazy.” Another user, @Chamula, added, “If Virginie Viard had designed this, she’d be torn apart by critics.” Schiaparelli’s fusion of surrealism won praise for authenticity and spectacle. “Only a brand like Schiaparelli can truly be called haute couture,” wrote Weibo blogger @trendingcolourYC (@流行色YC). “The craftsmanship, the details. This is what makes the French so proud of their couture heritage.” Meanwhile, Balenciaga’s farewell show ignited deeper reflection. “Abandoning the irony used in the past, Demna presents a deep tribute to the spirit of Cristóbal Balenciaga in a more restrained, delicate and elegant way,” posted Xiaohongshu user @Humanity. Others noted the accessibility of Demna’s approach, which democratized fashion while keeping it aspirational. Somehow, Demna’s vision gave us the freedom to redefine what luxury can be. Haute couture is no longer about garments; it’s about the cultural conversation they spark, the celebrities who wear them, and the social media amplification that follows. Chinese fans, once distant observers, are now active participants in shaping these global narratives. For luxury houses, this presents both opportunity and risk. While broadening the conversation attracts younger, more diverse audiences, it can also dilute the sense of exclusivity that defines haute couture’s mystique. The question now is: As couture opens its doors wider, welcoming new voices, new faces, and new markets, will it be able to maintain the aura of magic and mystery that once made it so untouchable, or is this democratization the very evolution couture needs to stay alive in a hyper-connected world? The Jing Take reports on a piece of the leading news and presents our editorial team’s analysis of the key implications for the luxury industry. In the recurring column, we analyze everything from product drops and mergers to heated debate sprouting on Chinese social media.

Paris Couture 2025 through China’s eyes

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Published July 10, 2025

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Paris Couture 2025 through China’s eyes