Coperni’s Fall/Winter 2025 show broke the mold of traditional fashion events by choosing the adidas arena in Paris as its venue—a place typically buzzing with esports energy. This unique setting perfectly encapsulated the show's theme, merging fashion with the vibrant world of gaming in a way that was both a nod to the past and a leap into the future. Instead of the customary front-row filled with influencers, celebrities, and media, Coperni opted for a groundbreaking setup: 200 gamers immersed in Fortnite and other games, seated in ergonomic gaming chairs, turning the runway into a modern-day echo of the legendary ‘90s LAN parties. This immersive environment extended beyond mere aesthetics, deeply influencing the FW25 collection itself, showcasing how technology and style can seamlessly blend.
The collection was a treasure trove of gaming culture references, with standout pieces like dresses made from puffy technical fabrics reminiscent of sleeping bags used at overnight gaming sessions. The utility aspect was highlighted through small storage bags attached to tights and sequined dresses, drawing inspiration from Lara Croft's iconic holsters in Tomb Raider. Additionally, the introduction of Tamagotchi bags on the runway added a playful touch, celebrating the nostalgia of handheld gaming.
The influence of gaming-themed movies was also evident. The collection featured motifs like the dragon tattoo from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and reinterpreted the high slit of Alice's dress from Resident Evil (2002) in its opening look. These cinematic nods enriched the collection, creating a bridge between the digital realm and tangible fashion.
Coperni has consistently been at the forefront of integrating technology with fashion, and the FW25 womenswear collection continues this tradition. By focusing on gaming—a field traditionally seen as male-dominated—the brand challenges gender stereotypes and promotes inclusivity in the fashion world.
Image: instagram.com
The show itself was a viral sensation, with videos of the gamer-filled runway quickly spreading across social media platforms, reinforcing Coperni’s knack for creating unforgettable moments. This isn't Coperni's first foray into headline-grabbing fashion shows; previous seasons have seen them close Paris Fashion Week at Disneyland Paris and introduce innovations like spray-on dresses, robot dogs, and glass handbags, each event pushing the envelope of what a fashion show can achieve.
Image: instagram.com
With its FW25 collection, Coperni reaffirms its prowess in captivating both digital and physical audiences. At a time when the future of runway shows is in flux, the brand redefines the format, weaving together creativity, technology, and storytelling into an experience that transcends the fashion industry's traditional boundaries.
As the online world buzzes with reactions to this gamer-centric runway, it's evident that Coperni has once again set the standard, cementing its status as a pioneering force in contemporary fashion.
