Coperni's Fall/Winter 2025 show was a groundbreaking event, held at the adidas arena in Paris—a venue renowned for esports competitions. This setting perfectly set the stage for an innovative blend of fashion and gaming culture, evoking a sense of nostalgia while pushing boundaries into the future. Instead of the typical front-row filled with influencers, celebrities, and press, Coperni surprised everyone by seating 200 gamers in ergonomic gaming chairs, actively playing Fortnite and other games during the show.
This unconventional approach transformed the runway into a modern-day version of the '90s LAN parties, complete with technical details that honored gaming's golden era. The integration of fashion and gaming extended beyond the set design, deeply influencing the entire collection and showcasing a new vision of how technology and style can harmoniously coexist.
The FW25 collection was rich with both subtle and overt nods to gaming culture. Standout pieces included dresses made from puffy technical fabrics, reminiscent of sleeping bags used at all-night LAN parties. Small storage bags attached to tights and sequined dresses paid homage to the utility holsters of Lara Croft from Tomb Raider. Additionally, the brand introduced Tamagotchi bags, playfully referencing handheld gaming nostalgia.
Gaming-inspired films also played a significant role in the collection. Motifs like the dragon tattoo from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo were woven throughout, while the high slit in Alice's dress from Resident Evil (2002) inspired the opening look. These cinematic references added a rich layer to the collection, seamlessly connecting digital worlds with real-life fashion.
Coperni has consistently been at the forefront of exploring the intersection of technology and fashion, and the FW25 womenswear collection is a testament to this commitment. By focusing on gaming—a traditionally male-dominated space—the brand challenges gender stereotypes and promotes inclusivity within the fashion industry.
Image: instagram.com
Beyond the clothing, the show itself was designed to create viral moments. Post-show, videos of the gamer-filled runway quickly spread across social media, reinforcing Coperni's reputation for unforgettable spectacles.
This isn't Coperni's first foray into making a splash at fashion week. Last season, they concluded Paris Fashion Week with a fairytale-like presentation at Disneyland Paris. In previous years, they've captivated audiences with spray-on dresses, robot dogs, and glass handbags. Each show pushes the boundaries of what a fashion show can be, affirming Coperni's status as a cultural phenomenon.
image: instagram.com
With the FW25 collection, Coperni continues to captivate both online and offline audiences. In an era where the future of traditional runway shows is uncertain, the brand reinvents the format, blending creativity, technology, and storytelling into an experience that resonates well beyond the fashion industry.
As social media buzzes with reactions to the gamer-infused runway, it's evident that Coperni has once again made a significant impact, solidifying its role as a trailblazer in modern fashion.