Coperni's Fall/Winter 2025 show was a groundbreaking event that transcended the conventional boundaries of fashion. Held at the adidas arena in Paris, a venue typically associated with esports, the show seamlessly merged fashion with gaming culture, evoking a sense of nostalgia while pushing into the future. In a surprising twist, the traditional front-row was replaced with 200 gamers seated on ergonomic gaming chairs, fully immersed in games like Fortnite during the presentation.
This innovative approach transformed the runway into a modern take on the '90s LAN parties, complete with technical details that celebrated gaming's heyday. The integration of fashion and gaming extended beyond the set design, deeply influencing the entire collection and redefining how technology and style can interact.
The FW25 collection was rich with both subtle and bold nods to gaming culture. Standout pieces included dresses made from puffy technical fabrics, reminiscent of sleeping bags used during all-night gaming sessions. Small storage bags attached to tights and sequined dresses drew inspiration from Lara Croft's utility holsters from Tomb Raider. The introduction of Tamagotchi bags on the runway added a playful touch, evoking memories of handheld gaming.
Gaming-inspired films also played a pivotal role in the collection. Motifs such as 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) was reinterpreted in the opening look. These cinematic references enriched the collection, creating a bridge between digital realms and tangible fashion.
Coperni has consistently been at the forefront of exploring the intersection of technology and fashion, and the FW25 womenswear collection continues this tradition. By focusing on gaming—a field often seen as male-dominated—the brand challenges stereotypes and promotes inclusivity in fashion.
Image: instagram.com
The show itself was designed to create viral moments, and it succeeded spectacularly. Shortly after the event, videos of the gamer-filled runway spread rapidly across social media, reinforcing Coperni's knack for creating unforgettable spectacles.
This is not Coperni's first time making an impact at fashion week. Last season, they concluded Paris Fashion Week with a fairytale-themed showcase at Disneyland Paris. In previous years, they've dazzled audiences with spray-on dresses, robot dogs, and glass handbags. Each show pushes the limits of what a fashion presentation can be, proving that Coperni is more than just a brand—it's a cultural force.
image: instagram.com
With the FW25 collection, Coperni once again showcases its ability to engage audiences both online and offline. In an era where the future of traditional runway shows is in question, the brand continues to innovate, blending creativity, technology, and storytelling into an experience that extends well beyond the fashion industry.
As social media continues to buzz with reactions to the gamer-infused runway, one thing is clear: Coperni has once again solidified its status as a trailblazer in contemporary fashion.
