Coperni's Fall/Winter 2025 show broke the mold of traditional fashion events by choosing the adidas arena in Paris—a venue renowned for esports—as its stage. This setting masterfully blended fashion with gaming culture, evoking a sense of nostalgia while pushing into the future. Instead of the typical front-row celebrities and influencers, Coperni placed 200 gamers in ergonomic gaming chairs, actively engaging in Fortnite and other games throughout the show.
The runway transformed into a scene straight out of the '90s LAN parties, complete with technical elements that honored gaming's heyday. This fusion of fashion and gaming extended beyond the venue, deeply influencing the collection and showcasing a novel integration of technology and style.
The FW25 collection was rich with gaming culture references. Standout pieces included dresses made from puffy technical fabrics, reminiscent of sleeping bags used at all-night gaming sessions. Accessories like small storage bags on tights and sequined dresses paid homage to Lara Croft's utility holsters from Tomb Raider. Additionally, the newly introduced Tamagotchi bags made a playful nod to the nostalgia of handheld gaming.
Gaming-inspired films also left their mark on the collection. Motifs such as the dragon tattoo from The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo and the high slit reminiscent of Alice’s dress from Resident Evil (2002) were woven into the designs, adding a cinematic layer that connected digital worlds with real-life fashion.
Coperni's commitment to exploring the intersection of technology and fashion was evident in this season's womenswear collection. By focusing on gaming—a traditionally male-dominated space—the brand challenged stereotypes and promoted inclusivity within the fashion industry.
Image: instagram.com
The show itself became a viral sensation, with videos of the unique gamer-filled runway flooding social media shortly after the event, reinforcing Coperni’s ability to create unforgettable moments.
This wasn't Coperni's first time making an impact at fashion week. Last season, they concluded Paris Fashion Week with a magical showcase at Disneyland Paris. In previous years, they've captivated audiences with innovations like spray-on dresses, robot dogs, and glass handbags, continually pushing the envelope of what a fashion show can be and cementing their status as a cultural phenomenon.
image: instagram.com
With the FW25 collection, Coperni once again showcased its prowess in engaging both online and offline audiences. As traditional runway shows face uncertainty, the brand continues to innovate, seamlessly blending creativity, technology, and storytelling into an experience that extends well beyond the fashion world.
As social media continues to buzz with reactions to the gamer-infused runway, it's clear that Coperni has once again set the standard, solidifying its position as a trailblazer in modern fashion.