Schiaparelli’s Spring/Summer 2025 Ready-to-Wear Collection encourages self-expression and individuality
Showcased in a collection of stunning haute couture, Schiaparelli aims to reinforce individuality and defy social expectations
Schiaparelli’s Spring/Summer Ready-to-Wear 2025 Collection provided a selection of gracefully elegant, yet striking pieces. It offered both attractive wearability and a thoughtful commentary about the importance of celebrating individuality in such a turbulent modern world, where the chaotic political and social landscapes influence one’s true expression of self. The show highlighted that regardless of the socially constructed expectations and stereotypes that are encouraged, it is always more rewarding to stay true to yourself, and joy and light will come as a consequence.
Individuality and self-expression is greatly celebrated by Daniel Roseberry, creative director of Schiaparelli, who explained in his show notes that they are designs with “real purpose, and for us purpose wins over the banal every time.” Ultimately, this demonstrates that he believes that being unapologetically unique, despite the risks, always wins over being unimaginative and conventional. One style choice he conveyed this through was the recurring adornment of asymmetrical, non-matching earrings, portraying a sense of acceptance of difference and originality.
Some models wore jackets that had shoulder pads, giving them a broad upper silhouette, which traditionally is associated with masculinity. The use of this demonstrates female strength and a willingness to blur the lines between what is considered masculine and feminine. It’s also a nod to Elsa Schiaparelli, the brand’s founder, who experimented with shoulder pads in the 1930s, as she wanted “her customers to feel courage and confidence, demanding attention whenever they entered a room.” Roseberry has successfully honoured Elsa Schiaparelli’s vision through continuing to create audacious designs that defy expectations and many have agreed that “he’s definitely making fashion for extroverts.”
The show once again demonstrated a defiance of social expectations, through some of the looks featuring models wearing open jackets, revealing their bare chests and torsos. In many countries and oppressed communities, women are forced to dress conservatively and cannot show skin, therefore, these models are almost standing in solidarity with these subjugated women and showing pride in being able to disobey the societal pressures enforced by men. Roseberry expressed the celebration and privilege of being able to defy social norms through explaining that “the world may feel more chaotic than ever, but here, the mood is celebratory.” This highlights that solace and happiness can be found in self-expression through fashion.
As the show began, the backdrop instantly changed from a deep red to a striking blue. This rapid change captured attention and the audience was then enveloped in darkness, placing all light on the models. This is symbolic of how the fashion world remains in the spotlight and plays an influential role in sparking change. The first few models were dressed in a monochrome colour scheme, wearing crisp whites and dark greys, with clean, a-line silhouettes, representing uniformity. However, as more models emerged, splashes of vibrant reds, blues and yellows in untraditional silhouettes, like the inverted triangle, hit the catwalk. These “bright and bold Mondrian-esque colours” and cuts suggest confidence and is symbolic of how, over time, people have become more experimental with their clothing. These bright colours also symbolise light and how self-expression brings happiness to life.
Some argue that fashion has become mundane and lacking in originality since the rise of fast fashion and social media trends. Schiaparelli, however, counteracted this and proved that the current trends can be incorporated into striking outfits, without it becoming monotonous and repetitive. Each model’s hair was styled into a chic, slicked back look, which is a staple hairstyle for many people in recent times. This was successful in directing all attention to the outfits and what they offer. Schiaparelli also took inspiration from the blazer and trench coat trend, but provided a unique spin on it, and styled them to be very oversized and in some cases, worn as a dress with nothing underneath. This concept was also applied to the upscaling of the bags and jewellery worn by the models, creating bold, hefty accessories that complimented the outfits and disobeyed the typical outfit norms. As one critic put it, the “fashion has decided to swap the bland sameness of quiet luxury and the banality of algorithms for a mood that’s more eccentric.”
The final three looks of the show were centred around stunning tulle garments, embellished with floral motifs and sequins. Schiaparelli’s decision to place these visually attractive, botanical looks at the end of the show, portrayed a key message that growth and light is inevitable when you accept self-expression and individuality. This optimistic and uplifting message coincided with the upbeat, deep house music that was played as the models walked down the catwalk.
Schiaparelli, on a whole, produced yet another unparalleled exhibition of haute couture, showcased by elite models like Kendall Jenner and Adriana Lima. The show could be criticised for promoting unrealistic body expectations, with the lack of size diversity among the models and the persistent use of corsets to cinch the waist in and create an hourglass silhouette. However, when viewed in its entirety, the collection truly encompassed the meaning of self-expression and the importance of upholding authenticity and individuality through fashion.
Images courtesy of Maison Schiaparelli - Ready-to-Wear Spring-Summer 2025