
Demna to bow out at Balenciaga in Paris Haute Couture Week
The 44-year-old, acclaimed by millennials and Gen-Z stars from Kim Kardashian to British pop sensation Charli XCX, has been tasked with reviving the flagging fortunes of Gucci by Kering CEO Francois-Henri Pinault. Another of his biggest fans, rapper Cardi B, turned up at Schiaparelli on Monday in a traffic-stopping tasslled neckpiece and posed with a crow in the drizzle in front of the Petit Palais exhibition space.
She took her seat on the front row alongside singer Dua Lipa, who wore a full-length petalled white outfit with daring cutaways. The Schiaparelli collection featured an impressive black-and-white ruffled gown, long sculptural evening dresses and refined tailored suits in a palette dominated by white, black and silver, with accents of bright red.
Haute Couture Week is dedicated to handcrafted, one-of-a-kind creations made to wear at red carpets, galas and other high-profile events. Schiaparelli was followed by a show by Dutch designer Iris Van Herpen, who said her creations were inspired by the ocean and British documentary maker David Attenborough's heart-rending new film on sealife.
Georges Hobeika, Imane Ayissi, Rahul Mishra, Julie de Libran and Giambattista Valli were set to follow later in the day. American Michael Rider, who succeeded Hedi Slimane as chief designer at Celine, unveiled his first collection for the luxury French brand on Sunday, outside the official calendar.]
A performer exhibits during the presentation of creation for Iris Van Herpen.
Dutch fashion designer Iris Van Herpen acknowledges the audience following the presentation of her creations during the Women's Haute-Couture Fall/Winter 2025-26 collection show in Paris.
Absences
After Demna's farewell on Wednesday, Belgian designer Glenn Martens will find himself in the spotlight when he unveils a first collection for Maison Margiela, following his appointment in January to succeed British designer John Galliano. On Tuesday, Chanel will present the final collection created by its in-house design studio, the fifth since Virginie Viard's sudden departure in June 2024. Her successor, the discreet and highly respected Franco-Belgian designer Matthieu Blazy, was appointed in December and will showcase his first collection for Chanel in October.
In total, 27 houses will unveil their creations, including Elie Saab, Armani Prive, Aelis, Viktor&Rolf, Adeline Andre and Dubai-based Rami Al Ali, who is set to become the first Syrian to join the official Paris calendar.
Following a spate of major changes at fashion houses, some absences will stand out, particularly Dior's. After a highly anticipated debut during the men's Fashion Week on June 27, newly appointed artistic director Jonathan Anderson is holding back his first haute couture collection for January 2026. Named in early June to lead Dior's women's and couture lines as well, the 40-year-old Northern Irishman has become the first person since founder Christian Dior himself to oversee all three branches of the house. Jean Paul Gaultier is also missing.
Dutch designer Duran Lantink, appointed as the brand's permanent artistic director in April, will make his debut during Women's Fashion Week in October. Since stepping back in 2020, Jean Paul Gaultier has handed over the reins of his couture collections to a series of guest designers, including Olivier Rousteing, Ludovic de Saint Sernin, Haider Ackermann and Simone Rocha. The week will wrap up with a show by Swiss designer Kevin Germanier.— AFP
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Kuwait Times
an hour ago
- Kuwait Times
Georges Hobeika showcases Fall-Winter 2026 collection at Paris Haute Couture Week
A standout bridal look closed the collection — a long-sleeved gown with sheer panels and silver embroidery, paired with a beaded headpiece and flowing veil. Accessories remained understated, with models wearing statement earrings and slicked-back hair. Hobeika and his son, co-creative director Jad Hobeika, appeared on the runway at the end of the show to thank the audience. Paris Haute Couture Week opened on Monday with Schiaparelli's surreal Fall 2025 presentation, featuring US rapper Cardi B holding a live crow at the Petit Palais. Other designers presenting on the first day included Iris Van Herpen, Imane Ayissi, Rahul Mishra, Julie de Libran and Giambattista Valli. In addition to Hobeika, several Arab designers are participating in the week-long event, including Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad, Ashi Studio and Rami Al Ali. The shows run through July 10. A standout bridal look closed the collection — a long-sleeved gown with sheer panels and silver embroidery, paired with a beaded headpiece and flowing veil. Accessories remained understated, with models wearing statement earrings and slicked-back hair. Hobeika and his son, co-creative director Jad Hobeika, appeared on the runway at the end of the show to thank the audience. Paris Haute Couture Week opened on Monday with Schiaparelli's surreal Fall 2025 presentation, featuring US rapper Cardi B holding a live crow at the Petit Palais. Other designers presenting on the first day included Iris Van Herpen, Imane Ayissi, Rahul Mishra, Julie de Libran and Giambattista Valli. In addition to Hobeika, several Arab designers are participating in the week-long event, including Elie Saab, Zuhair Murad, Ashi Studio and Rami Al Ali. The shows run through July 10.—Agencies Models present creations for Georges Hobeika during the Women's Haute-Couture Fall/Winter 2025-26 collection show in Paris. Georges Hobeika Lebanese fashion designer Georges Hobeika (left) and his son Lebanese fashion designer Jad Hobeika acknowledges the audience following the presentation of their creations for Georges Hobeika during the Women's Haute-Couture Fall/Winter 2025-26 collection show in Paris.--AFP photos Georges Hobeika Georges Hobeika Georges Hobeika Georges Hobeika Models present creations for Imane Ayissi during the Women's Haute-Couture Fall/Winter 2025-26 collection show in Paris. Imane Ayissi Imane Ayissi Imane Ayissi Imane Ayissi Imane Ayissi Models present creations for Rahul Mishra during the Women's Haute-Couture Fall/Winter 2025-26 collection show in Paris. Rahul Mishra Rahul Mishra Rahul Mishra Rahul Mishra Rahul Mishra Rahul Mishra Rahul Mishra Rahul Mishra Rahul Mishra Rahul Mishra

Kuwait Times
a day ago
- Kuwait Times
Demna to bow out at Balenciaga in Paris Haute Couture Week
After 10 years at Balenciaga, provocative Georgian showman Demna is to take a final bow during Paris Haute Couture Week, which began on Monday with a star-studded show by Schiaparelli. Demna, known for his daring work as well as controversies during his decade-long stint at Kering-owned Balenciaga, will unveil his final collection on Wednesday in what is expected to be one of the highlights of the week. The 44-year-old, acclaimed by millennials and Gen-Z stars from Kim Kardashian to British pop sensation Charli XCX, has been tasked with reviving the flagging fortunes of Gucci by Kering CEO Francois-Henri Pinault. Another of his biggest fans, rapper Cardi B, turned up at Schiaparelli on Monday in a traffic-stopping tasslled neckpiece and posed with a crow in the drizzle in front of the Petit Palais exhibition space. She took her seat on the front row alongside singer Dua Lipa, who wore a full-length petalled white outfit with daring cutaways. The Schiaparelli collection featured an impressive black-and-white ruffled gown, long sculptural evening dresses and refined tailored suits in a palette dominated by white, black and silver, with accents of bright red. Haute Couture Week is dedicated to handcrafted, one-of-a-kind creations made to wear at red carpets, galas and other high-profile events. Schiaparelli was followed by a show by Dutch designer Iris Van Herpen, who said her creations were inspired by the ocean and British documentary maker David Attenborough's heart-rending new film on sealife. Georges Hobeika, Imane Ayissi, Rahul Mishra, Julie de Libran and Giambattista Valli were set to follow later in the day. American Michael Rider, who succeeded Hedi Slimane as chief designer at Celine, unveiled his first collection for the luxury French brand on Sunday, outside the official calendar.] A performer exhibits during the presentation of creation for Iris Van Herpen. Dutch fashion designer Iris Van Herpen acknowledges the audience following the presentation of her creations during the Women's Haute-Couture Fall/Winter 2025-26 collection show in Paris. Absences After Demna's farewell on Wednesday, Belgian designer Glenn Martens will find himself in the spotlight when he unveils a first collection for Maison Margiela, following his appointment in January to succeed British designer John Galliano. On Tuesday, Chanel will present the final collection created by its in-house design studio, the fifth since Virginie Viard's sudden departure in June 2024. Her successor, the discreet and highly respected Franco-Belgian designer Matthieu Blazy, was appointed in December and will showcase his first collection for Chanel in October. In total, 27 houses will unveil their creations, including Elie Saab, Armani Prive, Aelis, Viktor&Rolf, Adeline Andre and Dubai-based Rami Al Ali, who is set to become the first Syrian to join the official Paris calendar. Following a spate of major changes at fashion houses, some absences will stand out, particularly Dior's. After a highly anticipated debut during the men's Fashion Week on June 27, newly appointed artistic director Jonathan Anderson is holding back his first haute couture collection for January 2026. Named in early June to lead Dior's women's and couture lines as well, the 40-year-old Northern Irishman has become the first person since founder Christian Dior himself to oversee all three branches of the house. Jean Paul Gaultier is also missing. Dutch designer Duran Lantink, appointed as the brand's permanent artistic director in April, will make his debut during Women's Fashion Week in October. Since stepping back in 2020, Jean Paul Gaultier has handed over the reins of his couture collections to a series of guest designers, including Olivier Rousteing, Ludovic de Saint Sernin, Haider Ackermann and Simone Rocha. The week will wrap up with a show by Swiss designer Kevin Germanier.— AFP

Kuwait Times
2 days ago
- Kuwait Times
China's first Legoland opens to tourists in Shanghai
Thousands of local tourists poured into China's first-ever Legoland as it opened its gates in Shanghai on Saturday, the latest theme park hoping to capitalize on a domestic tourism boom. The Chinese branch of the British-owned theme park franchise is the biggest Legoland in the world. It drew in early customers who flocked to attractions including a miniature train ride and a dragon-themed rollercoaster. 'I personally love to play with Lego blocks and we have many sets at home... so I wanted to come to Legoland at the earliest opportunity,' said Shi, a 35-year-old resident of nearby city Hangzhou, who was visiting the park with his wife and child. Despite the Chinese economy's sluggish growth in recent years, domestic tourist spending grew 18.6 percent in the first quarter of this year compared to the previous year, according to statistics. 'Ever since the pandemic, I've made very few trips abroad,' said Shi, adding his family now travels to theme parks around China 'many times a year'. Eager Lego fans rushed into the park as soon as it opened, wearing themed shirts and waving branded flags as they enjoyed the 318,000-square-metre (78.5-acre) compound in scorching temperatures. People visit Legoland Shanghai Resort, the world's largest Legoland, during the theme park's grand opening in Shanghai.--AFP photos Children play with lego at Legoland Shanghai Resort. People visit Legoland Shanghai Resort. A Lego diorama of the Forbidden City is seen past other landmarks (background) at the Legoland Shanghai Resort. People enjoy a ride at Legoland Shanghai Resort. A woman and child pose on a ride at Legoland Shanghai Resort. People enjoy a ride at Legoland Shanghai Resort. People enjoy a ride at Legoland Shanghai Resort. People enjoy a ride at Legoland Shanghai Resort. Children visit Legoland Shanghai Resort. Performers dance during a show at Legoland Shanghai Resort. An entrance to the Legoland Shanghai Resort. Beijing has announced subsidies intended to make travelling within the country more affordable for Chinese citizens, and is pushing local governments to heavily market their attractions on social media. Companies have taken note of the wider local tourism boom and stepped up their plans in China. A new 'Spider-Man' attraction at Shanghai Disneyland broke ground in May, while Warner Brothers is set to open a Harry Potter experience in Shanghai by 2027. Toy giant Hasbro said this week its giant Peppa Pig park in the city was now 'in the phase of creative design'. Chinese collectable toy maker Pop Mart has also opened an attraction in Beijing featuring life-sized versions of its popular Labubu toys. 'The various provinces are putting a lot of effort into expanding their tourism industries, and all of them have special attractions,' said Xu, a 34-year-old parent visiting Legoland on Saturday with his children. But profitability remains a problem, especially for local companies with less brand recognition. As of late 2024, around 40 percent of parks were still failing to turn a profit, according to state media reports. Yet analysts point to a growing population of retirees and job market changes as key factors pushing more locals to visit domestic attractions. 'The labor market is turning more flexible,' said Ernan Cui, China consumer analyst at Gavekal Research. 'More people have leisure time to travel around.' - AFP