Cardi B, Dua Lipa & Hunter Schafer Lead the Star-Studded Front Row at Schiaparelli’s Paris Show: A Spectacle of Surreal Elegance
July 7, 2025
Paris has long been considered the epicenter of haute couture, a city where fashion transcends clothing and becomes pure art. On July 1, 2025, this tradition was reinvigorated in a spectacularly surreal way when Schiaparelli unveiled its Fall/Winter 2025 Haute Couture collection under the creative direction of Daniel Roseberry. The show was not only a testament to the brand’s storied history of surrealist fashion but also a cultural event of star-studded proportions.
Among the constellation of celebrities in attendance, Cardi B, Dua Lipa, and Hunter Schafer stole the spotlight. Each arrived wearing custom Schiaparelli looks that seamlessly blended high-art references with bold contemporary edge, embodying the label’s avant-garde spirit.
A Living Art Gallery on the Front Row
As guests arrived at the Place Vendôme venue, there was an air of anticipation and electric energy that only Paris Haute Couture Week can conjure. The front row was transformed into a living gallery of Schiaparelli’s most loyal and daring muses.
Cardi B, known for her fearless approach to fashion, made a striking entrance in a sculptural black velvet gown adorned with gilded anatomical motifs — a nod to Elsa Schiaparelli’s original fascination with the human form and the surrealist movement. The piece was topped with a dramatic headpiece reminiscent of a golden ribcage, echoing her past Met Gala looks but pushing the narrative even further into fantasy.
Next to Cardi sat Dua Lipa, who radiated modern goddess energy in a shimmering ivory column dress with exaggerated hips and a plunging neckline. Her look was accented with massive surrealist earrings shaped like distorted eyes, merging jewelry and art in a signature Schiaparelli flourish.
Hunter Schafer, celebrated for her roles on screen and in fashion, chose a more architectural approach — a minimalist yet complex white suit with curved, sculptural panels that evoked both armor and organic sculpture. Schafer’s look underlined her status as a chameleon-like muse of the fashion world, constantly shifting between ethereal delicacy and bold structure.
The Show: Daniel Roseberry’s Surrealist Masterstroke
Daniel Roseberry has reinvigorated Schiaparelli since taking the reins in 2019. His approach pays homage to the house’s surrealist origins while pushing its codes into the future. The Fall/Winter 2025 Haute Couture collection might be his most ambitious yet.
The runway opened with a monochromatic series of sculptural dresses, each playing with volume and silhouette in unexpected ways. One standout piece featured a jet-black bodice that unraveled into an enormous spiral skirt resembling a shell, referencing the brand’s organic motifs and Elsa Schiaparelli’s historical collaborations with Salvador Dalí and Jean Cocteau.
A recurring theme of “anatomical surrealism” emerged throughout. Gilded lungs, bronze ribcages, and lacquered heart shapes were integrated into garments, transforming models into hybrid beings — part human, part living sculpture. This anatomical approach feels especially poignant in a post-pandemic world where the fragility and resilience of the body remain in public consciousness.
Another highlight included a gown with enormous, wing-like shoulder constructions made from pleated silk, creating an illusion of floating movement. The palette ranged from stark blacks and whites to bursts of molten gold and blood red, each choice intentional and narrative-driven.
The Presence of a Crow: A Symbolic Guest
One unexpected “guest” stole attention during the show: a live crow perched on a model’s arm as she glided down the runway. This theatrical element tapped into Schiaparelli’s history of symbolism and surrealist games. The crow, often associated with mystery and transformation, became a living metaphor for the collection’s interplay between life, death, and rebirth.
Audience reactions ranged from awe to shock, reinforcing Roseberry’s genius for crafting moments that transcend mere fashion and become part of a larger cultural dialogue.
Cardi B’s Evolution as a Couture Muse
Cardi B’s presence at Schiaparelli wasn’t just another celebrity cameo. Over the years, she has cemented herself as one of the most important celebrity figures in the couture space. Unlike many stars who play it safe, Cardi approaches fashion as a form of storytelling and identity exploration.
Her collaboration with Schiaparelli is a natural fit: both share a love for audacious silhouettes, rich symbolism, and narrative dressing. Her look for this show paid homage to the house’s heritage while asserting her position as today’s queen of high-fashion experimentation.
Dua Lipa: The Modern Icon
Dua Lipa has been steadily evolving her style narrative, moving from disco-pop sparkle to a more refined, sculptural aesthetic. Her Schiaparelli look epitomized this transition.
In recent years, Dua has aligned herself with fashion houses that champion bold femininity and subversive glamour. Schiaparelli’s surrealist heritage perfectly complements her persona as a fearless performer and global style icon.
Hunter Schafer: The Shape-Shifting Muse
Hunter Schafer continues to solidify her reputation as one of fashion’s most intriguing muses. From red carpets to editorial spreads, Schafer consistently pushes the boundaries of gender and silhouette.
Her choice of a minimal, almost androgynous white suit at Schiaparelli’s show symbolized a new type of power dressing — one that rejects traditional definitions and celebrates form as art.
A Cultural Phenomenon Beyond the Runway
Schiaparelli’s Fall/Winter 2025 show wasn’t just a runway event; it was a cultural moment amplified by social media and global media coverage. The show was live-streamed to millions worldwide, instantly becoming one of the most discussed topics on platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Clips of Cardi B’s look, Hunter Schafer’s serene confidence, and Dua Lipa’s statuesque walk went viral within hours, solidifying the show’s influence far beyond the gilded salons of Paris.
The Future of Schiaparelli: Surrealism as a Living Language
Daniel Roseberry’s leadership has transformed Schiaparelli into a living language of surrealism. His work isn’t just revivalist; it’s evolutionary. He has redefined the house’s DNA for a new generation, merging historical motifs with cutting-edge craft and a sharp understanding of contemporary culture.
By inviting stars like Cardi B, Dua Lipa, and Hunter Schafer into this universe, Roseberry ensures Schiaparelli remains relevant and radical — a house that still shocks, delights, and challenges its audience.
A Moment Etched in Fashion History
The Schiaparelli Fall/Winter 2025 Haute Couture show was more than a collection reveal. It was a performance, an art installation, and a celebration of individuality.
With Cardi B embodying fearless extravagance, Dua Lipa channeling surreal goddess energy, and Hunter Schafer redefining power dressing, the front row became as significant as the runway itself. Each of these icons personified a different aspect of Schiaparelli’s surrealist spirit, creating a kaleidoscope of narratives that captivated the world.
As the lights dimmed and the final model exited — crow in tow — one thing was clear: Schiaparelli continues to be the beating heart of fashion fantasy, a brand that refuses to exist quietly in the background. In a world often dominated by safe choices and repetitive trends, Daniel Roseberry’s Schiaparelli offers a powerful reminder that fashion, at its best, is art — bold, unpredictable, and unapologetically alive.
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