The next Coperni fashion show will be in the middle of a LAN party

After taking its audience back to childhood with the runway of its SS25 ready-to-wear collection presented at Disneyland Paris last September, Coperni seems determined to keep playing. But no more roller coasters: for their show on March 9, the duo of co-founders Sébastien Meyer and Arnaud Vaillant has chosen to host a LAN party - an event that brings dozens or even hundreds of gamers together in one location to play, all connected to a local network. While this practice seems far removed from fashion week runways and their glittering universe, knowing Coperni's duo, their innovative approach to fashion, and their unconventional shows, nothing surprises us anymore.

“We love everything digital and tech-related, but we also love the social aspect. We want to tell stories using fashion industry codes, but reaching a wider audience,” said Vaillant to WWD. “So, we decided to tackle the giant universe of gaming, which has become like a religion.” Avid fans of video games such as "The Legend of Zelda," "Valorant," and "League of Legends," the couple's collection will be a leap back in time, taking us not to the world of cotton candy, candy apples, and Disney magic, but rather to the 90s, when video games were gradually becoming mainstream. “It was a way for people to connect in real life, and it was a moment of sharing - an honest moment, a moment of freedom,” Meyer said, emphasizing the contrast between that era and our hyperconnected current universe. The fall collection, according to the brand’s co-founder, will serve as an extension of Coperni's pre-fall line inspired by the 90s, blending its techno-chic aesthetic with utilitarian details like technical pockets and harness belts inspired by popular films like “Hackers” and “Tomb Raider.”

The idea of including the video game universe in their runway show came to the duo after attending an e-sports tournament in Paris, where thousands gathered to watch teams of players compete on stage. “It was mostly nostalgic people. Families would come, stay overnight for two days, and play non-stop,” Meyer explained. “It's really a moment where geeks come together.” The two creative directors plan to deliver an immersive experience, with 200 gamers or streamers sitting alongside guests. There will be a mix of amateurs and professionals, with a focus on gender parity, despite the underrepresentation of women in this sector. A sector that, despite the stereotypes of the neglected gamer with an impressive Star Wars T-shirt collection, is increasingly present in the fashion world. Recently, Miu Miu and Prada inaugurated a new era in digital fashion through a collaboration with the Snapchat app, allowing Bitmoji avatars to wear iconic pieces from the two brands, like the Small Galleria in Saffiano leather and the MiuMiu Wander bag. Prior to that, Louis Vuitton released a capsule collection in collaboration with League of Legends in 2019, Gucci released a limited edition X-box console, and Balenciaga partnered with Epic Games, integrating haute couture into Fortnite.

After the 99% air bag or Bella Hadid's dress sprayed directly onto her body, Coperni continues to surprise us. And while the announcement of such an unexpected location is news in itself, rest assured that more surprises await us on March 9. Already last September, beyond creating buzz with a runway placed under Sleeping Beauty's castle, Coperni's show quickly went viral thanks to the surprise appearance of Kylie Jenner, generating no less than $16.8 million in media impact value and surpassing over 91% of the brands featured in the Paris schedule, according to research and analytics company Launchmetrics. Indeed, Vaillant officially stated that the upcoming show will feature a series of “surprises”. Could this announcement hint at another superstar appearance, crazier partnerships, or new materials and innovations Coperni is known for? Until March 9, the speculations are open.