Coperini Headlight the Sky in First Drive In Runway

It is certainly no secret that socially distanced runways, interactive live streams and virtual celebrations became sudden normality during the pandemic but for French brand Coperini, a break from the all-consuming digital world was needed. Branded a night of celebration and an immersive experience, creative directors Sébastien Meyer & Arnaud Vaillant launched the world’s first drive-in catwalk show at Paris Fashion Week to debut their FW21 collection. The conceptual runway was both safe and creative, two things that we have so closely nurtured during the midst of the global pandemic.

Emerging from the darkness, 35 electric cars navigated through the Parisian Streets before entering the Great Hall of the Accord Arena and forming a deconstructed runway that was set to showcase a collection of innovative yet wearable designs. Amongst car radio audio and the delicate sound of rhinestone stiletto heels, the headlights of the vehicles brightly illuminated the models as they walked the unconventional runway.

The collection explores the intricate complexities of the muted mystery of the night-time as we know it today, sometimes one of pitch blackness, sometimes one illuminated by the moon and sometimes one radiated with starlight. Inspired by Paris’ pre covid nightlife contrasted with the inherent joy of a relaxed night in, the collection blends both our current lockdown style with our deep desire to go out and dress up through a mixture of different styles and silhouettes. From asymmetric draped mini dresses, second-skin bodycon mesh and elevated shoulder pads to oversized faux fur coats and the brand’s signature relaxed tailoring, the collection perfectly embraces post-pandemic dressing up without disregarding our newfound obsession for comfort dressing.

The standout piece of the night included a relaxed silhouette sheer mesh shift dress, that seemingly takes inspiration from Kate Moss’ iconic slip dress she wore in London in 1993. The collection also extends to a range of accessories from padlock shaped bags to intricately designed rhinestone-studded boots. Adopting an eclectic colour palette of light to dark shades punctuated with vivid pops of primary and neon colours, the collection also focused upon reflective fabrics, contrasting colour blocking and checked prints.

Through dynamic futuristic designs, the brand have truly celebrated both fashion and creativity. With such a compelling and encaptivating performance, the show was glossed with creativity and innovation, leaving us waiting in anticipation for what is to come for the future of the brand.