A Double Fashion Show by Istituto Marangoni Paris & London: The Magic of "Synergetic" at Palais de Tokyo

Karmen Parker
1 day ago
10 min read

For the first time, students from Istituto Marangoni Paris and London will showcase their collections together. On July 3 at 6:30PM CEST, ten young talents from Paris and ten from London will present their creations side by side at the spectacular Palais de Tokyo, an iconic venue that has hosted major figures in international fashion for years.

Watch livestream HERE

This year's theme perfectly aligns with the dual stage: Synergetic, a word rooted in the Greek synergetikos, meaning "working together." This concept serves as both an aesthetic manifesto and a creative project, reflecting the cultural synergies between emerging talents from the two fashion capitals. Istituto Marangoni is the only fashion school worldwide to offer, through its international network, a multicampus training path, thereby expanding the creative and professional horizons of its students. Sharing the same runway, the young designers from London and Paris present their collections not in rivalry, but in resonance.

As Valérie Berdah-Levy, Director of Istituto Marangoni Paris, points out: "This year, the 2025 Fashion Show takes on a whole new meaning. For the very first time, our Paris and London campuses are coming together in the world’s fashion capital. More than ever, this connection makes perfect sense, with London Fashion Week’s June edition crossing the Channel to settle in Paris. A fresh wave of British creativity is sweeping through the city. It’s the perfect opportunity for our talents from both cities to merge their visions, styles, and energy. Innovation, boldness, and collaboration are more than just values here, they come to life on this stage, in true Istituto Marangoni spirit.”

Fabio Rubino, Director of Istituto Marangoni London, emphasizes the importance of giving students access to an international stage — a powerful driver of creative energy and expression: "This fashion show marks a moment of extraordinary synergy between our London and Paris campuses. Giving our students the opportunity to express their creative vision in a shared, international context is at the very heart of Istituto Marangoni’s educational mission. We are truly proud to see their work showcased side by side in an event that celebrates excellence, innovation, and the power of our network collaboration."

Paris and London: two distinctive styles, a common vision

Each with their distinctive style, Paris and London share a common vision, shaped within Istituto Marangoni, which this year celebrates its 90th anniversary. A vision based on excellence, craftsmanship as an art form, a creativity resolutely turned towards the avant-garde, and the ability to transform material into narrative. The collections bear witness to this vision: hand-sculpted forms, refined tailoring, and thoughtfully artisanal, often recycled, textiles.

Many renowned couturiers trained in London have made Paris their second home: Vivienne Westwood and Paul Smith, iconic figures familiar on Parisian runways. John Galliano, Alexander McQueen, and Kim Jones have established historic collaborations with the most prestigious French houses. More recently, Victoria Beckham, Stella McCartney, and Grace Wales Bonner continue this cross-Channel creative tradition. A recent example of this ongoing dialogue: this season, Paris hosted several English designers of men's fashion, as London Fashion Week exceptionally took place not on the banks of the Thames, but in a showroom in the heart of the Ville Lumière.

Collections inspired by a rich diversity of influences

All these signs explain the new, vibrant, and decidedly forward-looking energy that characterizes this year's fashion show. With their creations, the 20 young designers from Paris and London weave narratives inspired by contemporary themes, related to current events, art, cinema, mythology, or the world of fantasy. The scenography for the Palais de Tokyo runway accompanies this creative journey: large white sails floating in the wind evoke movement, transformation, and the idea of a multisensory journey towards promised and dreamed horizons. An ideal setting to carry the bold vision of this new generation of creators.

The students of Istituto Marangoni London and Paris benefitted from the valued support of select sponsors, who contributed premium fabrics and leathers to help bring their creative vision to life on the runway:

For Paris: Rino Mastrotto (leather), Manteco (fabrics)

For London: Last Yarn (fabrics)

The 20 designers :

The 10 young creators from the London school who will walk the runway are: Gaye Sahutogullari, Sofiia Kovalska, Anna Sheremetyeva, Micaela Ismodes Sole, Henry Archibald Crawford, Thierry Nicolas Rüetschi, Charlene Osmond, Sofia Rukina, Jinxuan Mao, and Aniket Chandela.

On the Paris side, the ten selected designers are: Hwanseok Cho, Hana El-Sharabasy, Alexia Cofino, Valeria Rais, Lorena Casas, Monique Mou, Maria Vittoria Foradori, Gaurvi Monga, Maris Thompson, Alex Puigdollers Martin.

To reinforce the collective approach behind this show, the designers from London and Paris will alternate on stage in the following order:

Anna Sheremetyeva
Hwanseok Cho
Gaye Sahutogullari
Hana El-Sharabasy
Sofia Rukina
Alexia Cofino
Micaela Ismodes Sole
Valeria Rais
Sofiia Kovalska
Lorena Casas
Thierry Nicolas Rüetschi
Monique Mou
Aniket Chandela
Maria Vittoria Foradori
Charlene Osmond
Gaurvi Monga
Jinxuan Mao
Maris Thompson
Henry Archibald Crawford
Alex Puigdollers Martin

A fragrance exclusively created for the show

Echoing the spirit of collaboration at the heart of Synergetic, a unique fragrance has been created by Symrise Fine Fragrance perfumers exclusively for the show. A fragrance composed at eight hands by perfumers of different genders, cultures, and olfactory traditions. Hailing from Dubai, New Zealand, or France, this quartet of talents - Théo Belmas, Pierre Gueros, Suzy Le Helley and Isaac Sinclair - brought together their diverse perspectives to create a singular scent. The result is an olfactory reflection of the collections themselves: eclectic, inclusive, and united by a shared creative vision.

At the heart of the fragrance is an iconic note: the rose, or more precisely, two roses. The English rose and the French rose. The first one is fresh and bright, the second is sweet and powdery. A dual identity revealed through contrasting nuances, embodying the distinct characters of these two countries, now united in a shared expression of creativity through this fashion show. A timeless ambery woody note that blurs the genders brings a twist of modernity to the scent, and adding a more enveloping touch to its trail, a hint of musky notes...Synergetic is more than a fragrance, it is a statement of cross-border artistry.

Symrise is a partner of Istituto Marangoni Paris in the courses (Bachelor and Master) of Fragrances and Cosmetics Management and Fragrances and Cosmetics Brand Management and Licensing.

A SYNTHESIS OF THE COLLECTIONS

London

Gaye Sahutogullari – Identity

Identity draws inspiration from the concept of memento mori, depicting the body's degradation as a vessel of memory and a moment of transformation. Each silhouette is crafted from hand-molded latex, creating a semi-transparent second skin that follows the body's natural forms. Identity represents a romanticism where decomposition reveals beauty and where the end signifies a new beginning. Long fitted dresses, with integrated synthetic hair and hand-applied tattoos, are worn with layered latex coats, echoing the same details.

Sofiia Kovalska – Mavka and Molfar

This collection is inspired by Ukrainian mythological creatures, symbols of the mortal and spiritual worlds. The narrative revolves around the dualism of these mythical beings: the forest spirit, a young woman named Mavka, and the wise shaman Molfar. Through contemporary design, the collection expresses how clothing communicates with nature and the spiritual world. Ukrainian folklore is reinterpreted in a modern style while preserving traditional techniques.

Anna Sheremetyeva – Metamorphosis

Metamorphosis is dedicated to a personal journey of transformation and sublimation, overcoming turmoil and addiction. The silhouettes and fabrics are inspired by images of a cocoon and a caterpillar, the initial stages of a butterfly's metamorphosis. Over 60% of the collection is made from recycled fabrics. The multiple layers reflect inner fragmentation.

Micaela Ismodes Sole – Redrum

This collection is inspired by horror films and the way beauty can be unsettling. It is a tribute to a femininity that is both strange and mysterious, where soft and romantic forms meet darker elements. Each piece creates a ghostly atmosphere through the combination of heavy textures and light, transparent, and flowing fabrics, offering a unique sensation. Redrum plays on contrasts: romantic and frightening, soft and sharp, delicate yet resilient.

Henry Archibald Crawford – A Third Traveler

This collection is inspired by the "Fermi paradox," the idea that despite the vast possibilities of life in the universe, we remain alone. The garments recall the heavy mass of planets and are made with thick materials like upholstery suede, combed wool, and thick neoprene. Traditional tailoring techniques and shirt details evoke human heritage, subtly reminding of life's fragility at the heart of this concept.

Thierry Nicolas Rüetschi – New Renaissance

New Renaissance boldly explores strength, protection, and rebirth, blending Roman heritage, Renaissance elegance, and a futuristic vision. The architectural silhouettes are constructed from wide interwoven bands forming sculptural volumes or mimic human musculature, merging fashion with the raw beauty of the body's natural strength.

Charlene Osmond – Defining Seduction

This collection gathers various inspirations, offering a journey around seduction through films, fashion icons, photographs, and frozen moments. The design explores Western representations of femininity and deception from the 1950s to the 1970s, reinterpreted with modern glamour. Each piece plays on the tension between materials and details to capture the essence of seduction, creating an intimate, suggestive, and sensual collection.

Sofia Rukina – Bandit 90’s

Bandit 90’s is a luxury men's streetwear collection inspired by the criminal subcultures of post-Soviet Russia, where power, rebellion, and chaos defined an era. The narrative draws on historical references, police archives, slang, and clothing codes, revisited in a contemporary and luxurious way. This collection speaks to a confident, timeless man who asserts his unique personal style.

Jinxuan Mao – Echoes of Innocence

This collection is inspired by childlike behaviors to which adults unconsciously revert under extreme stress. The silhouettes oscillate between playful volumes and distorted cuts, reflecting the tension between innocence and responsibility. Gradient prints in vivid primary colors intertwine, evoking the palette of Edvard Munch's The Scream. On a trapeze dress, experimental fabric techniques recall the airy textures of bubbles and balloons.

Aniket Chandela – Vishnu ki Virasat

This collection blends traditional mythology with contemporary fashion, inspired by the ten avatars of Vishnu. Each piece represents an avatar, capturing its essence through intricate designs and luxurious fabrics, both timeless and modern. The silhouettes combine tailored cuts, fluid drapery, and structured elements in perfect harmony. These creations pay homage to Indian cultural heritage with bold, versatile, and modern elegance.

Paris

Hwanseok Cho - A Rebelling Man in the Cosmos

The collection explores the tension between human defiance and the vast, indifferent universe, inspired by Camus' The Myth of Sisyphus. To express ideas of space-time and gravity, every fabric in the collection incorporates checks or stripes, visually representing distortion and movement. The designs feature gravity-defying silhouettes and styling that challenges traditional fashion norms.

Hana El-Sharabasy - Where Skin Ends

Where Skin Ends is an exploration of the body, identity, and the space between intimacy and discomfort. Through grotesque textile manipulation, using human hair, sticky coatings, and scar-like surfaces, the collection question the limits of beauty in fashion. The work balances precise, repetitive handcraft with experimentation, letting found objects take on symbolic connotations.

Alexia Cofino - Scars of Somatization

The body holds what the mind cannot express. We somatize emotions, fear, shame, and pressure when we can’t let them out. This collection explores how the silent body still screams through tension, rigidity, or bursts of energy. Using textile manipulation, all those invisible emotions are made visible. Rigid structures reflect the armor we build to endure, while asymmetry reveals the cracks in that facade.

Valeria Rais - ARRK

ARRK is born from the silence of the desert, a place where wind shapes the land like memory shapes the body. Inspired by dunes, bones, and forgotten ruins, it evokes a future where nature and humanity have become one. It is not fiction, but a vision suspended between what has been and what could still be.

Lorena Casas - Shadow Grace

This collection explores the concept of self and emotional evolution. It reflects how difficult emotions transform over time and through experience. Each piece represents a stage of the inner journey—where beauty, pain, strength, and vulnerability coexist. Through refined silhouettes and artistic expression, it narrates the unspoken.

Monique Mou - Forgotten Beauty

Forgotten Beauty revolves around the tension of innocence and the rebellion we’re desperate to embrace. It speaks to the newborns abandoned in Southeastern China, simply because they are born the “wrong” gender, their delicate existence juxtaposed with the harsh realities from cultural beliefs. This collection is an emotional outcry tinted by the designer’s childhood, a rebellion not just against tradition, but against the vulnerability of showing who we really are.

Maria Vittoria Foradori - Shifting Emotions

Shifting Emotions is a collection that captures the intangible movement between emotional states. It explores the transitions from overwhelming and intricate feelings to the stark numbness of emotional absence. Inspired by the fragmented motion studies of Étienne-Jules Marey, the garments mirror the visual rhythm of emotion as it enters and moves through the body. Here, emotions are stored and replayed: slow eye movements reflect positive emotional memory, while rapid ones mark distress or fear.

Gaurvi Monga - JAANG

Jaang is profoundly inspired by two of the most deeply rooted and distressing social issues: the coercion of brides into marriage driven by dowry expectations and sexual exploitation, and the ongoing struggle of farmers who, despite being the backbone of the nation’s sustenance, continue to fight for their basic rights and survival. The collection calls for collective introspection, urging viewers to confront the often unseen injustices and to recognize the resilience and humanity of those who are routinely silenced.

Maris Thompson - FOSSE FOLIES

The foundation of the collection is rooted in the visionary work of Bob Fosse. Drawing from his distinctive aesthetic, the collection reinterprets cabaret-inspired elements through a modern lens, merging theatricality with sharp, contemporary design. The garments celebrate movement, character, and meticulous construction. Each look is a moment in-between, a narrative fragment that invites the wearer to step into a persona all their own.

Alex Puigdollers Martin - Structure & Absence

Structure & Absence is a conceptual exploration of « fake simplicity ». The collection pays tribute to human vulnerability—honoring both visible and invisible injuries through anatomical references like muscle structure and scar-like fabric folds. Through minimal forms and the inclusion of unconventional materials, it conveys a story of acceptance, and transformation. The use of ceramics underscores the value of craftsmanship and the body’s intricate architecture.

About Istituto Marangoni

Istituto Marangoni was founded in 1935 as Istituto Artistico dell'Abbigliamento Marangoni in Milan and has over 85 years of experience in shaping fashion, art, and design experts. The institute has educated students from 5 continents over four generations and launched the careers of over 45,000 luxury professionals, including Domenico Dolce, Alessandro Sartori, Paula Cademartori, Gilda Ambrosio, Julie de Libran, and Nicola Brognano. According to a recent Doxa survey, Istituto Marangoni has an impressive employability rate of 91%, demonstrating the high quality of its educational programmes and the career readiness of its graduates.

Istituto Marangoni welcomes around 5,000 students annually from 108 different countries across its schools in Milan, Florence, Paris, London, Mumbai, Shanghai, Dubai, Riyadh, Miami*, and Shenzhen*. The institution has been ranked among the top 100 universities in the world in its disciplines, according to the QS World University Ranking 2025.

* licensed schools

About Palais de Tokyo

Inaugurated in 1937 during the International Exposition of Arts and Techniques, Palais de Tokyo is now one of the most dynamic centers for contemporary art in Paris. The building has undergone numerous transformations before becoming, in 2002, the artistic and cultural experimentation space we know today. Over the years, it has established itself as a major reference in the fashion field as well. Blending Art Deco heritage with an experimental spirit, the venue attracts creators and fashion houses, making it the stage for often bold fashion shows and presentations. Brands like Rick Owens and Off-White have chosen it for its avant-garde power, perfectly resonating with conceptual and avant-garde fashion.

Download Press Kit HERE