{"id":103782,"date":"2025-07-15T15:19:54","date_gmt":"2025-07-15T15:19:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/us\/?post_type=articles&p=103782"},"modified":"2025-07-15T15:19:54","modified_gmt":"2025-07-15T15:19:54","slug":"christine-chiu-paris-couture-week-fashion-diary","status":"publish","type":"articles","link":"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/us\/articles\/christine-chiu-paris-couture-week-fashion-diary\/","title":{"rendered":"GRAZIA Exclusive: Inside Christine Chiu’s Dazzling Return to Paris Haute Couture Week \u2014 An Exclusive Fashion Diary"},"content":{"rendered":"
\"Christine
Photo courtesy of Christine Chiu at Couture Week 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Christine Chiu knows how to make an entrance \u2014 and a triumphant return. After taking a few seasons off, the global fashion authority, Haute Couture collector, and breakout star of Bling Empire<\/i> made her highly anticipated comeback at Paris Couture Week<\/a> 2025. Collaborating with renowned stylist Lorenzo Posocco, Chiu attended the most iconic shows of the week, including Schiaparelli, Armani Priv\u00e9, Chanel, Givenchy, and Demna’s emotional final show for Balenciaga.<\/p>\n

In this GRAZIA<\/em> digital exclusive, Chiu invites us into her world as a VIC<\/a> (Very Important Client), where fittings, show notes, private dinners, and emotional goodbyes to creative legends unfold in stunning couture. Below, read her personal diary and view exclusive photos capturing the unforgettable moments that made this Paris Couture Week her most meaningful yet.<\/p>\n

\n

DAY 1: Arrival, Fittings, and Gala Glam<\/h3>\n

Chiu\u2019s Couture Week journey began in the skies \u2014 literally.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cI bumped into my friend Alexa Dell on Air France\u2019s La Premi\u00e8re and we ended up having an in-flight masking slumber party from LA to Paris. Too much fun, zero sleep.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

The moment she touched down, it was go-time. A 4:00 PM Schiaparelli fitting was first on the agenda after learning her ordered couture gown wouldn\u2019t be ready. She quickly pivoted, sorting through backups before heading to Armani Priv\u00e9 at 5:00 PM for final tailoring. By 6:00 PM, she was already in glam for the Chanel High Jewelry Gala.<\/p>\n

But in true fashion chaos, Chiu discovered her collection<\/a> of Chanel high jewelry pieces was locked in the bank due to the U.S. July 4 holiday weekend. Fortunately, a pair of Lion collection earrings tucked in her travel case saved the day.<\/p>\n

“My date to this gala is Jennifer Smith and we had the best time catching up.”<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

She missed the famous dancing horse show but still made the most of the evening, seated beside Chanel US GM Rebekah McCabe and viewing the final designs from the late High Jewelry designer.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Photo courtesy of Christine Chiu at Couture Week 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Christine
Photo courtesy of Christine Chiu at Couture Week 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Christine
Photo courtesy of Christine Chiu at Couture Week 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Christine
Photo courtesy of Christine Chiu at Couture Week 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Christine
Photo courtesy of Christine Chiu at Couture Week 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\n

Day 2: Schiaparelli Show and Intimate Gatherings<\/h3>\n

The next morning opened on a moody, rainy Paris \u2014 a perfect match for the cinematic drama of Daniel Roseberry\u2019s \u201cBack to the Future\u201d Fall\/Winter 2025\u201326 show for Schiaparelli<\/a>. With Lorenzo dashing off to style Dua Lipa, his assistant Davide ensured Chiu’s look \u2014 a blend of satin trousers, velvet handbag, statement jewelry, and an \u201cOut of This World\u201d couture cape \u2014 was red carpet ready.<\/p>\n

\"\"
Photo courtesy of Christine Chiu at Couture Week 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Photo courtesy of Christine Chiu at Couture Week 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Photo courtesy of Christine Chiu at Couture Week 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

A surreal twist: one of the standout looks included a beating heart motif, echoing a whimsical design suggestion she\u2019d received from ChatGPT just days before.<\/p>\n

\u201cI thought it was so silly at the time and posted it on my IG with a poll \u2026 but now it\u2019s eerily accurate.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

From there, Chiu rushed to the Crillon for a special W Magazine<\/em> shoot with Juergen Teller recreating his iconic 1999 \u201cThe Clients\u201d series.<\/p>\n

\u201cHe shoots on his iPhone! I was the first client he photographed for this project.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Wearing Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda, she only wished she had brought her collection of Alta Gioielli crowns to complete the look.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been buying Alta Moda since the beginning \u2014 and even Baby G\u2019s first couture was Alta Sartoria.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Next on the social circuit: a birthday lunch for Emily in Paris<\/em> star Ashley Park, who had just purchased her first Birkin bag.<\/p>\n

\u201cAshley bought her first Birkin in Paris at the Faubourg Saint-Honor\u00e9 flagship store \u2014 and I was there to facilitate!\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The group toasted with lobster dishes and ros\u00e9 champagne, joined by Broadway friend Krystina.<\/p>\n

That evening, she changed into glam again for the Chanel US Fashion Dinner at Laurent restaurant. Her seatmate: the fabulous Catherine Porter, head of VIP relations at Chanel.<\/p>\n

\u201cMost think these dinners are stuffy \u2014 we had rounds and rounds of Pornstar Martinis.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"\"
Photo courtesy of Christine Chiu at Couture Week 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Photo courtesy of Christine Chiu at Couture Week 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Photo courtesy of Christine Chiu at Couture Week 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

She returned to her hotel by 11:30 PM \u2014 only to virtually clock in for her day job with Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery.<\/p>\n

\n

DAY 3: Chanel, Couture Fittings, and Armani Priv\u00e9<\/strong><\/h3>\n

With a 6:30 AM glam call, Chiu prepped for Chanel\u2019s 10:00 AM Haute Couture show. She noted the change in entrance \u2014 this year through the back of the Grand Palais, which led guests into the intimate Salon d\u2019Honneur. The smaller guest list and plush interiors recreated the feeling of Chanel\u2019s original 31 Rue Cambon salon.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe show was noticeably smaller in space and guest attendance this year<\/span>. A prominent theme in this collection is the weaving in of wheat ears \u2014 symbolic of abundance.”<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Christine
Photo courtesy of Christine Chiu at Couture Week 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Christine
Photo courtesy of Christine Chiu at Couture Week 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Christine
Photo courtesy of Christine Chiu at Couture Week 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Christine
Photo courtesy of Christine Chiu at Couture Week 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Tradition continued with Chanel\u2019s post-show lunch \u2014 this time at LouLou\u2019s patio instead of L\u2019Avenue. Guests dined on truffle pizza and spritzes while sharing their reactions to the collection. Chiu ducked out early for her 3:00 PM fitting at Rue Cambon.<\/p>\n

She tried on four gowns \u2014 always drawn to looks in the #50 range, often saved for eveningwear. Her Chanel team teased her about trying a suit this year. No dice. The gowns are too enticing for her to pass up.<\/span><\/p>\n

“‘Tr\u00e8s bien,\u2019 \u2018tr\u00e8s jolie,\u2019 says the Chanel team\u2026 I dance around like a little girl on her birthday<\/span>.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

With little time to spare, she switched into glam once again for Armani Priv\u00e9. Running on fumes and ros\u00e9, she brought Jessica Wang as her show date. When the expected town car didn\u2019t arrive, a party bus did. Naturally.<\/p>\n

The Armani Priv\u00e9 show did not disappoint<\/a>. Chiu’s gown was an immediate standout \u2014 sophisticated and opulent.<\/p>\n

\n

\u201cThe Armani Priv\u00e9 collections are ALWAYS beautiful \u2013 they\u2019ve consistently designed for women in the most glamorous and flattering manner. Armani Priv\u00e9 evokes old money elegance with luxurious detailing and ultra seductive hints.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n

\"\"
Photo courtesy of Christine Chiu at Couture Week 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Photo courtesy of Christine Chiu at Couture Week 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Photo courtesy of Christine Chiu at Couture Week 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

She noted a fun detail about the show\u2019s layout:<\/p>\n

\u201cA fun observation: Armani Priv\u00e9 tends to seat VICs and talent across from each other at the shows \u2013 by the cameras\/press \u2013 and I have alternated sides back and forth over the years.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Following the show, she joined the Armani dinner \u2014 a coveted invitation that often overlaps with Chanel\u2019s post-show festivities. In past seasons, Chiu would try to attend both, bouncing between desserts and coffee, but this time she stayed with Armani through cocktails and dinner for a more relaxed evening.<\/p>\n

“This year, I just stayed with Armani through cocktails and dinner and it was much more enjoyable for all!”<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n
\n<\/div>\n

DAY 4: Demna’s Final Balenciaga Show<\/strong><\/h3>\n

By July 9, Chiu was in the home stretch \u2014 though the day\u2019s significance couldn\u2019t be overstated. At 8:30 AM, glam began for Demna\u2019s final show at Balenciaga. Her look included a couture feather mask turned into a bralette (a transformation only made possible by Demna\u2019s personal approval), paired with a silk skirt, pantaleggings, diamond hoops, a Jason of Beverly Hills feather ring, and wraparound shades.<\/p>\n

\u201cI exited the car at the show and immediately forgot to suck in my stomach\u2026 only to be greeted by Selma Hayek who complimented my look.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Christine
Photo courtesy of Christine Chiu at Couture Week 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Christine
Photo courtesy of Christine Chiu at Couture Week 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Photo courtesy of Christine Chiu at Couture Week 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"\"
Photo courtesy of Christine Chiu at Couture Week 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Inside, emotions ran high. Chiu recalled attending Demna\u2019s debut couture show in the very same salon. She reunited with friends like Katy Perry and Nicole Kidman, and congratulated Demna backstage, fighting back tears.<\/p>\n

“After the show, I went backstage to see Demna. I congratulated him on all \u2014 fighting back tears of happiness for him.”<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"Christine
Photo courtesy of Christine Chiu at Couture Week 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n
\"Christine
Photo courtesy of Christine Chiu at Couture Week 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

After the show, she met with Herm\u00e8s legend Michael Costes for a private shopping session and left with a secret new acquisition.<\/p>\n

“While I won\u2019t disclose the exact bag, let\u2019s just say it was INSANE!! And I am so happy! Thank you Michael!”<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Caught in traffic and eager to get back to the Crillon, she jumped out of her car and ran through the streets of Paris \u2014 in heeled boots.<\/p>\n

That evening, the Balenciaga cocktail and exhibition stunned guests with archival memorabilia, including every show invite from Demna\u2019s tenure and even his original Balenciaga internship rejection letter.<\/p>\n

“Wow. Speechless. Inspiring. His determination, talent, vision \u2014 so inspiring.”<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Dinner at the Gaultier atelier<\/a>, catered by Caviar Kaspia, felt like the perfect palate cleanser. Later, Chiu made her final stop at Maxim\u2019s for the Balenciaga x Lorraine Schwartz afterparty.<\/p>\n

\u201cDJ, champagne, more food\u2026 I partied until I could no longer.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\n
\n<\/div>\n

FINAL DAY: Fittings Before Departure<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Chiu’s final day in Paris was nothing short of a sprint to the finish. She began with an early fitting at Balenciaga \u2014 becoming the first client of the morning to step into the atelier following Demna\u2019s emotional final show. There, she selected three standout looks and was walked through the intricate construction of a couture corset by the head tailor she had worked with in past seasons. One gown in particular spoke to her instantly, and she placed an order on the spot \u2014 securing exclusive rights to ensure it wouldn\u2019t be seen on anyone else.<\/p>\n

From Balenciaga, she rushed to her final appointment of the week: a re-see at Schiaparelli. While Daniel Roseberry was busy with press interviews, Chiu was measured by the tailoring team and had the chance to revisit her favorite pieces from the runway. She was thrilled to try on two alternate gowns she loved, but disappointed to learn that her top choice had already been tagged for press or celebrity dressing, and ultimately waiting for the completion of her original custom gown before placing her final order.<\/p>\n

“No, sorry, I don\u2019t want to purchase a couture look that will be dressed on someone else \u2014 celebrity or not.”<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\"\"
Photo courtesy of Christine Chiu at Couture Week 2025<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

And with that, Christine Chiu’s whirlwind Couture Week<\/a> came to a close.<\/p>\n

“What I love most about haute couture in general is that each piece looks stunning at first sight, but the experience continues when you examine closely and find all sorts of surprises in the detailing and intricacies of the material.”<\/span><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Photography by Arthur Gareev, Victor Telles, Celin May, Marion Felicite<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Hair by Erica Campos<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Makeup by Ayamini Shimura<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Styling by Lorenzo Posocco<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n

Additional Credits: Hotel de Crillon<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":42686,"featured_media":103811,"template":"","format":"standard","categories":[17,16],"yoast_head":"\nChristine Chiu Couture Week 2025 Return: Exclusive Diary<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Christine Chiu shares an exclusive behind-the-scenes look at Paris Couture Week 2025, from Schiaparelli and Chanel to Balenciaga and Armani.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/graziamagazine.com\/us\/articles\/christine-chiu-paris-couture-week-fashion-diary\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"GRAZIA Exclusive: Inside Christine Chiu's Dazzling Return to Paris Haute Couture Week \u2014 An Exclusive Fashion Diary\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" 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