Kevin Germanier at Haute Couture Summer 2025: The luxury of upcycling and creative collaboration
Swiss designer Kevin Germanier made his debut at Haute Couture Week in Paris with a collection that embodies his innovative concept of "luxury created from waste." The brand, founded in 2018, is known for transforming discarded materials such as beads, gemstones, and sequins into stunning pieces. However, for his first Haute Couture collection, Germanier took it a step further and chose to work with vintage luxury pieces, some from renowned maisons, to create sophisticated and sustainable garments.
Germanier's proposal goes beyond traditional customization, betting on a true process of transformation.
"We retouch, change the linings, and embroider. It's not customization, it's really the idea of having a piece you love and want to adapt to keep wearing it," explained the designer.
This approach reflects his commitment to upcycling, a technique that gives new life to materials and pieces that would otherwise be discarded, while maintaining exclusivity and luxury in each creation.
The proposal of made-to-order and more accessible fashion
Despite the exclusivity of haute couture, Germanier aims to make his fashion more accessible to his clients, as his pieces are typically made to order. This is reflected in details such as shorter dress hems and controlled volumes, creating a collection that can be produced on a smaller scale. Highlights of the collection include embroidered suits and crochet sets with fringe at the hems, adding an artisanal and unique touch to each piece. The highlight of the presentation was the bubble silhouette looks, with pointed volumes at the end of the runway, bringing creative boldness to the collection.
A creative partnership with Gustavo Silvestre
The Summer 2025 collection also celebrates the sixth collaboration between Kevin Germanier and Brazilian designer Gustavo Silvestre, known for his work with Projeto Ponto Firme. This creative partnership has already produced five prêt-à-porter collections, four of which were showcased at Paris Fashion Week, and one in São Paulo, at Copan. For this collection, the collaboration became even more special as it marks the first time the two designers apply their upcycling expertise in haute couture.
Silvestre, who develops crochet techniques at the Ateliê Ponto Firme, commented on the gratification of seeing an ancient technique being redefined in haute couture.
"It is gratifying to see how an ancient technique can be redefined in haute couture, showcasing the limitless potential of manual labor," he stated.
In addition, Silvestre's atelier is an important space for empowering trans and cis women in vulnerable situations, giving a social purpose to each crochet piece produced.
The future of sustainable luxury
Kevin Germanier's Summer 2025 collection is more than just a debut in haute couture; it is a true statement that luxury and sustainability can walk hand in hand. With his upcycling work, creative partnerships, and a more accessible approach for his clients, Germanier is shaping a future where luxury fashion can be both exclusive and conscious.