GRAZIA Exclusive: Inside Christine Chiu's Dazzling Return to Paris Haute Couture Week — An Exclusive Fashion Diary

Grazia USA

2 days ago

Christine Chiu knows how to make an entrance — and a triumphant return. After taking a few seasons off, the global fashion authority, Haute Couture collector, and breakout star of Bling Empire made her highly anticipated comeback at Paris Couture Week 2025. Collaborating with renowned stylist Lorenzo Posocco, Chiu attended the most iconic shows of the week, including Schiaparelli, Armani Privé, Chanel, Givenchy, and Demna's emotional final show for Balenciaga.
In this GRAZIA digital exclusive, Chiu invites us into her world as a VIC (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.
DAY 1: Arrival, Fittings, and Gala Glam
Chiu's Couture Week journey began in the skies — literally.
'I bumped into my friend Alexa Dell on Air France's La Première and we ended up having an in-flight masking slumber party from LA to Paris. Too much fun, zero sleep.'
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't be ready. She quickly pivoted, sorting through backups before heading to Armani Privé at 5:00 PM for final tailoring. By 6:00 PM, she was already in glam for the Chanel High Jewelry Gala.
But in true fashion chaos, Chiu discovered her collection 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.
'My date to this gala is Jennifer Smith and we had the best time catching up.'
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.
Day 2: Schiaparelli Show and Intimate Gatherings
The next morning opened on a moody, rainy Paris — a perfect match for the cinematic drama of Daniel Roseberry's 'Back to the Future' Fall/Winter 2025–26 show for Schiaparelli. With Lorenzo dashing off to style Dua Lipa, his assistant Davide ensured Chiu's look — a blend of satin trousers, velvet handbag, statement jewelry, and an 'Out of This World' couture cape — was red carpet ready.
A surreal twist: one of the standout looks included a beating heart motif, echoing a whimsical design suggestion she'd received from ChatGPT just days before.
'I thought it was so silly at the time and posted it on my IG with a poll … but now it's eerily accurate.'
From there, Chiu rushed to the Crillon for a special W Magazine shoot with Juergen Teller recreating his iconic 1999 'The Clients' series.
'He shoots on his iPhone! I was the first client he photographed for this project.'
Wearing Dolce & Gabbana Alta Moda, she only wished she had brought her collection of Alta Gioielli crowns to complete the look.
'I've been buying Alta Moda since the beginning — and even Baby G's first couture was Alta Sartoria.'
Next on the social circuit: a birthday lunch for Emily in Paris star Ashley Park, who had just purchased her first Birkin bag.
'Ashley bought her first Birkin in Paris at the Faubourg Saint-Honoré flagship store — and I was there to facilitate!'
The group toasted with lobster dishes and rosé champagne, joined by Broadway friend Krystina.
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.
'Most think these dinners are stuffy — we had rounds and rounds of Pornstar Martinis.'
She returned to her hotel by 11:30 PM — only to virtually clock in for her day job with Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery.
DAY 3: Chanel, Couture Fittings, and Armani Privé
With a 6:30 AM glam call, Chiu prepped for Chanel's 10:00 AM Haute Couture show. She noted the change in entrance — this year through the back of the Grand Palais, which led guests into the intimate Salon d'Honneur. The smaller guest list and plush interiors recreated the feeling of Chanel's original 31 Rue Cambon salon.
'The show was noticeably smaller in space and guest attendance this year. A prominent theme in this collection is the weaving in of wheat ears — symbolic of abundance.'
Tradition continued with Chanel's post-show lunch — this time at LouLou's patio instead of L'Avenue. 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.
She tried on four gowns — 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.
''Très bien,' 'très jolie,' says the Chanel team… I dance around like a little girl on her birthday.'
With little time to spare, she switched into glam once again for Armani Privé. Running on fumes and rosé, she brought Jessica Wang as her show date. When the expected town car didn't arrive, a party bus did. Naturally.
The Armani Privé show did not disappoint. Chiu's gown was an immediate standout — sophisticated and opulent.
'The Armani Privé collections are ALWAYS beautiful – they've consistently designed for women in the most glamorous and flattering manner. Armani Privé evokes old money elegance with luxurious detailing and ultra seductive hints.'
She noted a fun detail about the show's layout:
'A fun observation: Armani Privé tends to seat VICs and talent across from each other at the shows – by the cameras/press – and I have alternated sides back and forth over the years.'
Following the show, she joined the Armani dinner — a coveted invitation that often overlaps with Chanel's 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.
'This year, I just stayed with Armani through cocktails and dinner and it was much more enjoyable for all!'
DAY 4: Demna's Final Balenciaga Show
By July 9, Chiu was in the home stretch — though the day's significance couldn't be overstated. At 8:30 AM, glam began for Demna's final show at Balenciaga. Her look included a couture feather mask turned into a bralette (a transformation only made possible by Demna's personal approval), paired with a silk skirt, pantaleggings, diamond hoops, a Jason of Beverly Hills feather ring, and wraparound shades.
'I exited the car at the show and immediately forgot to suck in my stomach… only to be greeted by Selma Hayek who complimented my look.'
Inside, emotions ran high. Chiu recalled attending Demna's 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.
'After the show, I went backstage to see Demna. I congratulated him on all — fighting back tears of happiness for him.'
After the show, she met with Hermès legend Michael Costes for a private shopping session and left with a secret new acquisition.
'While I won't disclose the exact bag, let's just say it was INSANE!! And I am so happy! Thank you Michael!'
Caught in traffic and eager to get back to the Crillon, she jumped out of her car and ran through the streets of Paris — in heeled boots.
That evening, the Balenciaga cocktail and exhibition stunned guests with archival memorabilia, including every show invite from Demna's tenure and even his original Balenciaga internship rejection letter.
'Wow. Speechless. Inspiring. His determination, talent, vision — so inspiring.'
Dinner at the Gaultier atelier, catered by Caviar Kaspia, felt like the perfect palate cleanser. Later, Chiu made her final stop at Maxim's for the Balenciaga x Lorraine Schwartz afterparty.
'DJ, champagne, more food… I partied until I could no longer.'
FINAL DAY: Fittings Before Departure
Chiu's final day in Paris was nothing short of a sprint to the finish. She began with an early fitting at Balenciaga — becoming the first client of the morning to step into the atelier following Demna's 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 — securing exclusive rights to ensure it wouldn't be seen on anyone else.
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.
'No, sorry, I don't want to purchase a couture look that will be dressed on someone else — celebrity or not.'
And with that, Christine Chiu's whirlwind Couture Week came to a close.
'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.'
Photography by Arthur Gareev, Victor Telles, Celin May, Marion Felicite
Hair by Erica Campos
Makeup by Ayamini Shimura
Styling by Lorenzo Posocco
Additional Credits: Hotel de Crillon