KILIAN KERNER
The man behind the theatricality of the name
When I think of Paris, the first thing that comes to mind is sophistication and established norms, because Paris inspires elegance in clothing, expression, and the very essence of many people. I've always believed that the future of fashion lies in taking leaps forward and transcending territorial boundaries, becoming expressions that unite us. Because that’s what fashion is: a common thread that allows us to understand each other, despite its great diversity.
When a Paris Fashion Week issue is so rich and sophisticated in content and talent, the editor's mind becomes an inexhaustible source of creativity—because writing requires creativity. And that's what I mean: Kilian, you are so creative.
When we arrived at the Opéra Garnier to see the well-curated collections of several designers, my gaze could not be taken away for a second from the theatricality, the extravagance, the genius, and the vibrantly shocking nature of Kilian’s collection.
When we arrived at the Opéra Garnier to see the well-curated collections of several designers, my gaze could not be taken away for a second from the theatricality, the extravagance, the genius, and the vibrantly shocking nature of Kilian’s collection.
Because, let’s be honest, we love elegance—but theatricality gives us life. And so it was.
With a collection that defies convention and is sure to be the talk of a Parisian night—and why not Los Angeles too—Kilian plays with the imposing, the vibrant, and the extravagant.
Textures, strips, furs, vivid colors, strikingly unusual silhouettes, and plus-size looks adorn a cutting-edge collection that, in my opinion, has the potential to dress the most eccentric stars in the industry. And now I understand why Lady Gaga wore one of your designs. Well done.
Now, let’s analyze the creative expressionism: the silhouettes. In an industry where form-fitting styles prevail, revealing a little more, Kilian does the complete opposite. He understands that clothing is more than an accessory; it is an exclamation of self-identity—the perception of going against established standards, breaking that very order through individual expression and, why not, drama. Drama is the perfect word for this collection.
The colors: The collection subtly plays with a palette that includes browns and greens but uses the strong contrast of red and black as its main element. Yes—a must-have classic.
Textures are another element to consider: fully textured garments, colorful strips forming a dress, red roses adorning a gown, glitter, fur. It’s a collection that has it all.
Editor’s Thought
To be honest, Paris always surprises. When I need to understand the dynamics of a constantly changing industry, Paris provides the answer. Just as it offered me a wide range of proposals this season—from classic to avant-garde—Kilian fits perfectly into this context.
The industry demands risk and is not always understood. But like all art, it requires deeper reflection to grasp the why—what it reveals, what it implies, and its conceptualization. Perhaps understanding a collection like this requires seeing beyond the extravagance, but it is undeniable that the drama it created was a significant moment at Paris Fashion Week.
More proposals like this in the industry, please.
Credits:
Editorial by Aries Rivera @ariesriverar / @ariestudioc for Kilian Kerner’s collection (@kiliankerner_)
Runway Coverage: Isadora Tricerri (@isadoratricerri)
At Opéra Garnier, Paris — March 3, 2026
