Maison Rami Kadi’s new Fall/Winter 2025/26 collection, ‘L’Éventail,’ is a striking tribute to one of fashion’s most iconic accessories: the handheld fan. Unveiled in the historic Zappeion Hall in Athens, this collection transforms the fan from a silent symbol of restraint into a bold declaration of feminine power and expression.
The 41 gowns in the collection balance architectural precision with fluid motion, much like the mechanical opening and closing of a fan. Sculpted column silhouettes with sharp pleating resemble folded fan blades, while corseted waists structured with metallic boning give a modern edge to classic elegance. Soft godet panels and fishtail hems open up toward the base, visually mimicking the fan’s graceful spread.
Color plays a key role in ‘L’Éventail’. Deep golds and electric cobalt anchor the dramatic looks, while softer hues like pale blue and crystal pink add subtle depth. Earthy tones such as sage and slate black ground the palette, complemented by rich accents like Windsor Wine and Rumba Red. These shades shift dynamically across the fabrics thanks to ombré fades, mirrored textures, and metallic threads that catch the light with every movement.
Embroidery stands out as a defining feature. Radiating beadwork and sunburst patterns echo the fan’s pleated structure, while delicate vines and feather motifs bring a sense of movement and lightness. Art Deco influences emerge in symmetrical metallic designs and architectural lines, adding another layer of sophistication.
Among the collection’s standout pieces is a gold-and-cobalt striped column gown made of fan-like panels arranged in diagonal symmetry. Another highlight is a shimmering oil-blue halter dress with a woven silver corset and cross-pleated neckline, recalling the steel armature of a fan. There’s also a pale blue sheer gown dotted with crystal embroidery and feathers, evoking a light, ethereal feeling. A burgundy velvet bodice paired with a blush skirt featuring linear embroidery and pleated details channels the spirit of the Jazz Age’s flapper fans.
Every look is paired with a sculptural metal fan accessory, designed to complement and extend the identity of the wearer, turning a simple object into a powerful fashion statement.
The choice of the Zappeion Hall for the photoshoot adds an extra layer of meaning. Once a symbol of masculine power, its neoclassical columns and symmetry now provide a stage for a feminine voice and artistic freedom, just like the collection itself.
With ‘L’Éventail,’ Maison Rami Kadi doesn’t just celebrate couture craftsmanship. It revives a historic symbol and reshapes it for today’s woman, making the fan not only a fashion accessory but a statement of self-expression and strength.
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