The autumn-winter 2025 fashion season is shaping up to be a fascinating blend of bold silhouettes, practical investment pieces, and a surge of local creativity, according to leading stylists and designers across Russia. As the world of fashion pivots in response to both global trends and local realities, this season’s collections are making a clear statement: strong shoulders, thoughtful color palettes, and a renewed focus on homegrown brands are defining the modern wardrobe.
Oleg Shevchenko, a fashion expert closely watching the runways, has singled out four main types of outerwear dominating the season: coats, bombers, and jackets with dramatically wide shoulders. These are not your average toppers—the focus is on exaggerated silhouettes that command attention, whether through the structure of a double-breasted coat, the attitude of a leather bomber, or the understated elegance of a minimalist peacoat.
Take the double-breasted coat-pidzhak from Stella McCartney, for example. This piece blurs the line between a knee-length coat and an elongated blazer, channeling office-core chic in a way that feels both modern and timeless. According to Shevchenko, local labels are already picking up on this trend. Idol, a brand known for its sharp tailoring, offers a shorter but equally impactful version. The look is best completed with a trendy leather skirt—any length will do—and high boots, particularly those with a wide shaft from the ever-popular Ushatava. The message is clear: it’s not just about the coat, but how you style it that counts.
Meanwhile, Chloe is doubling down on the bohemian spirit of the 1970s, a nod to the era’s freewheeling attitude and love for statement outerwear. Their leather bombers come with active, eye-catching collars, a detail that’s quickly been picked up by Saint Petersburg’s own designers. Pair these with flared jeans and classic aviator sunglasses—a combination that Love Republic has embraced in their latest collections. According to Shevchenko, “Bags with embellishments and multi-layered jewelry only enhance the effect in the spirit of the new Chloe.” It’s a look that’s both nostalgic and refreshingly contemporary.
Minimalism, too, is having its moment, thanks in large part to Prada. The brand’s latest show closed with a strikingly simple palet-boulat—a peacoat rendered in crisp white with a stand-up collar and pearl buttons. The silhouette is clean, but the details are anything but basic. Local label Namelazz offers a similar version, which, when layered over a cocoon dress from 7dots, achieves that signature Prada contrast of masculine and feminine, high and low. It’s a masterclass in subtlety, proving that sometimes the quietest pieces speak the loudest.
Of course, no discussion of this season’s must-haves would be complete without mentioning the tailored suit jacket, especially those inspired by Schiaparelli. Daniel Roseberry’s plaid designs are making waves, particularly in vibrant green hues—a colorway championed by Russian brands with roots in Saint Petersburg. The finishing touch? Mules on an extreme platform, courtesy of the Ekonika and Yulia Kalmanovich collaboration. As Shevchenko puts it, “A current pantsuit is great, but if it’s also got a strong-shouldered jacket, even better.” The boldness of these looks is matched only by their wearability, making them instant classics for the modern wardrobe.
But fashion isn’t just about what’s on the runway. Olga Belashova, a respected stylist from Novosibirsk, brings a practical perspective to the conversation. In a recent interview with Om1 Novosibirsk, she emphasized that the key to a harmonious wardrobe lies in understanding your lifestyle and personal preferences. “A quality suit is an investment in your wardrobe. You can wear it as a set or break it up, mixing with other pieces to create many variations,” Belashova explained. Her advice? Don’t feel pressured to chase every fleeting trend. Instead, focus on enduring styles like asymmetric tops, skirts with uneven hems, and versatile jumpsuits and suits.
One challenge Belashova frequently sees among women over thirty is a reluctance to experiment with color. “Black is a classic, but after thirty, it doesn’t always help you look fresh and youthful. I would recommend diluting it with light accents in the portrait zone, for example, a white blouse under a black jacket, and definitely adding expressive makeup to refresh the face,” she advises. Her suggestion is to lean into pastel or muted tones, try monochrome looks, or combine related colors like blue with green or red with purple. The result is a wardrobe that feels both modern and personal, tailored to the wearer rather than dictated by the latest fad.
This turn towards personal style and local brands is more than just a fashion statement—it’s a response to shifting economic and political realities. As reported by Infopro54.ru, the Novosibirsk retail sector has been increasingly turning to local designers, a trend accelerated by the sanctions imposed by European countries in 2022. With international brands vacating up to 50% of prime retail space in high-end shopping centers, as noted by Nikita Kuznetsov, Director of the Department of Internal Trade Development at Russia’s Ministry of Industry and Trade, there’s been a concerted push for regions to collaborate more actively with domestic producers.
This shift is palpable on the ground. Local brands are stepping up to fill the void left by departing international giants, offering everything from statement outerwear to minimalist basics. The result is a fashion landscape that feels more diverse, more rooted in local identity, and, perhaps, more resilient in the face of global uncertainty. As Belashova sees it, “The main step towards a conscious wardrobe is a clear understanding of your own lifestyle and personal preferences.” It’s a sentiment that resonates not just with stylists and designers, but with consumers navigating a rapidly changing world.
All told, the autumn-winter 2025 season is a testament to the enduring power of personal style, the creative energy of local brands, and the ability of fashion to adapt and thrive in even the most challenging circumstances. Whether you’re drawn to the bold shoulders of a Stella McCartney-inspired coat, the bohemian flair of a Chloe bomber, the minimalist elegance of a Prada peacoat, or the tailored confidence of a Schiaparelli jacket, this season’s collections offer something for everyone. And with local designers leading the charge, Russian fashion is proving that sometimes, the best trends are the ones that start at home.
