Fashion has always been known to move in cycles, and the upcoming seasons are no exception. The 2025 fall-winter collection from Alexander McQueen presents experimental designs intertwined with key trends from the past, showing how history influences modern fashion. Going back to the aesthetics of the 2010s, many brands have embraced changes reminiscent of this era, incorporating elements like fitted jackets and basques.
The Alexander McQueen brand has focused on experimental design recently, yet the fall-winter 2025/2026 line features both avant-garde silhouettes and everyday wear. The collection includes several key pieces—such as leather trenches and parkas adorned with fluffy trims—a nod to both classic and modern styles.
Interestingly, Alexander McQueen's offerings echo the current revival of 2010s trends, particularly the embrace of outerwear reminiscent of the decade. Chloé has already brought back the fitted jackets, and Alexander McQueen follows suit, proving their relevance this season. Fur embellishments are making waves too, gracing collars, lapels, and even the sleeves of voluminous jackets, reminding fashion lovers of the glam of previous seasons.
While familiar trends persevere, they seem to undergo slight transformations. For example, fitted coats with shoulder pads are making a comeback, wherein designers suggest opting for styles featuring slightly pointed, bulky inserts. This trend takes inspiration from styles popularized decades ago but reinterpreted for today's market, providing consumers with sophisticated options.
Alexander McQueen also maintains the popularity of fitted dresses with surprising details like asymmetry, adding intrigue and modern flair. Another notable trend re-emerging this year is lace stockings. Having appeared recently on the spring-summer runways of luxury brands such as Dolce & Gabbana and Gucci, lace stockings are being affirmed by Alexander McQueen as must-have accessories for 2025. These delicate elements are sure to add texture and elegance to any ensemble.
Color choices for the new season are leaning toward the familiar, with black and rich burgundy set to dominate. Rather than experimenting with bright hues, designers are urging consumers to stick to classic shades, ensuring timeless looks can be assembled easily within wardrobes.
Shifting focus to another designer, Prabal Gurung's spring-summer 2025 collection also reflects this cyclical nature of fashion. The 2025 line draws on past decades, bringing back the swinging 60s, boho-chic aesthetics of the 70s, and bright, unapologetic styles of the 80s. Interestingly, it seems some brands have boldly combined elements from various eras, leading us back to the relatively recent fashion elements from the 2010s.
One trend gaining momentum this season is skirts and tops featuring basque designs. These attachments, which present wide ruffles at the waist, not only create visual interest but also accentuate feminine curves. The return of the basque style, often mistakenly referred to as peplum, showcases how designers continue to reinterpret historical styles for modern sensibilities.
The basque's history can be traced back to the early 16th century when Spanish fashion began the era of accentuating the waist and hips, aiming to create hourglass silhouettes. Yves Saint Laurent is among the notable designers who embraced this trend during the 1970s, frequently incorporating it as a focal point of his collections.
Why is this trend worth observing? The basque not only enhances the figure aesthetically but also provides the opportunity to introduce various materials—ranging from the fabric of the garment to contrasting textures such as leather or suede—further increasing its versatility.
With the blending of older trends and contemporary design notions, both Alexander McQueen and Prabal Gurung are crafting collections worthy of attention this fashion season. The 2025 lines serve as reminders of how past inspirations can breathe new life, inviting fashion enthusiasts to rediscover beloved styles with fresh eyes. Expect to see these recycled elements spotted on streetwear and runways alike, as the industry rallies around themes of nostalgia.
Following this trend, consumers have the chance to embrace styles once deemed contemporary, making the cyclical nature of fashion not only accessible but also engaging for modern wardrobes. With each new season, designers continue to experiment with silhouettes, fabrics, and colors, ensuring there is always something new—even when it’s recycled.