As the world turns its attention from winter to spring, designers in New York, London, Milan, and Paris are already setting their sights on the fall/winter 2025 collections. This year, the trends presented during Fashion Month embrace a bold, avant-garde twist on classic autumn styles, pushing boundaries and redefining comfort in high fashion.
The runways showcased a standout feature — extra-long coats that brushed the ground, highlighted by Acne Studios and Coach. In direct contrast to more traditional forms, these garments boasted oversized proportions, like the puffy coats reminiscent of duvets seen from labels like Cecilie Bahnsen and Versace. These designs introduce an innovative approach to seasonal wear, welcoming exaggerated silhouettes while keeping warmth a top priority. Prada and Rabanne upped the ante by introducing coats that featured transparent, laminated finishes.
Within the realm of tops, shirts and sweaters emerged as centerpieces of the collections, characterized by voluminous sleeves and strategic draping that lent a new sophistication to everyday apparel. Vibrant colors, including rich purples and striking greens, juxtaposed against a foundation of classic neutrals, added a layer of excitement to fall wardrobes. Prints also varied widely, spanning from eye-catching deer skins to playful polka dots.
Accessories became vital points of interest as well, with exaggerated, pointed shoes making bold statements. This year's must-have bags are not just fashionable but functional, featuring cargo pockets and padlocks to reconcile style with practicality.
The return of animal prints played a significant role in capturing attention this season. In an unexpected twist, deer patterns claimed the spotlight across multiple collections. Brandon Maxwell showcased dark, moody interpretations while Tory Burch opted for a more abstract rendition, both reflecting a seasonal trend that balances whimsy with elegance.
Also noteworthy is the rise of statement belts. Schiaparelli embraced the layered approach, displaying garments adorned with multiple belts, while Bally introduced a charming corset-like hybrid. These accessories not only marked waists but also made appearances as central elements in minimalist looks, bringing a fashionable yet utilitarian flair.
Retro influences thrived on the runways, with oversized clothing dominating much of the presentation. Versace in particular showcased coats that mimicked the cozy aesthetic of a duvet, emphasizing comfort without sacrificing style. Of particular note this year is a standout color: pistachio green, interpreted as a symbol of renewal and growth.
Polka dots also made their mark, emerged as a prevalent theme throughout the collections, injecting an element of joy amidst the more dramatic pieces on display. From indie-inspired silhouettes at Isabel Marant to glamorous evening wear in rich jewel tones by Dries Van Noten, polka dots found their place in nearly every ensemble.
Mini bags featuring chains stood out as the accessory of choice for the season, merging elegance with a dash of rebelliousness. Chanel and Chloé displayed designs adorned with thick metallic chains while Dior offered a more delicate look with pearl embellishments, making these bags perfect for transitioning from day to night.
The inclusion of accessories featuring keys and padlocks signaled a nostalgic revival, captivating fashionistas with their striking designs. Chloé revisited its iconic Padlock bag from the early 2000s, while Stella McCartney and Rabanne added their own unique interpretations of this trend, incorporating these motifs into everything from coats to dresses.
As far as outerwear goes, designers have leaned towards sophistication, presenting long coats that reflect a sharp and sleek aesthetic. Acne Studios and Coach unveiled maxi coats in chocolate and caramel hues, ideal for the everyday wardrobe. Conversely, Balenciaga's leather creations evoked an air of haute couture.
This season is defining itself by luxurious silk blouses that elevate office attire to new heights. Designers like Chloé, Versace, and Stella McCartney broke through the typical secretary image with structured shoulders and dramatic sleeves that command attention.
Footwear trends have taken a daring turn, with pointed heels appearing edgier than ever. Brands such as Dior and Gucci presented boldly shaped shoes that stretched the boundaries of traditional styles, offering a dramatic twist on classic footwear.
In terms of color palettes, purple rose to prominence as one of the key shades this season. Representing luxury and power, this vibrant hue graced chunky knitwear from Calvin Klein, Carolina Herrera, and Michael Kors, transforming even the simplest silhouettes into eye-catching statements.
The marked silhouettes reminiscent of the 1980s made a strong comeback at the MM6, Stella McCartney, and Saint Laurent shows, featuring ultra-defined shoulders that create a striking look without overwhelming the rest of the ensemble.
Emphasizing materials, plastic and transparent finishes emerged as leading trends, signaling a shift towards modern glamour. Saint Laurent's floral-printed vinyl added a unique twist to typical silhouettes, while Prada and Rabanne introduced layers of plastic over structured outerwear, creating an alluring effect and highlighting a new direction in contemporary fashion.
Amidst the focus on luxe fabrics, maxi crochet dresses broke away from traditional seasonal constraints, highlighting a fusion of craftsmanship with modern sensibility. Labels like Dior and Jane Wade interpreted these fabrics in fresh, fashion-forward ways, moving away from bohemian styles towards high-fashion appeal.
Unexpected twists in sweater designs were prevalent this season as well, with designers such as Brandon Maxwell and Tory Burch reimagining traditional knitwear through strategic clasps and asymmetrical ties, adding eccentric detail that sets them apart.
This year's fall/winter collections fuse luxury with functionality, seen in garments that integrate jewelry as part of the design. Dries van Noten adorned coats with intricate beading, while Prada infusing charms into tops, elevating the entire aesthetic to pivotal heights.
Lastly, faux fur presented an abundance of textures taking over the runways, transforming collections into a tactile experience. Chloé and Nina Ricci’s luxurious interpretations of textured styles juxtaposed beautifully against delicate floral dresses, affirming the versatility of material use in modern fashion.
As the season approaches, it is clear that fall/winter 2025 will be a showcase for creativity, expressing a harmony of comfort, luxury, and a modern grasp on tradition.
