Fashion trends often serve as mirrors to societal sentiments and cultural conversations, and the Fall/Winter 2025 season is no exception. Recent shows at Paris Fashion Week showcased the evolution of fashion, highlighting nostalgic elements and introducing fresh takes on femininity.
The buzz at this season's Paris Fashion Week culminated with significant appointments and collections from some of the industry's brightest stars. Notably, Sarah Burton presented her first runway show at Givenchy, signaling her new direction for the storied house. Similarly, Haider Ackermann took over at Tom Ford, eliciting high expectations from fashion aficionados. Conversations around the appointment of Demna at Gucci mixed curiosity and anticipation, as industry insiders ponder who will take over at Balenciaga, following another shift at the helm.
This season's offerings also pivoted around the concept of femininity. Miuccia Prada unveiled the Miu Miu collection titled "Feminities," presenting her interpretation of femininity through garments adorned with brooches, stoles, and bullet bras—a series of pieces blending nostalgia with sartorial refinement.
Burton's debut at Givenchy paid homage to the brand's legacy, referencing Hubert de Givenchy's iconic 1952 collection. Her designs focused on hourglass silhouettes and elegant evening gowns, reinterpreting classic lines for the modern woman. Meanwhile, the collections from Daniel Roseberry at Schiaparelli echoed Old Hollywood glamour, emphasizing silhouettes and styles evocative of strong female figures.
Reflecting on the past drove many collections this season, especially with designs inspired by the 1950s. Fashion houses showcased styles reminiscent of icons like Audrey Hepburn and Grace Kelly. For example, at Miu Miu, models donned pastel skirt suits and furry stoles, fusing contemporary and retro elements seamlessly.
Among the most talked-about trends were the reemergence of peplum silhouettes and numerous belt styles layered together. Observed prominently at shows for brands like Alaïa and Dior, the peplum has made its comeback with modern interpretations and innovative fabric use. Belts stacked with varying widths became the accessory of choice, serving as focal points to several ensembles across collections.
Color was back to the forefront of fashion design as well. After seasons dominated by neutral tones, vibrant hues returned with full force. Saint Laurent’s collection, featuring models clad in shades like violet, tangerine, and fuchsia, illustrated bold experiments with color intended to appeal to the contemporary shopper who seeks to make head-turning statements.
Lastly, collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike took note of handbags making waves this season. Chemena Kamali resurrected the iconic Chloé Paddington bag introduced by Phoebe Philo, breathing new life and relevance to classic pieces. Miu Miu also reintroduced sneaker designs, collaborating with New Balance to create captivating styles destined for shelves emptying rapidly.
The trends showcased during Paris Fashion Week spark insightful discussions surrounding the balance of past and present. Through expert interpretations and revisiting historical contexts, designers bolded well-structured narratives about femininity, nostalgia, and empowerment—elements pivotal to the fabric of modern fashion. The Fall/Winter 2025 runways were not merely about clothing but engaged with cultural dialogues, making them relevant for both consumers and collectors alike.