Spring/Summer 2025: A Recap of New York, Milan, and Paris

 

New York SS25 Fashion Week

September 6th to 11th

 

New York Fashion Week was a blend of eccentric creativity, minimalist elegance, and varied design inspirations painting the fashion landscape for next season. Scarlet hues and color-blocking reigned supreme, with Proenza Schouler and Prabal Gurung embracing eye-catching palettes that gave way to sharp contrast with understated minimalism, seen in collections by Simkhai and Tibi. Accessories were front and center: statement earrings and hair ribbons added playful flourishes to many outfits. Off the catwalk, events drew A-list celebrities, making shows like Michael Kors and Luar into full-on cultural moments. This NYFW was not just about clothes; it was about inclusivity, innovation, and the power of fashion to tell a story. 

As of late, timelessness has been the central focus of our attitudes towards style and fashion. We draw from icons of the 90s like Caroline Basset and Julia Roberts and their minimalist approach, an influence that was ever-present in this past NY fashion week, which was an eclectic mix of sleek silhouettes with a juxtaposition between muted fall tones and brighter colours for back to school.

Carolina Herrera

Carolina Herrera’s collection was the crown jewel of NYFW. With its transitions from black-and-white polka dot looks and emphasis on colour blocking, this adequately named optimism collection made us feel hopeful with a simple monochromatic line. Wes Gordon’s optimistic view of the future feels ubiquitous throughout his ensemble, between the deep blacks and yellows, structured skirts, and flowers. With so much political turmoil brewing all year with major elections, confrontations, and war, it’s clear that his vision was to curate a collection in which you can find some peace.

Alaia

In Alaia’s collection, a similar feeling of ease could be felt with the collection; between the balloon pants, draped dresses and blouses, there was so much fluidity in the movement of the designs that it was able to transform such avant-garde pieces into items you could easily imagine wearing. 

Ralph Lauren

Ralph Lauren’s show was a masterclass in blending timeless style with modern innovation. Set in idyllic Hamptons, far from the city buzz, the show sent waves of luxurious calm that only reiterated Lauren’s continuing liaison with American elegance. The collection combined his classic preppy looks—tailored blazers, breezy dresses, and wide-leg trousers—with bold touches like metallics, fringe, and leather, offering a fresh twist on his signature style. This change of venue wasn’t merely a shift in scenery but part of the larger NYFW trend of using unusual locations for more intimate and immersive fashion shows.

Tory Burch

Following Ralph Lauren’s serene and sophisticated Hamptons showcase, Tory Burch brought her own unique blend of style and innovation to NYFW. While Ralph Lauren’s show was steeped in classic American elegance with a fresh twist of modernity, Burch embraced the dynamic fusion of sport and fashion, reflecting the changing landscape of a post-Olympics, post-work-from-home world. Burch’s collection brought together her signature polished look with athletic influences. Her sporty-chic designs, from colour-blocked knit polo shirts to sequined bodysuits paired with jacquard sweatpants, felt both powerful and practical. This development marks just the identical movement Lauren achieved in his work: combining timeless with now’s relevance but through sportswear’s prism. With a nearly relentless drive, as Claire McCardell before her, to redefine what effortless, everyday luxury can be, Burch has situated herself as the modern heir to modern chic athleisure wear. 

Minimalist, avant-garde, athletic; there was no single direction for this fashion week. Instead of an assortment of singular visions, we saw just how such an intense year filled with conflicts and once-in-a-lifetime events could influence such multifaceted collections. Once again, designers were able to make us dream and lose ourselves in the beauty that we live for.

 

Milan SS25 Fashion Week

September 17th to 23rd

 

Milan Fashion Week’s spring/summer 2025 collection shined a light on fresh talent, showcasing the vital role young people play in the industry. Milan is a city of opportunity, offering a gateway to success for those with big dreams. 

It’s worth noting that there weren’t many major players here. Giorgio Armani was a regular on the last day of Milan Fashion Week, but was missing this year. His spring/summer 2025 collection was presented in New York at the opening of the new flagship store on Madison Avenue. As well as Giorgio Armani, Tom Ford and Blumarine also checked out of the race due to internal readjustments with changes in their creative directors. Valentino left for Paris, with Alessandro Michele’s debut scheduled for Sunday 29 September at 3pm.

That being said, this year’s programme was one of the richest and most creative yet, Madonna acting as the star of the Dolce & Gabbana fashion show. The two designers dedicated an entire collection to her. Tennis star Jannik Sinner also showed face, acting as the super-host for Gucci. Naomi presented ‘Naomi in Fashion’, a book-tribute to her career inspired by the exhibition of the same name at the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, which was dedicated to the Black Venus. Bruce Weber appeared at the Triennale di Milano, chatting with the public about fashion and photography. For two evenings, he showed two of his best documentaries. There were big names and stars, but above all, there was creativity. It’s the best way to fight the challenges the luxury sector is facing today.

Emporio Armani 

The Emporio Armani show had a retro feel to it, with a girl wearing a tie in the background. Giorgio Armani claims this gesture was radical at the time, but now it’s just a game. So, the past and future come together on the Emporio Armani catwalk. The collection for next summer is on stage, opening with the very same look worn by the model portrayed by Aldo Fallai. The past becomes the future, kicking off a fashion show made up of colours, soft shapes, quirks, and a balance between masculine and feminine. It’s an invitation to dress with freedom and irony, but always respecting elegance and the women who wear those clothes.

Etro

Etro’s creative journey has taken them to the south, reflected in the colours of this new collection, its aesthetics, and the warmth and energy it exudes on the catwalk. The clothes adhere to the body but are extremely light, and they show how Marco De Vincenzo’s interpretation of Etro, in his second year at the helm of the brand, is now fully aware. Marco De Vincenzo says, “Today, freedom in fashion is a victory because the industry is getting more and more structured, and the space for creativity is shrinking. But I think I’ve found a way to push back against that.”

Gucci

Just a year after his first fashion show for the double-G brand, Sabato De Sarno is back with a ‘casual grandeur’ collection for Gucci. The new Gucci collection is very detailed, but it’s designed to be worn easily.  Despite facing a lot of criticism, the collection is based on an important study of volumes and construction that makes the very short cotton skirts look stiff. But the real highlight was the Bambu Bag, the iconic bag that’s turning 60 years old. The show ended with the coats, which the designer is particularly passionate about.

Lorenzo Quinn and Tod’s

Creativity and art go hand in hand on Tod’s catwalk. To show off the brand’s craftsmanship, a sculpture by a top artist takes centre stage. They’re the hands of Lorenzo Quinn, the same hands that overlook the Grand Canal in Venice and show the power of man. Those hands are holding two leather ribbons that look like DNA. They symbolise the essence of Diego Della Valle’s brand, which is all about Italian craftsmanship. Matteo Tamburini translates that into a collection of exclusive pieces and fine leathers, but they’re as light as fabrics. It’s a craftsmanship that should be preserved and passed on. Diego Della Valle, President and CEO of the Tod’s Group, spoke about the introduction of new technologies that will inevitably lead to job losses. He said it’s a necessary evolution that, according to many, will bring great benefits to humanity and create new jobs.

Brunello Cucinelli

Brunello Cucinelli is back at Fashion Week with some exclusive looks. That’s exactly the feeling we get when we look at the new collection from the Solomeo-based brand. Despite the less than encouraging numbers in the luxury sector, the Umbrian entrepreneur describes the season that has just ended as beautiful. The collection is all about great craftsmanship. In fact, 62% of the production is handmade. The colours are soft and muted, with lots of beige and grey. The workmanship is really important, the volumes are very soft and the fabrics are extremely light. It’s about fashion and culture that can be passed down from one generation to the next.

Moschino

Then there’s Moschino, which makes the extraordinary look ordinary: pearls, smiley faces, polka dots, prints, and the famous ‘sheath dress or not sheath dress’. The Moschino by Adrian Appiolaza catwalk is full of fashion obsessions that characterised the brand’s founder, who died 30 years ago. There’s the heritage of an iconic brand, but also the personal reinterpretation of the new creative director. This time, Appiolaza tried to show a group of people who express themselves through their style. It was a community of style. 

Dolce&Gabbana and the Madonna tribute

Madonna was the real star of this Fashion Week, dressed entirely in a black lace veil that covered her face. Her appearance at the Milan fashion shows is always something special, but this one is not to be missed. The show at the Metropol in Viale Piave was a great tribute to her personality, ironic and powerful, and a symbol of the sensuality that has always represented the Dolce & Gabbana woman. The entire collection was a celebration of iconic Dolce & Gabbana pieces and a tribute to the pop star’s career. Models wore 58 looks with blonde wigs, mimicking Madonna’s signature look. The collection is a synthesis of sensuality, character and charm, with plenty of space for corsetry, lace and tulle dresses that hug the body, laces, hooks and strings, which are symbols of seduction.

It was actually back in 1991 when the pop star chose to wear a bustier of coloured stones and crystals by Dolce&Gabbana for the première of the documentary film ‘In bed with Madonna’. She was at the height of her career, while Domenico and Stefano were just starting out. From there began a collaboration that has never stopped and has developed into a deep friendship. As each designer brought their unique vision to Milan Fashion Week, the introduction of shared topics such as sustainability, technology, and global events emerged. Designers are not solely focusing on visual aesthetics, but are also reflecting on how fashion should be consumed, created, and experienced.

Sustainability was at the forefront of Milan Fashion Week 2025, with brands like Diesel of Stella McCartney voicing their commitment to eco-friendly consumption and practices. Diesel embraced sustainability with “Denim is Diesel” where 14,800 kg of scraps and tools were reimagined into mini shorts, fringes, and coats proving that consciousness and fashion can coexist. The same can be said about Stella McCartney, a pioneer of sustainable fashion, with a collection with roots in organic fabric and plant-based leather. 

Diesel SS25

Technological innovation has also made its way through the runways, where collections now more than ever push the boundaries between the present and future. Take for instance Prada, who blended traditional craftsmanship with cutting edge digital tools. Their garments, made by integrating AI and digital tools, aimed at reducing waste by tailoring their garments to fit various body types promoting both inclusivity and sustainability as well. Prada is seen responding to the digital age in which we’re immersed with unpredictability as the measure of human creativity. The Fondazione Prada catwalk is once again becoming a megaphone for a message that goes beyond clothes. Miuccia Prada is reflecting on this with a collection that’s a tribute to individuality, with looks telling of a present made up of the coexistence of different eras.

This year’s Milan Fashion Week was also lucky to reflect a broader cultural landscape, with inspiration from current events. Conversations about political movements, gender freedom, and climate change were not shied away from. Take Gucci’s collection as an example –  a nod to non-binary identities and gender fluidity. Even Madonna’s collaboration with Dolce & Gabbana voiced the importance of sensuality and freedom, emphasizing the importance of self love and expression. 

Gucci SS25

Ultimately, Spring/Summer 2025 Milan Fashion Week has proven to be a reflection of the times we live in. Whether by the beauty of designers’ collections, to bigger talks on societal concerns. The 2025 shows set an example on what the future of the fashion industry could and should be – a place where creativity and the need for change meet.

 

Paris SS25 Fashion Week

September 23rd to October 3rd

 

Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025 delivered an unforgettable combination of heritage and cutting edge creativity, establishing itself as the premier event in global fashion. This season, designers offered a  captivating mix of past and future, combining traditional craftsmanship with visionary experimentation.  Chanel stayed true to its iconic codes, reinterpreting French elegance with a youthful, contemporary twist,  using tweeds, florals, and pearls in fresh, modern ways. Louis Vuitton, on the other hand, took a daring step  into the future, with oversized, architectural silhouettes, metallic fabrics, and bold patterns, redefining luxury  with a sci-fi edge. 

Balenciaga’s collection, led by Demna, embraced the avant-garde, with dark, deconstructed pieces and  futuristic accessories, turning fashion into an art form. Meanwhile, Valentino brought vibrancy to the runway  with rich, vivid colors and fluid silhouettes, balancing tradition with a sense of freedom and movement.  Dior’s collection paid tribute to femininity with romantic florals and bohemian-inspired designs, offering  timeless elegance with an effortlessly modern touch. 

Sustainability was a strong theme this season, with emerging designers experimenting with eco-friendly  fabrics and innovative textures, reflecting the growing demand for conscious fashion. Stella McCartney, in  particular, continued to pioneer sustainable luxury, showcasing flowing, light designs made from ethically  sourced materials. This season’s runways not only emphasized craftsmanship but also explored new  narratives of responsible luxury and forward-thinking fashion. 

Paris Fashion Week SS25 was a celebration of creativity, pushing boundaries while paying tribute to  fashion’s heritage. From the bold, avant-garde statements at Louis Vuitton to Schiaparelli’s surrealist,  theatrical creations, the unique vision of each designer was clearly reflected, confirming Paris’ status as the  global capital of fashion innovation. The collections were more than just clothing: they told stories of artistry,  reinvention, and the future of luxury. 

Aside from the runways, the Paris Fashion Week 2024 hosted a great variety of events. Kicking off with the  Opening Ceremony held at the iconic Grand Palais Éphémère, which featured collections from top designers  as Chanel, Dior and Louis Vuitton, as well as emerging brands as Jacquemus. The event was accompanied by  live performances of renowned artists like Dua Lipa and The Weekend, with innovation and sustainability as  central themes. 

Throughout the week guests had the opportunity to attend the exhibition “Fashion Forward: The Evolution of  Style” and experience a journey through the history of fashion. It showcased looks from different eras,  highlighting how fashion has evolved over the decades and presenting visions for it’s future. 

Highlighting the importance of sustainability this Paris Fashion Week, many events were dedicated to this theme. For  instance, the panel of discussion “Sustainability in Fashion: The Road Ahead” brought together industry  leaders as Stella McCartney and Gabriela Hearst to discuss the future of sustainable fashion, as circular  fashion and transparency in the supply chains.

Additionally, the “Fashion for Good” charity gala that was held at Palais Garnier, adorned with eco-friendly  decoration to emphasize the event’s commitment to sustainability.The event was attended my high-figures as  Gigi Hadid, Pharrel Williams and Emma Watson, and included a charity auction with exclusive items  donated by luxury brands and designers.

Dior SS25

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