A Recap of Paris Fashion Week
This year’s Paris Fashion Week was, as always, one of the most influential weeks in the year for the world of art. Out of the four fashion weeks, Paris is regarded as the most significant. Not only does the presence of Paris fashion week stand out, it is also the longest out of the four, spanning from September 23 to October 1 this year. It drew in fashion elite from all around the world to witness the creative genius of the designers who presented their spring 2025 shows on their runways. This year’s fashion week was filled with memorable moments and trends that will continue to influence the industry for seasons to come.
Some of the most iconic fashion houses stood out this season with their bold, inventive designs. Saint Laurent brought sleek sophistication to the forefront of their collection, showing suits tailored for women and reinforcing its signature androgynous aesthetic. Balmain wowed their audience with intricate, hand-beaded face images on their garments and Sciaparelli displayed dramatic hourglass silhouettes, bringing color to their otherwise gold and black runway. Hermès showcased a subtler elegance through the use of neutral tones and sheer fabrics in their clothing. Meanwhile, Alexander McQueen emphasized red carpet grandeur, its looks being inspired by sketches from the late designer himself. Chanel, on the other hand, embraced a sense of lightness and playfulness, presenting a delicate collection of their signature matching sets.
This year’s Paris Fashion Week embraced a fusion of bohemian vibes and tailored elegance. Boho-inspired fringe was seen across many collections, with Chloé delivering a standout take. Chloé’s collection this season was a massive success, drawing the attention from many onlookers and earning praise for its dreamy styling and accessorizing. At Dior, black fringe skirts were a focal point, while Hodakova incorporated fringe into zippers for a unique twist of the trend. Footwear leaned towards comfort, as flats dominated the runway in shows like Acne Studios and Ganni. Flats have been popular in the fashion world in past seasons, and this week has shown that they will continue to have an influence in upcoming seasons. The timeless appeal of suits also made a strong statement, with Saint Laurent leading this trend. Loewe and Victoria Beckham also contributed to the trend with modern interpretations of tailored dressing.
This fashion week saw several memorable moments that left a lasting impression on the world of fashion. Bella Hadid returned to the runway with Saint Laurent after her two year hiatus from catwalks, creating even more interest surrounding this show. She appeared in look 33 of Saint Laurent, wearing a black, double-breasted suit jacket along with matching pants. Her last show before this was in October 2022, for Miu Miu’s spring 2023 show, so her return to the runway was highly anticipated among fashion spectators. Saint Laurent also impressed with its back-to-back shows, creating a buzz across the industry. Dries Van Noten returned with its first show since the designer’s retirement in June, making a poignant moment for the fashion community. The show was littered with codes that Van Noten implemented in his own collections, honoring his 38 years at the brand’s helm. Actor Willem Dafoe made an unexpected appearance in Miu Miu’s show, wearing a long, navy overcoat, gray trousers, and black loafers. Chanel also reclaimed its iconic space at the Grand Palais after four years, delivering an iconic and refreshing showcase of garments.
Paris Fashion Week 2024 brought a captivating blend of innovation and artistry to the runway. Iconic fashion houses pushed boundaries with new designs, blending timeless elegance with contemporary trends. From the fringes to suits, the trends that have emerged from this week will have a lasting impression on the industry. This season has set the tone for the future of fashion, where tradition and modernity meet in harmony.
References:
Frost, Katie. “Bella Hadid Returns to the Catwalk for Saint Laurent.” Harper’s Bazaar, 25 Sept. 2024, www.harpersbazaar.com/uk/fashion/shows-trends/a62362430/bella-hadid-saint-laurent-show/.
Leitch, Luke. “Balmain Spring 2025 Ready-to-Wear Collection.” Vogue, Vogue, 25 Sept. 2024, www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2025-ready-to-wear/balmain.
Borrelli-Persson, Laird. “Ganni Spring 2025 Ready-to-Wear Collection.” Vogue, Vogue, 24 Sept. 2024, www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2025-ready-to-wear/ganni.
Written by Madeleine Douglass
Copyedited by Emily Arreola
Graphic by Keri Kent