This season, the beauty looks at New York Fashion Week’s SS25 shows were a testament to the industry’s skillful balance of simplicity and creativity. Beauty trends leaned into a demure, effortlessly chic aesthetic, while embracing daring, avant-garde elements that left a lasting impact. From barely-there skin finishes to bold, experimental accents, makeup artists and hairstylists took the runways to new heights. Here’s a breakdown of the top beauty trends that radiated elegance and inventiveness at NYFW SS25.

Off-White: Natural Glam Meets Strong Cultural Symbols

At Off-White’s SS25 “DUTY FREE” collection, creative director IB Kamara merged African and American influences to create a vivid narrative of cultural fusion. Raisa Flowers brought this vision to life backstage with radiant, dewy makeup, enhancing the models’ natural beauty to look as though they had just stepped off a plane from Ghana.

Source : VOGUE RUNWAY

Hair, styled by the incredible Jawara, embraced the models’ natural textures, with some sporting ponytails wrapped in elastic cords for an elevated touch.

The overall look balanced heritage and futurism, with powerful jewelry and strong, traditional elements adding depth to the styles.

Sandy Liang: Princess Glam with a modern twist

Sandy Liang’s SS25 collection took a whimsical approach to beauty, described as a “princess ready to work” aesthetic. Romy Soleimani, the makeup artist behind the look, crafted a frosted pink lip with a unique twist—layering a hint of white eyeshadow to create an intentionally imperfect yet effortlessly cool effect. The quirky, playful lip was a standout, adding an offbeat charm that felt modern and fresh, perfectly in line with Liang’s youthful energy.

Alaïa: Immaculate Nudes by Pat McGrath

At Alaïa, the legendary Pat McGrath brought her signature glow to the runway of Pieter Mulier. The key focus was on flawless, nude tones with a touch of brilliance, courtesy of her Skin Fetish Highlighter + Balm Duo. The eyes were kept iconic, with precise definition and glowing skin that had the perfect balance of natural beauty and sculpted elegance.

This nude-centric look was the embodiment of quiet luxury, a trend that is making waves in both fashion and beauty. The makeup allowed the models’ natural beauty to shine, while still bringing the refinement that Alaïa is known for.

Nanushka: Futuristic Piercings and Glow

For Nanushka’s 20th anniversary show, makeup artist Fara Homidi elevated the models’ fresh, glowing skin with a minimalist futuristic touch—delicate silver lip piercings. The look was both subtle and striking, with these metallic accents standing out against radiant, flawless complexions. The contrast of natural glow and edgy adornment created a modern beauty statement that felt innovative and bold.

Source : nanushka.com

3.1 Philip Lim: A Delicate Touch of Lilac

At 3.1 Philip Lim’s SS25 show, Fara Homidi continued to push the boundaries of delicate beauty. She added a wash of lilac under the models’ eyes, evoking a dreamy, ethereal quality. This soft touch of color captured the theme of “memories of joy,” bringing a sense of lightness and emotion to the runway. The lilac hue felt like a subtle yet impactful nod to nostalgia, offering a fresh take on understated eye makeup.

Palomo Spain: Playful Hair Moments

Paloma Spain’s SS25 show was a vibrant display of bold and imaginative hairstyles. Some models strutted the runway with gelled, sculpted styles that seemed to defy gravity, while others embraced more colourful, cosplay-inspired looks, accented with shades like plum.

Despite the eccentric designs, the overall vibe remained natural and effortless, with a harmonious blend of avant-garde creativity and organic charm.

From Off-White’s culturally infused natural glam to Nanushka’s futuristic piercings, the beauty trends at NYFW SS25 were all about celebrating contrasts. Whether it’s Alaïa’s sophisticated nude glow or Sandy Liang’s playful pink lip, this season encourages us all to embrace both simplicity and boldness in our beauty routines. Step out of your comfort zone and let your personal style shine—there’s something here for everyone.

Words By Noa Balou

£ £61.00 GBP

Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Foundation

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£ 26

Pat McGrath Skin Fetish: Sublime Perfection Concealer

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£ £119.00 GBP

Mothership V: Bronze Seduction

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The post Voir Beauty NYFW SS25 Beauty Trends: An Ode to Natural Glam and Bold Statements appeared first on Voir Fashion.

“ ( Manchester)ALIVE WITH A VIBRANT POP SPIRIT BORN IN MANCHESTER AND KEPT ALIVE ACROSS THE DECADES, THE CHANEL 2023/34 MÉTIERS D’ART SHOW EMBRACES THE CREATIVE DIALOGUE BETWEEN GREAT BRITAIN AND THE HOUSE, SO DEAR TO GABRIELLE CHANEL AND TODAY TO ARTISTIC DIRECTOR OF THE FASHION COLLECTIONS, VIRGINIE VIARD.”

Chanel’s announcement statement – https://www.chanel.com/gb/fashion/collection/metiers-art-2023-24/

Manchester has been the birthplace of many revolutionary bands and musicians that have completely changed the British music scene. Manchester bands like The Hollies, The 1975, The Smiths and Oasis make it clear how culturally relevant the city is to popular culture and memory when it comes it art. The parts of the collection are undoubtedly inspired by the grunge music scene of the 80s that blossomed in the city while the others were a seamless marriage between Chanel’s signature tweed and the English’s love for it. Chanel manages to finally break through the banality it had made itself victim to. The pops of colour that remained consistent throughout the collection, brought vibrancy to the Northern Quarter of the city. The models walked on a covered catwalk set up along Thomas Street in the Northern Quarter. The show was attended by A-list celebrities like Kristen Stewart, who has been their brand ambassador since 2013, Hugh Grant, Tilda Swinton, Jenna Coleman and Alexa Chung.

“A TESTIMONY TO THE ARTISANAL PRECISION OF THE MÉTIERS D’ART, THE COLLECTION SHIMMERS AND SHINES WITH PLAYFUL NODS TO BRITISH MUSIC CULTURE AND CHANEL’S ART OF TAILORING”

Chanel’s statement from the announcement statement- https://www.chanel.com/gb/fashion/collection/metiers-art-2023-24/

Leading up to the show, Chanel used youths from Manchester to model the clothes from the collection for a photoshoot photographed by Jamie Hawksworth. The city was embraced by the design house in its entirety to bring the collection to life.

The Collection

While Jacquard tweed and Chanel are synonymous with each other, the collection brought colour back to the Chanel palette, far from the neutrals the brand had grown too comfortable with.  The incredible colours set across the backdrop of the historically industrial town created a visual contrast that elevated the staple Chanel suit into more than just the usual rehashed version of the house “uniform”. The accessories were classics of the house but, the play on the iconic Camellia brooch as it donned new colours, moving away from its original, virginal white.

The Tartan checks on tweed were a great way to convey the way Chanel was inspired by British creatives and artistry while designing the collection. There is a hint of Lee McQueen and Vivienne Westwood, more so her, as we head towards a grungier, punk look later in the collection. The Tartan checks are not alien to the British consumer, as a fabric that has been part of the culture memory since time immemorial. 

What Chanel does is adopt the Tartan and make it its own. The integration of the bright colours on the mellowing effect of the tweed fabric tailored to perfection into a mini skirt and coat is Viard’s genius. There is a break in monotony but, not tradition which is highly appreciated and expected of a brand like Chanel.

This part of the collection could possibly be seen as one of the most direct homages to the Manchester music scene. The feather-lined, suede jacket radiates rock chic; the quilted, leather coat atop a red and pink blouse resembling a military jacket which was popularised during the British music invasion by the Beatles in their album cover art for ‘Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds’. While the band is famously Liverpudlian, there is no question about the rock and roll influence it holds over the collection. There is a grunge, punk revival but it is ever so slight as to not distract from the eternal Chanel aesthetic. The sequined mini and darker colour palettes are very reminiscent of the silhouettes of 80’s rock chic.

The final part of the collection was the knits. While the design house has perfected the woollen, daywear suit, it was the patterned and monotone dresses that caught everyone’s eye. The silhouettes were simple however, the patterned knits with matching scarves were a huges hit. A break from the menagerie of colours, the pattern adopted earthy, autumnal tones of varying kinds. The pink bandeau dress enveloped the richness of the colour into the fold of the foundationally, elegant Chanel sensibility with much ease.

The collection was overall, a huge breath of fresh air not only for the UK’s second city but also, for the brand. The brand felt revitalised and young after many seasons of churning collections catering purely to an older generation. Viard has managed to capture the post-Covid need for colour and nostalgia with great artistry. The collection is exactly what Chanel needed.

Attendees

Kristen Stewart

Brand Ambassador, Kristen Stewart wore a quintessential, Jacquard tweed Chanel dress with a structured A-line silhouette to the show. Stewart’s stylist, Tara Swennen chose to accessorise her look with layered silver jewellery, a messy bun and a dark smokey eye.

Alexa Chung

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Model Alexa Chung was dressed in a grey and black blended, Chanel tweed trench coat dress. Chung styled the look with a very casual and cool English approach—opting for sheer tights, black leather black, patent leather boots, and a classic double flap Chanel handbag created by Karl Lagerfeld in 1983.

Laura Bailey

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The English model, Laura Bailey embodied the Chanel clientele and ideal with the signature tweed suit in black. The suit was embellished at the pockets and cuffs. Bailey finished the look with a low ponytail, statement earrings and the Chanel mini flap bag.

Lily Rabe

American actress, Lily Rabe opted for a black, sheer Chanel dress with lace detailing across the body of the fabric. The maxi dress was finished with pink metallic Mary-Janes and a black mini bag.

Caroline De Maigret

The French model, Caroline de Maigret opted to go for nonchalant, French chic. The model was in a monochrome black outfit paired with a sued beige coat and black loafers. She completed the look with loose, shaggy, rocker hair and minimal makeup.

_{Words By Indra Gupta}

The post Chanel Comes To Manchester: The Métiers D’Art Collection appeared first on Voir Fashion.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CxvmvllSaHg/

The LINO womenswear show started off in classic Owens’ doom: a demonic melody played as obsidian ensembles opened the show, the Palais de Tokyo setting shrouded in artificial fog. But as soon as colorful petals began falling from the sky, we knew something was different. Sure, they were in reference to when Roman Emperor Heliogabalus notoriously suffocated his guests with rose petals (‘I didn’t have enough of them to kill everybody’ said Owens), but an uncharacteristic positiveness was in the apocalyptic fog.

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The distorted song revealed itself to be Diane Ross chanting ‘I still believe in love’, the fragrance from the petals pleasantly lingered, and the fog was in bright shades of pink and yellow. The inspiration behind this change was Bjork: ‘I went to (her) concert and her intelligent, life-affirming energy made me kinda embarrassed of my own mopey adolescent pessimism.’ said the designer.

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That’s not to say that the show wasn’t Owens at its core. The opening looks established a black theme filled with skin-tight silhouettes, long leather skirts, and structural jersey draping that remained a theme throughout. Models wore alien-like black contact lenses and slicked-back hair with micro bras, oversized gloves, and shaded sunglasses. Wastlines were high and hemlines were low, complete with the brand’s signature pointed shoulders.

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But then entered this utopic hope. Pink, burgundy, red, and brown reiterations of the black getups appeared, with delicate wedding trains and capes substituting sheer funeral veils. Then came silk garments billowing in the wind and the ‘donut’ gowns we saw last season– puffball cylinder-shaped mini and midi dresses in toned-down pastels. It’s that same faith we had in the models, watching them brave through stairs and wind in sky-high platforms and orthopedic gladiator sandals.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CxvmFCOgRHW/?img_index=1

It was surprisingly refreshing seeing his usual structural artwork interpolated with more wearable pieces– we can’t remember the last time we saw Owens do cropped leather jackets, and his decision to use lava red is sure to bring in commercial success for the brand.

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In LINO he found a cautious sanguineness, making us see the beauty present on Earth amongst his signature melancholic futurism. There was no better way to show this than by using eco-friendly recycled yarn for getups that were perfect for an ecological apocalypse. The five final looks certainly made us think of doomsday preparation: differently colored hazmat loose jumpsuits covered every inch of skin. From beginning to end, Owens urges us not to ignore the bitter and harsh reality, and yet he inspires us to find the light in the darkness.

_{Words by Alexia De Las Heras}

^{Header Image by @ssense}

The post Rick Owens Finds Light In The Darkness At PFW appeared first on Voir Fashion.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CxV6IMhA9JB/?img_index=1

Mirror Palais

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Stakes were high for the viral brand’s second New York show, but Marcelo Gaia delivered a collection that had the internet in just as much of a frenzy as last year. The SS24 show Gaia turned up the heat by adding sexiness to their signature bows, ruffled mesh gowns, and low-waist maxi bottoms. One look in particular, a nude lace-up corset and long skirt, has Fashion TikTok on their knees. The pieces are meant to let you wear your fantasies, with soft pink and cream colors dominating alongside dreamy satin, tulle, and velvety fabrics. What caught everybody’s attention is that this collection adds diversity to their sizes, using ribbon ties and stretchy materials. From Sailor Moon-inspired bandage dresses to wide-brimmed hats as a nod to Audrey Hepburn, the dreamy inspiration is clear. Feminine icon Cindy Kimberly closed the show in a bridal dress, cementing the show as one of this season’s highlights.

Sandy Liang

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For Spring 2024, Sandy Liang took the concept of “I’m just a girl” and turned it into a show. The hyperfeminine, nostalgic, and whimsical ensembles had all the ballet core and coquette fans gasping in delight. We’re sure to see all the New York cool girls wearing the pleated skirts and ballerinas featured in no time. The “The Virgin Suicides” collection was inspired by Sofia Coppola’s cult film of the same name, blending its girliness with a Y2K and mermaid aesthetic. Think bow bags, graphic tees, and lot’s of shells. The color palette matched too, with icy pink, cream, and navy blue reigning the runway. Her eponymous label used to be an if-you-know-you-know brand, but this show will earn her a spot amongst the international titans.

LaQuan Smith

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A NYFW staple, LaQuan Smith’s show had the front-row celebrities and toughest critics hollering at the sexy and provocative attire. Saweetie, Mary J Blige, Laverne Cox… all the A-listers came to see what the Queens-born designer had in store— and he did not disappoint. The afterparty at the exclusive and infamous club The Stranger will no doubt double its popularity, with guests including Parris Goebel, Tinashe, FloMilli, and Coco Jones. For Spring 24, Smith delivered an intergalactic glam dream, with sci-fi references from Barbarella and Freddy Mercury. The color palette matched just that, with metallics and colors like fuchsia, aqua, and purple taking center stage. In terms of the garments, we saw NSFW mesh bodysuits, metallic cargo pants, and strapless dresses with the highest slits possible. Smith made this one for the it-girls and confident women.

Sami Miro Vintage

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For her NYFW debut, the CFDA Vogue Fashion Fund Finalist brought L.A. fashion to the mix. For her ‘Zero Waste’ collection, Miró showcased the upcycled garments that made celebrities like Kendall Jenner, Cardi B, and Rosalia love her brand. Her first show was highly anticipated, a warranted feeling after seeing the skin-baring creations that strolled down the runway. Everything had a DIY element as a tribute to when she reworked her thrift shop finds as a teen, from deconstructed blazers to leather cutout dresses sporting neutral colour palettes filled with cream, black, and grey. But what truly made the show was when she came out to the runway to cut a pair of long black pants into a flowing gown. That’s a big yes from us.

Buci NYC

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The New York label BUCI also finally made its NYFW debut, with a show that proved why its clothes are a must in every It girl’s closet. Despite her brand only being three years old, designer Mishka Ivanivic managed to weave sensuality into her ethereal aesthetic. The collection adorned flowing scarves, chic jackets, and coquette silhouettes, inspiring thoughts of an autumn daydream. The reds, browns, and ivories just contributed more to that end-of-summer feeling, but what made it stand out were the transformable pieces. Tied-up mini dresses becoming long flowing ones, adjustable skirts… BUCI didn’t shy away from highlighting what it’s famous for–and we couldn’t be more glad.

Luar

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The coveted spot of the week was filled by Luar, who closed NYFW by giving fashion what it needs the most right now, Raul Lopez poured his soul into the ‘Socorro’ collection, inspired by the battle between religion and hedonism, he saw in his home country of the Dominican Republic. He showed this by contrasting modesty with sexiness: peekaboo hemlines, skirts that button up to show more or less leg, and shorts with long, billowing tails. The Brooklyn-based designer also merged office attire with party clothes through grey sleek suits, LBD’s, and tan deconstructed pieces. But that’s not all; Lopez found a way to sneak his origins into the collection, filling it with a broken leather reminiscent of the walls of his home. Crowding the runway were also different versions of the Ana bag that threw the brand into the limelight. Guests Lourdes Leon, Gunna, Doechii, and JT can attest to the show’s success.

^{Words by Alexia De Las Herras}

^{Header Image by @sandyliang}

The post These Are The 7 NYFW Shows Everybody’s Talking About! appeared first on Voir Fashion.

Both Chiuri and Dior have a long history with India and this was embraced for the collaboration through work relations and friendship. She has a close friendship with Karishma Swali, the director of Chanakya atelier and Chanakya school of craft. Chiuri first began working with the atelier two decades ago and the collection relies on their mastery of embroidery and traditional Indian techniques, while putting emphasis on empowering female Indian artisans and their inventiveness.

Dior’s relationship with India goes even further back, with former artistic director Marc Bohan
travelling to India in 1962 to showcase looks in Mumbai and Delhi.

Chiuri paid homage to the initial meeting by incorporating a quote found in the archives, ‘L’Union fait la force’, meaning ‘Union is strength’ into the collection, visualising how working together creates fresh connective energies, like combining classic Dior silhouettes with traditional Indian designs.

The show took place at the Gateway of India monument in Mumbai, which was built in the early 20th century to commemorate the British monarchy’s first-ever visit to India. The arch is a metaphor for the fusion of cultures and traditions. Erected in front of the arch was a 14-meter-tall Toran, an embroidered fabric traditionally hung at the entrance to welcome guests into your home. It featured elephants, tigers, and peacocks and took 35,000 hours of handwork and encompassed 25 craft techniques. The Chanakya ateliers and School of Craft worked together over several months to create it using phulkari, french knotting, kantha, and mirror work techniques. After emerging from the Toran, models paraded between dozens of gold candles and ornate arrangements of marigolds.

The 99 models, with many being Indian, wore bright-coloured silks, traditional Indian cuts, boleros, gold and silver, and sari-inspired skirts. ‘Zardozi’, metal embroidery, and ‘Ek Taar’, elaborate embroidery using a single thread, adorned the outfits.

Celebrities also came out in force, from legendary cricketers to famous Hindi actresses.

Simone Ashley

Celebrating her 28th birthday, Simone Ashley styled this white Dior gown with a pearl necklace, a common theme in the collection.

£ 605

Michael Lo Sordo Silk-satin camisole

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£ 4310.20

Dior Lady Dior Leather Handbag

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£ 710

Dior Montaigne Long Necklace

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£ 475

Gucci Leather Thong Sandal With Double G

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Anushka Sharma

Attending with her husband, actress Anushka Sharma paired a yellow silk Dior gown with a yellow mini Miss Dior bag.

£ 2290

Bottega Veneta Washed Silk Dress

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£ 3695

Dior Lady Dior Small Bag

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£ 850

Dior & Moi Slingback Pump

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Raja Kumari

Rapper Raja Kumari wore a metallic green sari from Delhi-based designer Rimzim Dadu.

£ 1320

Rimzim Dadu Jade Green Metallic Sari

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£ 490

Dior Revolution Earrings

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_{Words by Lucy Walshe}

^{Header Image by Indranil Mukherjee}

The post Dior Celebrates Indian Talent In Mumbai appeared first on Voir Fashion.

LOEWE

A bouquet of flowers that blossomed centre-stage and pixilated ensembles from 90s video games animated LOEWE spring/summer 2023. As he has done in the past few seasons, Jonothan Anderson continued to explore surreal fashion. Anthuriums were Anderson’s flower of choice this season. Fashion models brought exaggerated hips to the runway sporting ice-cold dresses, while others had their upper halves transformed into wax moulded Anthurium petals.

Digitally pixelated hoodies, t-shirts, and trousers were combined with sculpted garments that took on the look of autumn layers. 

^{Photo credits: Daniele Oberrauch} 

Issey Miyake

A moment of remembrance preceded the first Issey Miyake show since the founder’s death in August. The show, titled “A Form That Breathes,” encompassed designs that enveloped around the models’ bodies, like scrupled paper, the garments remained elegant and subdued due to the simplistic silhouettes. Many of the garments consisted of pleating that resembled waves. Tones were mostly minimal, dominated by blacks, whites, and beiges. Nevertheless, the occasional fuchsia was a welcome change to the eyes. The evening culminated with a dance performance of a special piece dedicated to the late designer, dressed in softer colours. 

^{Photo credits: Filippo Fior} 

Victoria Beckham

It was Victoria Beckham’s first time showing in Paris this season. During her ten-plus years as a fashion insider, her collection showcased all the knowledge and ambition she still holds. This season’s collection highlights the brand’s heritage with masculine tailored tailoring, sensual dresses, and body-conscious silhouettes. A variety of dualities are incorporated into it, such as softness and hardness, structure and fluidity.

^{Photo credits: Isidore Montag}

Coperni

An angelic collection including dresses embroidered with thousands of glass pieces that shimmered breathtakingly. As one of this year’s most memorable fashion shows, Sébastien Meyer and Arnaud Vaillant delivered from beginning to end. 

The collection was named Coperni Femme, in honour of their first collection back in 2015: it was an ode to a reimagined femininity.  As far as technical fabrication is concerned, Meyer and Vaillant continued to lead the way, whether it was with holographic floral prints bonded onto neoprene dresses and jackets, or with slinky slip dresses featuring metallic ringlets that resemble a traditional phone cord when held together vertical panels of fabric.  

But the pièce de résistance for this season was the final look. 

A performance centred around runway star Bella Hadid closed the show. A team of specialists created a perfect minimalist Coperni slip dress directly onto Bella’s body while she appeared on stage in nothing but nude underwear.

The near-naked Hadid was sprayed with a white substance that looked like spray snow by a scientist Meyer had befriended named Dr Manel Torres and a colleague. She had a liquid sheen when it hit her skin, but after a few minutes, it became matte.   Following that, Hadid walked the runway in a dress that was liquid in a bottle just five minutes before. Enchantment brought to life by Coperni.

^{Photo credits: Courtesy of Coperni}

Hermès

In earthy browns, tans, and sunset hues, Hermès transported us through the desert. A dawn pink for the morning, to hold the coolness before it escaped. With sustainability in mind and adhering to the theme, it appeared that each of the pieces was cut from a hammock, a net or a mosquito screen. Some of the garments flowed, reminiscent of a flag fluttering. It is always impressive to see what Hermès’ ateliers can accomplish with leather. A black leather dress with a netting-like appearance hugged the model’s body adoring her to create a second skin.  

^{Photo credit: Isidore Montag}

Elie Saab

There was a freshness to the looks that came off the Elie Saab Spring-Summer 2023 runway and a relaxing sense of lightness that was different from what we have often seen from Elie Saab. While usually filled with heavier embellishments and sequins. This new collection of soft silhouettes feels like a breath of fresh air. Dresses with delicately detailed floral appliqués and flimsy chantilly lace illustrate the skill of this designer.

^{Photo credit: Filippo Fior}

Comme des Garçons

Black, white, minimal but impactful by all means.

In every piece, the level of fabric was intensive and heightened. The sheer sizes of each garment, abnormal proportions, surreal shapes, lacquered lace and sweet floral jacquards were abundant. This catwalk was magnificently bizarre as each model walked on each more alluring than the one before. Models appeared to be wrapped in haute blankets in the collection’s shrouded garments. Beautifully weird is the only way to describe this work of art.

It was a season of bulky trims, bulbous gowns, dramatic elongated sleeves, and floral patterns that were ground-breaking.

^{Photo credit: Salvatore Dragone}

Balenciaga 

The Mud Show at Balenciaga Summer 2023 Digs for the Truth Behind Fashion’s Deception. 

Kanye West made his modelling debut. The rapper and fashion designer, who now goes by Ye, opened the apocalyptic-themed presentation in a military-style jacket with a security patch and black leather trousers, Ye walked a mud-lined runway in Parc des Expositions. The jacket’s hood was pulled up over a lidded cap, and models followed behind walking the ‘mud’ runway.

A variety of dresses were featured, from sporty neck-hanging pieces to lame, glitter bombs pleated and dragging through the mud. Glitter dazzled on chunky clog versions of the Space Shoe, while slews of new track-like sneakers and the Knife Boot returned.

^{Photo credits: Courtesy of Balenciaga}

Valentino 

Could minimalism be making a return this spring? If this year’s Paris fashion week has shown us anything, it’s that the minimal approach always makes a big impact. In its latest show, Valentino moves towards purity, focusing on only the essentials, as the brand enters a more minimal era. 

It is true that Valentino took a more minimalist approach to the construction of its garments- but definitely not to the use of prints. Almost everything was adorned with the house monogram, from coats with trains to dresses with feathers trimmed individually. The colour palette began softly, and each outfit included no more than two colours at a time. 

Valentino’s tailoring skills were impressive; car coats from nylon with deep V pleats at the back, boxy double-breasted blazers with crimped waistbands and hems, boiler suits with crimped waistbands and hems, a black tech jacket — all came together in one motion before a stunning purple dress stood out.

^{Photo credit: Filippo Fior}

Givenchy

Featuring elevated versions of everyday essentials- the Givenchy show was filled with understated pieces that beautifully frame a woman’s figure. Matthew M Williams delivered subtlety and grace. Accompanying classical music, down the runway were feminine stilettos with lace work, tiny bags were consistent, work pants and biker jackets and even cargo shorts all came alongside the elegance. The last set of looks were floor-length dresses, classic silhouettes with feathering detail accented by minimalistic cut-outs. As a result, the new collection consolidated much of what Matthew M Williams has been doing at Givenchy for many seasons, and as a result, he has finally established his own aesthetic.

^{Photo credits: Alessandro Lucioni}

Stella McCartney 

Known for her loud stance on animal rights within the fashion industry and for being an eco-activist. This season saw Stella McCartney’s most ‘nature-positive collection yet- with 87% of the fabrics worn on the runway at the Centre Pompidou in Paris, made with recyclable materials. 

Using silhouettes and features like asymmetric bias cuts, giant visor-style sunglasses, racer tank straps, crystal cut-out embroidery, and body chains, the collection also mined McCartney’s history and even her “late-90s time at Chloé.

The collection merged McCartney’s basic design with a playful sensuality, as the asymmetrical shapes and cuts offered a fun and formal collision to the clothes. With glimpses of body jewellery, chains and crystals hiding under jackets and T-shirt dresses. 

^{Photo credits: Filippo Fior / Paolo Lanzi / Salvatore Dragone} 

Chanel 

A sultry performance with a touch of old Hollywood glamour for spring/summer was presented by Chanel’s Virginie Viard. A collection inspired by Alain Resnais’ Last Year in Marienbad (1961) film. This season, Chanel brings sophisticated allure, modernity, and lightness with a collection that explores a woman’s freedom of movement and expression.

The garments were elevated, transitioning from tweed minidresses and loose-fitting suits to shimmery gold gowns and sweeping skirts. From the chicest suits to the iconic Chanel tailored cardigan jackets; the catwalk was lined with pieces displaying every design element and fragment associated with the house. 

The designer kept accessories minimal, using only a few handbags and sparingly using gold chains, but incorporated sparkle and feathers in other looks.

Viard has created an exceptionally beautiful collection. Light, nuanced and distinctly present.

^{Photo credits: Isidore Montag}

Louis Vuitton 

All fun and games as Louis Vuitton delved into childhood memories for the house’s spring/summer collection, which also marked an end to Paris fashion week. The colourful and youthful collection had some sophisticated looks beyond the obvious gimmicks, with a playful, contemporary approach to regal dress. Designer Nicolas Ghesquière let his imagination run wild with the theme of upsizing. Models walked the runway with giant zippers accompanied by even bigger Monogram “hand”-bags and huge bow collars, clownish buttons, and unfurling leather sections that were reminiscent of “Honey I Shrunk the Kids”. 

Yet there is something deeper in the odd proportions and loud silhouettes featured in this collection. Ghesquière said he was using the scale as a tool to challenge female stereotypes. “Pretty tough, that was something we were talking about, and threatening beauty. The idea was to look at something pretty, something sweet, and to see in those elements what strength they have,” says the designer. 

^{Photo credits: Isidore Montag}

Words by Chanelle Jassim

^{Graphic by Jing Toh}

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