Goddesses, Power Suits, and Soft Edges:

Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025 proved once again why it is the pinnacle of avant-garde fashion, with every designer presenting collections that stirred conversation not just about creativity but also about future-forward fashion. From surreal abstractions to a masterclass in tailoring, these collections reflected both fantasy and empowerment. Let's take a dive into some standout collections that epitomized the drama, elegance, and the ethereal:

Dior: Sporty Goddess on the Runaway

Even though the Olympics may have ended, Maria Grazia Chiuri kept the sporty spirit alive in her Spring/Summer 2025 collection for Dior, which stood out as one of my personal favorites. The runway became an arena of strength and elegance as models showcased athletic goddess gowns — a perfect blend of divine grace and contemporary durability. Durable daywear was paired with striking Greek sandal-sneaker hybrids, giving the collection a fresh twist on classic mythology. The show took on a dynamic flair when famed archer Sagg Napoli fired arrows at a target at the end of the runway, creating a stunning metaphor for precision, strength, and focus. Chiuri’s ability to merge ancient inspiration with modern wearability made this collection a true highlight of the season.

Yves Saint Laurent: Bella Hadid’s Triumphant Return and Complex Femininity

Yves Saint Laurent was another standout this season, not only for Anthony Vaccarello’s powerful designs but also because the show marked Bella Hadid’s runway comeback after a two-year hiatus. Vaccarello’s collection, an ode to the complexity of the Saint Laurent woman, was all about tailored empowerment, with structured silhouettes that exuded confidence. Hadid’s return felt like the ultimate celebration of this energy — her presence embodied the strong, sophisticated tone of the collection. From sharp-cut leather suits to dramatic, structured blazers, every piece oozed authority and femininity.

As Vaccarello stated in the collection notes: “No other house is as linked to a quintessential female archetype as Saint Laurent, whose ideal woman is more complex than the seductive perfection of classic muses. As Yves Saint Laurent could have said: I am the Saint Laurent woman.” This sentiment was palpable in every look — unapologetic, powerful, and multifaceted, offering a glimpse into the deeper layers of femininity that go beyond traditional ideals of beauty. Hadid’s commanding presence on the runway was the perfect embodiment of this Saint Laurent vision, making her return one of the most talked-about moments of Paris Fashion Week.

Valentino: Softness Meets Edginess

Another personal favorite was Valentino’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection, where Pierpaolo Piccioli masterfully integrated softness and edginess into a seamless narrative. The runway felt like a delicate dance between the ethereal and the bold, with ruffles, bows, and playful polka dots adorning pieces that exuded a romantic charm. Yet, beneath this softness, there was a subtle, rebellious edge — literally. As models walked, a crunch of broken glass beneath their feet added an unexpected twist to the atmosphere, creating a dramatic flair that juxtaposed with the warm, inviting tones of the collection. It was a brilliant nod to how beauty and danger can coexist, making the designs feel both accessible and daring. This push-and-pull between the dreamy and the daring is what made Valentino’s collection truly unforgettable this season.

Alexander McQueen: Haunting Glamour Meets Regal Rebellion

Seán McGirr’s debut at Alexander McQueen last season was one of the most talked-about moments in fashion, as he embraced regal rebellion with an unrestrained, daring approach. For his second collection, McGirr turned to the haunting mythology of Ireland’s Banshee as inspiration, drawing from its dark romantic undertones and the embodiment of feminine power. The Banshee, a figure of dark feminine energy, is known to manifest in long, black dresses embroidered with thorns — a symbol of beauty laced with danger. Such references were woven into the very fabric of McGirr’s collection, bringing forth a gothic elegance that felt glamorous rather than ghoulish.

Sleek, twisted tailoring redefined classic British suiting, subverting traditional codes with an air of dark sophistication. Cobweb lace gave the appearance of ancient elegance, while subtle thorn motifs hinted at the Banshee’s presence, threading through the collection with an eerie yet enchanting allure. McGirr’s vision of the dark feminine was both haunting and regal, merging mythological power with modern design.

The show’s fantastical finale featured a silver siren gown, shimmering with an ethereal glow, reminding us of the awe-inspiring power that the house of McQueen evokes. This final look encapsulated the tension between the mystical and the modern, proving that McGirr’s mastery of narrative and couture is continuing to elevate McQueen’s legacy. His ability to harness the energy of figures like the Banshee and channel them into pieces that exude both vulnerability and strength made this collection one of the most unforgettable of the season.

Paris Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2025 was a tour-de-force of creativity, and Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Valentino were among my personal favorites. From Dior’s athletic goddesses merging myth and sport, to Saint Laurent’s empowering suiting marked by Bella Hadid’s return, and Valentino’s perfect fusion of softness and edginess through ruffles, bows, and the dramatic crunch of broken glass — these collections encapsulated the essence of strength, beauty, and innovation. This season’s shows not only captured the imagination but redefined what it means to be both powerful and feminine in the modern era.