Paris Fashion Week: A Curtain Call to the Extraordinary
Paris Fashion Week has once again closed its curtains, but the memories of the fall/winter 2025 collections will linger in our minds for a long time. This season, the French capital was abuzz with designs that were as thought-provoking as they were visually striking. From the surreal to the subversive, the runways were filled with sartorial curiosities that challenged our perceptions of fashion. Whether it was the use of unconventional materials, the blurring of gender norms, or the integration of technology, Paris Fashion Week proved once again why it is a global benchmark for creativity and innovation.
Rebellious Silhouettes and Provocative Designs
The week was marked by a relentless push against the boundaries of traditional fashion. Canadian design duo Hannah Rose Dalton and Steven Raj Bhaskaran, behind the label Matières Fécales, sent models down the runway in outfits that were nothing short of extraordinary. Feathers erupted from shoulders and collars, creating a dramatic, almost otherworldly effect. The pièce de résistance was the brand’s viral thigh-high, hyperrealistic silicone “skin” shoes, which left onlookers both fascinated and perplexed. The shoes, designed to mimic human skin, were a bold statement about the intersection of reality and illusion.
In a similar vein, Dutch designer Duran Lantink made headlines with his “Duranimal” collection. One look in particular—a male model wearing size DD prosthetic breasts—sparked intense debate. While some praised the design for its subversive take on gender norms, others criticized it for what they perceived as the objectification of the female body. The backlash underscored the delicate balance designers must strike when pushing boundaries in fashion. Lantink’s design, whether one agreed with it or not, was a testament to the power of fashion to provoke and challenge societal norms.
Peculiar Garments and Wearable Art
The theme of wearing the unconventional was a recurring one throughout the week. At Vacquera, models strutted down the runway in XXL bras repurposed as off-the-shoulder blouses, blending functionality with a touch of irreverence. Meanwhile, Zomer took the concept of “穿反” (wearing clothes backward) to a whole new level. Button-ups, bomber jackets, and blazers were all worn in reverse, creating a surrealistic effect that left audiences intrigued. A floral print frock with a matching lampshade-like headpiece added another layer of whimsy to the collection, hiding the model’s face and transforming them into a living work of art.
At Junya Watanabe, the runway saw a unique experiment with materials. Knits woven with hair and moto jackets with sleeves designed to resemble lace-up boots were just a few of the quirky elements that stood out. These designs, while impractical for everyday wear, served as a reminder that fashion can be as much about artistry as it is about utility. Kenzo and Undercover also joined the ranks of the unconventional, with Kenzo’s pastel-colored rabbit apparel and Undercover’s oversized teddy bear-shaped puffer jacket adding a playful touch to the week’s proceedings.
Topsy-Turvy Garments and Surrealistic Creations
Comme des Garçons, a brand synonymous with avant-garde fashion, once again delivered a collection that defied expectations. Models donned double-brimmed hats with fringe that obscured their eyes, and dresses made from layers of identically cut fabric in varying sizes and colors. These garments were less about wearable fashion and more about creating a visual experience. Similarly, at Hoda Kova, founded by designer Ellen Hodakova Larsson, the runway featured a model encased in a human-sized violin suit and another with a violin perched atop their head. These designs were a celebration of the surreal and the fantastical, proving that fashion can be a powerful medium for storytelling.
Sheer Innovation and Technological Marvels
At Alaïa, sheer clothing took center stage, with models’ torsos draped in sculptural turtlenecks that framed their heads with a halo of fabric. In one striking look, the garment lacked holes for limbs, with the model’s arms swaddled in sheer, nude fabric. This was not just a play on texture and form but also a commentary on the relationship between the body and the clothes that cover it.
The week’s technological highlight came courtesy of Anrealage, a brand known for its innovative use of technology in fashion. The collection, titled “SCREEN,” featured LED garments that displayed moving, technicolor patterns as the models walked down the runway. These clothes were not just visually stunning but also forward-thinking, envisioning a future where individuals can share and exchange the designs of the clothes they wear. According to the brand’s Instagram page, the collection was akin to a “living billboard,” where fashion becomes a dynamic, ever-changing medium.
Conclusion: Fashion as a Catalyst for Change
Paris Fashion Week has always been a platform for innovation, and this season was no exception. From the subversive designs of Matières Fécales and Duran Lantink to the sheer ingenuity of Anrealage’s LED garments, the fall/winter 2025 collections were a testament to the power of fashion to challenge, provoke, and inspire. Whether through the use of unconventional materials, the embrace of surrealism, or the integration of technology, these designs reminded us that fashion is not just about clothes—it’s about pushing boundaries, sparking conversations, and envisioning a future where creativity knows no limits. As the curtains closed on another season, it was clear that Paris Fashion Week had once again cemented its place as a global hub for artistic expression and innovation.
