As we look ahead to 2025, we already have some predictions about where fashion is headed in terms of both trends and the fashion industry at large. The spring 2025 runways from New York to Paris have already provided clear indications about where fashion trends are headed. We saw the pendulum swing from pared-back minimalism to maximalism, so we expect that to influence how the fashion set will be getting dressed. A key color trend emerged in the form of powder pink. Personal style, too, was at the forefront on the runways, as designers suggested a return to individuality and dressing for yourself.
The industry, too, has seen some major shifts at the top that will impact where fashion is headed in 2025. Most notably, there have been many shifts in creative directors at the helms of heritage fashion houses and more yet-to-be-announced changes. Here, see the five key ways fashion is set to shift in the upcoming year.
One message rang clear on the spring 2025 runways: Dress for yourself. Designers championed the return of personal style and individuality throughout fashion month, and this was crystalized at Prada in Milan. Rather than having a concrete theme throughout, the collection was made up of outfits that felt different from look to look. The show notes discussed the era of internet algorithms—which has led to uniformity in dressing in recent years—so the disconnected looks on the runway ushered back a sense of individuality and suggested a return to personal style and highly individual, anti-algorithm fashion.
This comes at a time when the trend cycle has sped up and new aesthetics arrive almost as quickly as they fade away, leaving a sense of sameness. As a reaction, designers are making the case for following trends less closely and dressing for yourself. We are already seeing this impact fashion in 2024 with personality-driven accessories and inventive styling, and this instinct is only set to expand further in 2025.
Quiet luxury may have dominated fashion conversations last year, but we're now seeing a counterpoint to pared-back minimalism and subtle style with maximalist luxury dominating on the runways. "More is more" designs are entering the fashion space in a major way with over-the-top volume, dramatic embellishments, impactful accessories, and lots of layering. At Alaïa, outerwear was designed with tactile fringe. At Saint Laurent, opulent metallic brocade jackets were paired with ruffled satin skirts, and the looks were anything but understated. At Loewe, dresses and jackets took on the form of sculptural hoop skirt silhouettes. With all of the pared-back style that has dominated fashion in recent years, neutrals have become the standard, and minimalist style has become the uniform of choice. For 2025, however, we are seeing a turn in the opposite direction.
Throughout the past few seasons, we've seen the major color trends focus on red, then burgundy, and now we'll be pivoting toward shades of pink. The color trends are truly spanning the spectrum of the red color family. For 2025, a specific shade of powder pink is set to take over. We saw the powder-pink trend take off in New York, where brands including Khaite, Brandon Maxwell, and Alaïa endorsed the frothy, light colorway; in London at Erdem and Richard Quinn; and in Milan at Jil Sander and Prada. In Paris, we saw the same hue prevail at Valentino, Chanel, and Miu Miu. This also points to the shift toward romanticism we are seeing take shape for 2025—a movement away from the edgy fashion and dark palettes that have been prevalent in recent years. It's a sense of lightness.
In recent seasons, we have seen a growing cohort of modern heritage pieces. These are items that are not season-specific but rather appear in collection after collection—often in new colorways and silhouettes. A notable example includes the Margaux bag from The Row, which was first issued as a top-handle bag but is now available in an east-west shape and a clutch. The Rebecca flats from Loro Piana and the Mary Jane ballet flats from Alaïa are taking hold in the shoe space. Brands are also taking this approach by reimagining items from their archives, including the Tank watch from Cartier that the brand recently introduced in a mini version.
Shake-ups at some of the most major fashion houses will shape where fashion is headed. In 2024, Alessandro Michele presented his debut runway collection at Valentino, which was one of the most-anticipated shows of the S/S 25 season, while Chemena Kamali showcased her sophomore collection at Chloé. There is already chatter about how the strong point of view will continue to impact the fashion world.
There are also more changes to come in 2025, which has the fashion industry buzzing. Some appointments have already been announced, including Sarah Burton, who will be taking over at Givenchy, Peter Copping at Lanvin, and Michael Rider at Celine. Others have yet to be announced, including where Hedi Slimane, who stepped down from Celine; Pierpaolo Piccioli, who left Valentino; and Kim Jones, who departed Fendi. One thing is certain, however. The changing of the guard at major fashion houses is set to have a big impact on creative ideas at the top and the direction style takes in 2025.
