We're about a quarter into the annual mania of Fashion Month, having wrapped New York Fashion Week and starting London's own array of dizzying presentations. Let's take temperature of what we've seen so far. NYFW kicked off from the epicentre of American fashion with verdant displays soaked in patriotism, or equally sharp debates about the American enterprise, from Coach's I <3 NY slogan tees and Willy Chavarria's 'Election' runway. And what about British threads? We're mere hours into London Fashion Week, and the week thus far has cemented its reputation as a breeding ground for emerging talent and boundary-pushing collections.
It's near impossible to keep your eye on everything, but for fashion mafiosos like ourselves, we like to take inventory. How else do you expect to note what's peeling straight off the runway and into our own interiors? To keep it simple (and cute), we've delved into the ongoings full-speed to whittle it back to this: the four major trends that are surfacing from the SS25 showings here, there and everywhere. For your pleasure, our sartorial assessment. We've conducted the research, and now it's free reign: shop trends off the runway as you please.
Poufy bottoms
In a graduation from last year's bubble skirt trend, the floaty skirt has continued to rise above all other shapes. In panniers, clouds, or lightly crimped edges, the parameters around the trend have loosened - so long as it is poufy, it will do. The 50s and 80s stalwart was favoured by Christian Lacroix and Givenchy and now, everyone from Simone Rocha to Johanna Parv. Take note: this low-hanging addition from Alaïa is one of the shining fruits. Find your own pair from Paloma Wool in sky-blue, or tone it to muted pastels in the Mode Mischief Bubble Skirt and the Aritzia Bubble Pop Skirt.
Femininity in gauzy bloom
Yet another hangover from last year: coquette core. However bear this in mind, sheer, seersucker materials and the rosy application of pink and black are making the trend a revitalising one this time around. Shop from the girlhood greats themselves who have presented. For your consideration, Sandy Liang makes a cap-sleeved midi dress in peach that has sustained two trend cycles, and for a more wearable inclusion, this Simone Rocha skirt . And for a touch of professionalism? (I'm just a girl, but I'm still in the office from time to time), try this Bianca Spender Pink Crepe Yang Shirt.
Drop waists
Gone are the in-bone corsets that dominated much of last season, this SS25 we're beckoning hello to the boyish, endlessly laconic drop-waist. A thing of the 20s, the "la garconne" look was popularised by the likes of Coco Chanel and Jeanne Lanvin. The free-flowing, tubular attire represented key cultural changes: attitudes towards dress moved to become less restrictive and more fluid over time. In 2024, they're a welcome respite for those like me who gravitate towards ensembles that make them look like a box. To start, drop-waist dresses from Gimaguas and Paris Georgia for a slinky Spring evening. And for those who still crave a little bit of finish, this LOEWE draped top in viscose.
Structure and pleating
There is something visually pleasing about structure in clothing. And in SS25, there's no shortage of rigidity in pleatwork and tailoring. A hybrid cross of officewear, uniformity and formal collared attire, pleats are lining the folds of many a bottom and top on the runway. We'll be exporting this trend to our own wardrobes, with the help of this Shushu Tong Grey Pleated Skirt. For full-length, this Tobie Front Pleated Pink Dress. And for work and play, a Paris Georgia White Pleated Top to appeal to either ends of the fashion spectrum.
