Last week Paris Fashion Week took place in the heart of France. From June 18 to 23, 2024 high-end brands like Louis Vuitton, Dior, Loewe, and many more showed their collections for the 2025 summer season. It was another eventful week with many unique releases, collaborations, and designs.
Check out some of the highlights of Paris Fashion Week SS25 here.
Pharrell Williams again plays prominent role
Say Paris Fashion Week, and you say Pharrell Williams. Since the designer took over from Virgil Abloh, Williams has proven time and time again that he is all too comfortable at Louis Vuitton. In addition to his high-profile designs, his runways have been a huge success time and time again.
Especially for the Louis Vuitton Menswear Spring/Summer 2025 collection, Williams took over La Maison de l'UNESCO in the heart of Paris. The collection featured a variety of designs - from monogrammed bags to diamond-covered jackets and shirts.
The sport of soccer also seemed to take center stage in this collection, with a special "LV*VERS UNITED" soccer shoe and a jacket composed of LV soccer balls.
Supersized adidas Superstar
In addition to the success of the Louis Vuitton runway, Pharrell Williams also revealed his next project with adidas. Williams is no stranger to adidas. In the past, the designer collaborated with his label Humanrace on several collections that often featured colorful, monotone sneakers. The next collaboration appears to be separate from Humanrace.
Complex shared the first images of an adidas Superstar 92 in collaboration with Williams. The sneaker features an oversized look and a wide fit reminiscent of silhouettes like the Campus 00s and NRTN. The sneaker appears in the classic colorways 'Black' and 'White'. The packaging, so to speak, hints at Williams' birthplace, Virginia.
Shortly after the first images of the adidas Superstar 92, images of a Superstar 82 and Superstar 72 also appeared.
Nigo and Nike
From Pharrell Williams to the other Neptunes member, Nigo. The Japanese music producer, designer, BAPE founder and current creative director at KENZO revealed his anticipated collaboration with Nike during KENZO's SS25 show.
After working with adidas for over 20 years, the designer appeared in a colorful Nike Air Force 3 inspired by the 1988 Air Force 3 High 'Escape'. At the time of writing, Nigo's label BAPE is still in litigation with Nike for "copying" several designs, but it seems Nike does not blame Nigo.
A$AP Rocky makes his debut
Another musician who took over the Paris runway was A$AP Rocky. The artist and father of two, along with his girlfriend Rihanna, debuted his new collection 'AMERICAN SABOTAGE' from the clothing label AWGE. The runway had an "old skool" vibe and showcased diverse designs that each screamed A$AP Rocky in their own way.
In addition to showcasing his new collection, Rocky also announced his next album titled "DON'T BE DUMB," which will release on Aug. 30.
KidSuper 'IT’S ALL UP IN THE AIR' circus show
Someone who manages to conquer the runways of Paris Fashion Week year after year is Colm Dillane, founder of KidSuper. Those familiar with his work know that the Brooklyn-based designer is not afraid to take risks. After his successful runway last year, when soccer legend Ronaldinho closed the runway, this time KidSuper came up with a circus-inspired runway.
For the 'IT'S ALL UP IN THE AIR' runway, KidSuper collaborated with Cirque du Soleil. The result: stunning. From models on puppet strings to paintings on the outfits and Dillane on stilts - KidSuper's show was my personal favorite of this season (sorry Pharrell).
Comme des Garçons teases next Nike collab
Japanese clothing label Comme des Garçons is once again joining forces with Nike. After the success of the Air Max Sunder and Air Max 97 releases, the duo now looks to come up with a hybrid silhouette - the Nike Sense 96. During the Comme des Garçons SS25 runway, the silhouette appeared in three colorways; a pink, white, and black.
The Nike Sense 96 combines the upper of the well-known Nike Air Max 96 and adds elements of the ISPA Sense sneaker. It is not yet known when this collaboration will be released.
Dries van Noten goodbye
Everything comes to an end, including the career of Dries van Noten. The Belgian designer is saying goodbye to his eponymous clothing label after forty years. Van Noten announced earlier this year that he will be leaving the brand, so expectations for his runway were high.
Designer van Noten's latest runway paid tribute to the 2006 runway that was covered in golden leaves, only this time the leaves were colored silver. The collection was exactly what you would expect from the designer: an enthusiastic interplay of materials, characterized by pleasantly odd see-through coats that fused with loose-fitting tailoring.
The designer revealed that his departure from the label did not mean the end of Dries van Noten. Who will take over his role is not yet known.
Rick Owens makes a 180°
Rick Owens, known for his monotone, black designs, did things completely different this year. The designer showed his next collection, called 'HOLLYWOOD,' for Palais de Tokyo, in the heart of Paris. Like KidSuper, Owens seemed to be inspired by the circus combined with the Olympics. Complete stands were worn across the runway, while models paraded in white dresses, boots, and capes.
A serene, almost dystopian runway that here and there was reminiscent of the Dune saga. A highlight of the week, for sure.
Iris van Herpen steps into the world of art
We already knew that Dutch designer Iris van Herpen's creations were art, but it seems that the designer is taking it up a notch. Although the show was not officially part of the Paris Fashion Week program, the Iris van Herpen 'Hybrid Show' (which was also shown in Paris) certainly deserves a place on this list.
The designs are inspired by the book "An Immense World, How Animal Senses Reveal the Hidden Realms Around Us," written by Ed Yong. The collection showcases dynamic nature-inspired designs, designed in the most artful way we have come to expect from the Dutch.
It seems the shows during Paris Fashion Week are getting more extravagant by the year - and you won't hear me complain. Until the next one!
