In a striking finale to Paris Fashion Week, Saint Laurent’s Winter 2025 collection made a powerful statement—literally. The common thread throughout the show? Monumental shoulders that dominated the runway in all forms, signaling a confident return to structural, unapologetic fashion.
A Monument to the Shoulder
Models circled a dramatic oval onyx floor, each showcasing a new take on the exaggerated shoulder silhouette. From 1980s power-dresses in saturated jewel tones to sculptural outerwear and supple leather jackets, the shoulder reigned supreme. The repetition wasn’t monotonous—it was a masterclass in variation and bold cohesion.
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Creative director Anthony Vaccarello anchored the collection around structure and silhouette. “Instead of speaking through ornament or padding, fabrics and precise construction shape the garments,” the show notes read. This philosophy was visible in every sharply tailored line and voluminous curve.
Color Saturation and Subversion
To amplify these dynamic shapes, Vaccarello leaned into a high-impact palette. Iconic YSL hues were rendered in bold, hyper-saturated tones: a tangerine jacket cinched with a plum belt, or the same design reimagined in deep fuchsia. A standout grass-green minidress with enormous shoulders featured a jeweled collar and hidden pockets—styled with sleek black leather gloves for extra punch.
Despite the architectural rigor of the silhouettes, the collection never felt sterile. Instead, it pulsed with vibrant contrasts and unexpected elements. Silicone-coated animal and floral prints brought a futuristic sheen to retro fabrics. Guipure lace in shades like burnt sienna and navy was elevated to edgy sophistication, as seen on Bella Hadid, who made her sole runway appearance of the season in one of the show’s standout looks.
A Star-Studded Runway and Front Row
Hadid’s rare runway moment wasn’t the only headline. Linda Evangelista, a supermodel icon, stunned in a Saint Laurent business-meets-mobster suit from the front row—adding gravitas and nostalgia to the night. In a rare move, Saint Laurent closed out the official Fashion Week schedule, giving the show an air of finale-worthy celebration.
Details That Demand Attention
Accessories were crucial to the mood. Oversized sunglasses and chunky rock crystal jewelry—long considered a lucky stone by Yves Saint Laurent himself—added layers of mystique. The closing looks shifted from power suiting to grand eveningwear, with voluminous ballgown skirts striding confidently down the catwalk. Far from fairytale fluff, they were grounded in urban chic, styled with oversized sweaters or sharp leather jackets. Giant structural bows adorned the waists, while models casually slid their hands into XL cargo pockets, embodying cool detachment.
The Message: Presence and Power
If the collection had a single mission, it was to reclaim space—both literal and metaphorical. These designs don’t just turn heads; they command entire rooms. Vaccarello’s work offered more than just fashion; it was a statement on female presence and unapologetic self-expression. In an era where soft minimalism often prevails, Saint Laurent delivered something else: drama, defiance, and pure, architectural elegance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the main theme of Saint Laurent’s Winter 2025 collection?
The collection centered around exaggerated, powerful shoulders inspired by 1980s power dressing, featuring strong silhouettes and bold construction.
Who is the creative director behind this collection?
Anthony Vaccarello, known for his architectural and edgy approach to design.
What materials and fabrics were highlighted in the collection?
The show featured a mix of silicone-coated animal and floral prints, guipure lace in rich tones, supple leather, and sporty fabric panels for contrast.
What colors dominated the collection?
Super-saturated iconic YSL colors like tangerine, deep fuchsia, plum, grass green, burnt sienna, and navy blue were prominently used.
Were there any notable celebrities or models involved in the show?
Yes, Bella Hadid made her only runway appearance of the season wearing Saint Laurent, and Linda Evangelista appeared front row in a signature Saint Laurent suit.
How did the collection blend old and new Saint Laurent styles?
The collection combined traditional YSL elements like elegant gowns and rock crystal jewelry with modern twists such as oversized shoulders, casual leather jackets, and sporty fabric panels.
Conclusion
Saint Laurent’s Winter 2025 collection was more than a fashion show—it was a commanding statement on strength, presence, and modern femininity. By reviving the iconic power shoulder and infusing it with architectural precision, Anthony Vaccarello bridged the past and the future of the house. Saturated colors, unexpected textures, and grand silhouettes all worked together to create a wardrobe that is fearless, unapologetic, and utterly unforgettable.
Closing Paris Fashion Week with this collection wasn’t just a scheduling decision—it was a declaration. Saint Laurent didn’t just participate in the season’s narrative; it punctuated it with an exclamation mark.