Saint Laurent’s Winter 2025 collection was a masterclass in power dressing, and if there was one unmistakable takeaway, it was this: the bigger the shoulder, the better. Anthony Vaccarello sent models strutting across a dramatic oval onyx runway, each outfit more commanding than the last, with shoulders that could rival a linebacker’s—except infinitely chicer. From ‘80s-inspired power suits in electrifying hues to dramatically oversized outerwear and even supple leather jackets that looked like they could double as body armor, the collection screamed dominance in every stitch. This bold approach perfectly aligns with Winter 2025 fashion trends, reinforcing Saint Laurent’s status as a trailblazer in luxury power dressing.
Bold Silhouettes and Striking Color Combinations
Vaccarello, ever the architect of striking silhouettes, focused on structure rather than excess embellishment. “Instead of speaking through ornament or padding, fabrics and precise construction shape the garments,” read the show notes. And shape they did. Saint Laurent’s signature palette got a high-voltage update with sumptuous jewel tones: a tangerine blazer cinched with a rich plum belt, a deep fuchsia take on the same design, and a grass-green mini dress with imposing shoulders, dazzling jeweled collar, and—wait for it—pockets! Yes, power dressing just met practicality, and we’re obsessed. This bold color story cemented the collection as one of the standout Paris Fashion Week highlights.
Experimental Fabrics and Unexpected Details
But don’t think for a second that the only inspiration was retro office glam. Vaccarello infused statement-making textures and unexpected elements throughout. Think silicone-coated floral and animal-print frocks—yes, silicone!—that shimmered under the runway lights, giving an almost futuristic edge to the throwback silhouettes. Guipure lace in moody burnt sienna and midnight navy added depth and richness, while cheeky athletic-inspired panels broke up the opulence with a touch of the unexpected.
Bella Hadid’s Iconic Runway Return
And if all that wasn’t enough to keep fashion insiders talking, Bella Hadid’s appearance on the catwalk—her only runway of the season—was the ultimate mic drop moment. The presence of Hadid, combined with the audacious silhouettes, further solidified YSL’s latest collection as a must-see moment of the season.
A Front-Row Moment to Remember
Of course, the show’s front row had its own major moment, too. The legendary Linda Evangelista made a grand entrance in a business-meets-mobster Saint Laurent suit that was every bit as commanding as the collection itself. And in a move that left fashion week devotees buzzing, Saint Laurent—typically one of the first houses to show in Paris—closed out the schedule instead, ensuring that the month-long fashion frenzy ended on an undeniable high note. This strategic shift only amplified the brand’s influence during Paris Fashion Week 2025.
Statement Accessories and High-Volume Gowns
Accessories, as always, were anything but an afterthought. Oversized sunglasses lent an air of mystery, while chunky rock crystal jewelry paid homage to Yves Saint Laurent’s well-documented belief in the stone’s lucky powers.
The Ultimate Power Gown
But the real showstoppers? The gowns. Closing the runway were floor-length, high-volume skirts—a rare sight on a ready-to-wear stage and an even rarer one to be executed without a hint of fairytale fluff. Instead of veering into Cinderella territory, these skirts were paired with edgy bustier tops, slouchy sweaters, and even rocker-chic leather jackets, striking the perfect balance between old-school YSL glamour and Vaccarello’s modern edge. Dramatic structural bows cascaded from waistlines, while models, exuding nonchalant cool, kept their hands buried deep in the XL cargo pockets of their coats.
The Verdict: A Sartorial Power Play
Saint Laurent didn’t just serve up a collection; it delivered a sartorial power play. These pieces don’t just make a statement—they command attention. In an era where fashion is once again becoming a tool for self-assertion, Vaccarello’s creations remind us that sometimes, taking up space is the most stylish thing a woman can do.
From redefining luxury power dressing to setting the tone for Winter 2025 fashion trends, YSL’s latest collection proves that boldness never goes out of style.
