Fall/Winter 2025-26 Paris and Milan Fashion Weeks: A fusion of strength and softness reshapes the powerful and elegant style of contemporary women.

This season's designers seem to be revisiting the glories of the past, placing them in a modern context.

Opulent brocades, intricate jacquards, and delicate embroideries seem to emerge from the pages of a bygone era, yet meet modern minimalist tailoring and deconstructionist aesthetics.

This nostalgia isn't simply retro; it draws strength and beauty from the depths of history, reinterpreting it with a contemporary perspective.

It speaks to the history and heritage of women while foreshadowing the infinite possibilities of the future, imbuing the wearer with a weathered yet radiant radiance.

◆ Paris Fashion Week

01. Dior

This season's classic haute couture pieces showcase aristocratic elegance through lace and ruffles. Highlights include detachable layered collars and cufflinks. In this design, a full-length lace dress layered over a corset creates a seductive layering effect, while a flared miniskirt paired with knee-high socks balances the proportions.

Leather and fur are interwoven with embroidery and perforated lace, creating a "leather, embroidery, and transparency" trio. This blends masculine military elements with a soft touch, creating a strong and feminine image.

02. Louis Vuitton

This season draws inspiration from rail travel, depicting the effortless style of travelers. The overall look is imbued with a nostalgic, pastoral feel, skillfully interweaving striking red and brown tones. A variety of outerwear, such as blanket coats and windbreakers, exudes vitality; trench coats are redesigned with a slimmer, shorter silhouette, and slip dresses offer an effortless touch.

Strong shoulders, cinched waists, and puffed cuffs create volume. Lustrous leather and all-over floral prints create a dramatic visual effect. Accessorized with a double crossbody chest bag and a vintage suitcase, these pieces convey a sense of travel.

03. VALENTINO

This season, a fusion of opulent vintage looks creates a maximalist aesthetic of cultural eclecticism. Luxe fur coats fuse vintage and skin-conscious aesthetics. Glossy bodysuits and lace leggings exude a lingerie vibe. Cleverly integrated with mini dresses and trench coats, high-fitting layered dresses offer a subtle allure.

Ribbons, ruffles, embroidery, and pleating add a touch of romantic sway, while oversized sunglasses and voluminous necklaces add a touch of opulence. Striking a balance between decorative aesthetics and the brand's heritage, the result is a highly wearable, couture-inspired look.

04. Chloé

This season continues the bohemian romance with an airy touch. Sheer lace maxi dresses, embellished with pleats and ruffles, are as feminine as lingerie. Broad-shouldered silhouettes paired with extra-wide belts evoke inner strength. Fur capes drape with fluffy fringe, while lustrous leather creates luxurious coats and trousers.

Slim-fit satin maxi dresses feature a dropped waist to reduce bulk. A rich and diverse selection of bags, from the classic "Paddington" to archive pieces, delve deeply into the brand's essence and highlight the unique charm of the "Chloé girl."

◆ Milan Fashion Week

01. PRADA

This season, "femininity" is reimagined. Little black dresses feature a variety of necklines, incorporating asymmetrical cuts that break with tradition. Knee-length sheaths and miniskirts exude a rebellious edge. Shirts feature layered cuffs, with an abundance of fur and leather.

Off-the-shoulder miniskirts are paired with over-the-knee boots, while pajama-style shirts and coat-style dresses challenge femininity. Displaced ribbons and pleated fabrics convey a sense of uneasy times.

Oversized silhouettes, asymmetrical designs, and unfinished edges all question the traditional "ladylike" look.

02. FENDI

At its centennial, the brand revisits its DNA. This season, genuine fur is at the core, celebrating the history of its fur ateliers. High-necked coats exude opulence, and fur-trimmed handbags are also on display. Fur is used extensively in coats, trousers, and dresses, showcasing a sophisticated, crafted feel.

Slim-fit suits paired with long boots create a feminine silhouette, while narrow belts accentuate hourglass figures. Fur, leather, and tulle create a sensual blend. Handbags are diversely reinterpreted to evoke the brand's history. A rich collection of anniversary pieces showcases the brand's rich archive.

03. GUCCI

This season, traditional tailoring techniques are incorporated into compact suits and blazers, resulting in sleek, streamlined silhouettes. Leather and faux fur are interspersed with the femininity of lingerie.

The collection permeates with a 1960s retro vibe, showcasing fluid, body-hugging dresses, as well as short and plunging necklines.

Neon and purple accents brighten the look, with horsebits transformed into necklaces. Baseball caps and bandanas are layered together to create a retro, sporty vibe.

The design team revisited the brand's DNA while imbuing it with a modern and sophisticated feel.

04. JIL SANDER

Infusing minimalist ensembles with emotional aesthetics, a jet-black tasseled off-the-shoulder dress is simply gorgeous, while a metallic silver skirt shimmers with brilliance. A double-wrapped belt adds a punk touch, while a clutch rests lightly at the waist, adding elegance. Fur wraps around the neckline and shoulders for a luxurious touch.

A scarlet leather skirt suit creates a glamorous look, while a sleeveless jacket accentuates strength.

Small bows adorn the skirt, adding a touch of opulence. In their final collection, the Mayers explore the heights of minimalism.