Paris Fashion Week’s Autumn/Winter 2025 menswear collections were all about the past—brands didn’t just reference history; they made it a selling point.
Louis Vuitton : Pharell's ode to archives
Pharrell Williams, Louis Vuitton’s menswear creative director, kicked off the week in the Louvre’s historic courtyard. His collection was a deep dive into Vuitton’s heritage, with biker jackets stamped “1854” (the brand’s founding year), retro sportswear, and classic Damier check prints. The set featured vintage trunks on wheeled trolleys, blurring the line between museum exhibit and runway. Collaborating with Nigo, this collection honored Vuitton’s roots while embracing modern streetwear.
Rick Owens : A twist on the familiar
Known for pushing boundaries, Rick Owens revisited his own history—oversized coats, platform boots, and dramatic silhouettes. His latest twist? Boots wrapped in shredded leather, resembling avant-garde sea urchins. He even teamed up with Rimowa for a bronzed suitcase, proving that even the most unconventional designers see value in legacy.
Hermès Classic luxury reimagined
Hermès, the oldest brand on show (established in 1837), stayed true to its equestrian DNA under Véronique Nichanian’s direction. She transformed horse blankets into parka linings and translated iconic scarf prints into luxurious knitwear. Even the legendary Birkin bag got a fresh perspective, with its structure outlined like a design blueprint.
Dior Couture for Men
Kim Jones took a bold approach, translating a 1954 Dior women’s couture collection into modern menswear. Tailored coats, silk evening jackets, and delicate bows created a refined yet wearable collection. The response? A standing ovation and the prestigious Légion d’Honneur, pinned on him by none other than Anna Wintour.
Comme des Garçons & Willy Chavarria : Fashion with a message
Rei Kawakubo’s collection, titled “To Hell with War,” made a statement—models wore military-inspired pieces softened by floral-adorned helmets. Meanwhile, Willy Chavarria, debuting in Paris, infused his bold silhouettes with a social message, closing his show with a powerful sermon on compassion.
The takeaway
Fashion isn’t just about trends—it’s about storytelling. This season, history wasn’t just referenced; it was the star of the show. Whether through archival revivals or bold political statements, Paris proved that looking back can be the most powerful way to move forward.
Paris Fashion Week: How history became the ultimate luxury
Paris Fashion Week’s Autumn/Winter 2025 menswear collections were all about the past—brands didn’t just reference history; they made it a selling point.
Louis Vuitton : Pharell's ode to archives
Pharrell Williams, Louis Vuitton’s menswear creative director, kicked off the week in the Louvre’s historic courtyard. His collection was a deep dive into Vuitton’s heritage, with biker jackets stamped “1854” (the brand’s founding year), retro sportswear, and classic Damier check prints. The set featured vintage trunks on wheeled trolleys, blurring the line between museum exhibit and runway. Collaborating with Nigo, this collection honored Vuitton’s roots while embracing modern streetwear.
Rick Owens : A twist on the familiar
Known for pushing boundaries, Rick Owens revisited his own history—oversized coats, platform boots, and dramatic silhouettes. His latest twist? Boots wrapped in shredded leather, resembling avant-garde sea urchins. He even teamed up with Rimowa for a bronzed suitcase, proving that even the most unconventional designers see value in legacy.
Hermès Classic luxury reimagined
Hermès, the oldest brand on show (established in 1837), stayed true to its equestrian DNA under Véronique Nichanian’s direction. She transformed horse blankets into parka linings and translated iconic scarf prints into luxurious knitwear. Even the legendary Birkin bag got a fresh perspective, with its structure outlined like a design blueprint.
Dior Couture for Men
Kim Jones took a bold approach, translating a 1954 Dior women’s couture collection into modern menswear. Tailored coats, silk evening jackets, and delicate bows created a refined yet wearable collection. The response? A standing ovation and the prestigious Légion d’Honneur, pinned on him by none other than Anna Wintour.
Comme des Garçons & Willy Chavarria : Fashion with a message
Rei Kawakubo’s collection, titled “To Hell with War,” made a statement—models wore military-inspired pieces softened by floral-adorned helmets. Meanwhile, Willy Chavarria, debuting in Paris, infused his bold silhouettes with a social message, closing his show with a powerful sermon on compassion.
The takeaway
Fashion isn’t just about trends—it’s about storytelling. This season, history wasn’t just referenced; it was the star of the show. Whether through archival revivals or bold political statements, Paris proved that looking back can be the most powerful way to move forward.