Experimental Individualism: Breaking Fashion’s Rules at Paris Fashion Week

Paris Fashion Week Fall 2025 wasn’t just another runway event—it was an exploration of creative freedom, boundary-pushing innovation, and bold self-expression. Designers shattered conventions, offering a fresh perspective on fashion that emphasized individuality and risk.

Paris Fashion Week Fall 2025 just ended, and we are still trying to process all that went down. This wasn’t just a typical fashion week where designers unveiled their new collections—it was something much more. The impact was so profound that at times, it felt less like watching a runway show and more like witnessing a powerful art performance or a groundbreaking film.

In Paris, the real trend wasn’t about specific fabrics, silhouettes, or even consumer-driven desires. It was about an attitude—an approach to fashion that embraced risk, innovation, and fearless individuality. Of course, some familiar elements resurfaced on the runways, from the boho revival to the (perhaps excessive) use of fur and the ever-present floral patterns. But this season’s defining statement wasn’t about reviving trends; it was about creating something entirely new. Designers pushed boundaries with textures, materials, and shapes, introducing unexpected concepts and even integrating technology into their collections.

Some of these shows left such a mark that they will be remembered for years, forever linked to this moment in time. And in today’s fashion landscape—where virality often eclipses lasting influence—that is no small feat.

But to talk only about the clothes would be to miss a crucial part of what made this season so compelling. The set designs played a vital role in immersing audiences into the worlds each designer sought to create. From Coperni to Valentino, Balenciaga to Courrèges, even Dior— every show used its staging to enhance and give meaning to the collections, emphasizing the innovative and experimental spirit at the heart of this fashion week.

Coperni’s show is one you can never afford to miss, and this season was no exception. The set was key to the narrative: LAN Party was the concept, a nod to the social gatherings of the ’90s where gamers connected to play in a shared virtual world. This time, however, the connection happened in reality—guests were seated at long desks filled with computers and screens, creating a dreamlike tech utopia for digital natives. Between the aisles of this high-tech setup, the models walked the runway. The collection embodied the spirit of a new, multilayered woman

—one who embraces multiple identities, much like a gamer switching avatars. Sensual, flowing dresses coexisted with oversized tailored blazers, while everyday essentials were infused with unexpected details. Standout elements included cargo pocket accents on dresses (even on tights!) and leather belts and leg harnesses, blending utility with edge. Coperni once again proved that fashion isn’t just about clothing—it’s about the future, the culture, and the way we connect.

“Intimacy as performance, identity as a stratification of surfaces.” This is how Alessandro Michele describes his latest Valentino collection, Le Meta-Théâtre Des Intimités. The set, designed to evoke a public restroom, was defined by bold, red walls and floors, conjuring up the shared, exposed spaces of gyms, schools, and clubs—places where people come together, sometimes unknowingly, to reveal their vulnerabilities while searching for their own identity. The bathroom itself became a meta-théâtre, a stage for the intimate performance of self-exploration.

As Lana Del Rey’s voice merged with techno beats, models emerged from restroom stalls, bringing with them a collection that felt both nostalgic and modern. The inspiration was clearly drawn from the past and different apogees, featuring structured and layered silhouettes with references to bygone eras, but translated into a contemporary context. Accessories were crucial, from blue-lensed sunglasses to lace floral tights, sequins, animal prints, and fur. It was a vision of maximalism that never felt overwhelming—cohesive, yet exciting and fresh. Valentino

once again proved that embracing complexity can be perfectly in tune with both the brand’s heritage and the present moment.

Duran Lantink’s latest show was impossible to miss, leaving a massive impact on social media and throughout the entire Fashion Week. The designer presented something truly unique, showcasing a strong, distinct identity. Lantink boldly mixed animal prints, tartans, camo, geometric voluminous shapes, and checked patterns—each contrasting element seamlessly blended together, creating a coherent and innovative collection. Standout moments included Leon Dame in full-body zebra print, paired with a thong and zebra boots. A female model wore a latex masculine chest top, while a male model sported a similar top with exaggerated, bouncing breasts. Several pieces featured distorted shoulders that rose up to the jawline while some skirts created a floating effect, further pushing the boundaries of shape and structure. Lantink’s collection was an unforgettable statement of creativity and boldness, capturing the essence of experimentation.

That Alexander McQueen never followed trends and always delivered a true spectacle on the runway is no news. This season, Seán McGirr took us to a world steeped in dandyism, Victorian gothic, and a vampiresque aesthetic. Masculine tailoring clashed with sensual, skin-baring silhouettes, while Victorian influences shaped the collection’s mood. The set resembled a portrait, evoking The Picture of Dorian Gray, exploring themes of vanity, decadence, and time. Models embodied this duality: tailored wool suits, sheer silk and lace gowns, voluminous fur coats, and sculpted leather. Intricate bead and crystal embroidery adorned the pieces, even extending to face masks, while Victorian-inspired jewelry, Elizabethan collars, and cascading ruffles brought dramatic flair. McGirr’s collection honored McQueen’s legacy of rebellion and theatricality, blending darkness and elegance into a fresh narrative for the runway.

Andreas Kronthaler’s Fall-Winter 2025 collection for Vivienne Westwood presented a daring, genderless narrative that broke traditional archetypes. The runway showcased a blend of feminine and masculine styles, with female models wearing tailored, masculine designs alongside more feminine and sensual gowns, while male models embraced traditionally feminine looks. The collection featured long ties hanging down to the knees, voluminous long garments, wide-shouldered coats and blazers, and high, stacked hats typical of Englishmen. It also showcased a mix of patterns, including stripes, polka dots, and checks, highlighting Westwood’s iconic eclectic style. Kronthaler's collection celebrated a fluid approach to fashion, honoring Westwood’s legacy while pushing the boundaries of gender and style.

Schiaparelli’s latest collection was a bold statement on womanhood—women dressing for themselves, free from the male gaze. Staying true to Elsa Schiaparelli’s vision of fashion as an artistic and liberating instrument, the collection reinterpreted masculine elements with a feminine edge. Rigid denim, hard leather, and cowboy boots were reshaped and refined, blurring the boundaries between strength and elegance. Layered belts, engraved leather corsets, and cowboy-inspired details contrasted with flowing, feminine garments, creating a striking balance of structure and fluidity. Schiaparelli’s signature surrealist gold accessories—jewelry shaped like body parts such as eyes, noses, and locks—added an almost mythical touch. More than just aesthetics, the collection was a celebration of female self-identity, proving that women’s fashion does not need validation but stands on its own as an expression of strength, artistry, and individuality.

Set on the Philippe Chatrier court at the Roland-Garros stadium, Lacoste's latest show by creative director Pelagia Kolotouros celebrated the fusion of sport and elegance, honoring René Lacoste as a champion both on and off the field. The collection exuded elegance, dynamism, and sensuality with soft textures, fluid garments, shiny smooth fabrics, and see-through details.

Pleated skirts, luxurious blazers, and technical trenches brought sophistication to the sporty aesthetic. The iconic Lacoste polo was reimagined as longer dresses, while the crocodile motif appeared as both an accessory and a print, reinforcing the brand's legacy. A mix of neutral tones and vibrant hues created a balanced palette, highlighting the seamless blend of athleticism and luxury. The collection was a tribute to Lacoste’s enduring spirit, merging classic sport with contemporary style in a way that felt both refined and dynamic.

Paris Fashion Week Fall 2025 was an unforgettable exploration of experimental individualism. It wasn’t just about presenting new clothes—it was a testament to daring to experiment with new materials, shapes, textures, and more. This season was a celebration of creativity, where each collection left a lasting impact and proved that fashion’s true strength lies in its ability to defy conventions.

Words by @elenafabris

RED•EYE WORLD