The Role of Fashion in Difficult Times: Paris Fashion Week’s Response
As Europe faces significant political, social, and economic challenges, fashion at Paris Fashion Week has emerged as a form of escape, a symbol of resilience, and a reflection of the turbulent times. In 2025, with the rise of far-right political movements, high-profile #MeToo cases, and the luxury sector’s decline, designers at Paris Fashion Week found innovative ways to use fashion to address these pressing issues while providing a sense of comfort and fantasy.
Heritage as a Source of Comfort
Amidst uncertainty, some designers sought solace in fashion heritage. At Chloé, Chemena Kamali tapped into the brand’s roots, reinterpreting its boho-chic aesthetic to provide a familiar and comforting narrative. Floral prints, flowing blouses, and laced ballerina pumps evoked a sense of nostalgic escapism. This return to brand origins, drawing from a time when fashion felt more connected to its past, resonated with audiences looking for familiarity in uncertain times.
Similarly, Alessandro Michele‘s first collection for Valentino looked to the house’s 1970s archives for inspiration. His designs, rich with bows, polka dots, and lace, were a celebration of the brand’s history. By reviving elements of its golden era, Michele provided not only a vintage flair but also a reminder of the timelessness of luxury fashion.
At Alexander McQueen, Seán McGirr embraced the brand’s gothic DNA with his second collection. The haunting figure of the “banshee”—an iconic symbol often associated with fear and death—was reimagined, offering a metaphorical nod to the chaotic and bleak global climate while still delivering a visually stunning collection that speaks to fashion’s power to evoke strong emotions.
Surrealism and Escapism
In times of distress, surrealism becomes a powerful tool for escape. At Paris Fashion Week, designers turned to surrealism to distort reality and offer an imaginative reprieve from everyday struggles. Alphonse Maitrepierre‘s collection featured everyday tech gadgets, such as USB sticks and gaming controllers, turned into wearable art. These surreal designs represented the intersection of technology and fashion, reflecting the contemporary world’s digital age while adding a touch of whimsy to the runway.
At Coperni, designers Sébastien Meyer and Arnaud Vaillant took inspiration from Disneyland. With Mickey Mouse-shaped accessories and elements of fantasy integrated into their collection, they invited audiences to experience the innocence and imagination of childhood while acknowledging that fantasy can coexist with fear and danger.
Femininity and Power
Not all designers chose comfort or escape. Saint Laurent‘s collection, for instance, embraced the darker side of femininity. Its femme fatale-inspired looks were a reflection of women’s complex relationship with power, danger, and allure. Saint Laurent presented oversized suits, sheer blouses, and unbuttoned silhouettes that exuded confidence and control, showing that fashion can be both a form of personal expression and a response to societal challenges.
Sustainability and Responsibility
While many sought to escape, others, like Stella McCartney, focused on sustainability, aiming to address fashion’s environmental impact. McCartney’s collection, which was 91% recyclable, featured recurring bird motifs as a symbol of freedom and a protest against the use of animal products in the industry. Her work highlights the growing trend of eco-conscious fashion, urging the industry to rethink its role in global environmental issues.
Fashion in difficult times often serves as a mirror to society’s struggles while offering a medium for escapism. At Paris Fashion Week 2025, designers found creative ways to reflect the political, social, and economic challenges of the moment. Whether through heritage-inspired collections, surrealism, or sustainability efforts, fashion remained a powerful tool to engage with the present and envision a better future.
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