The Reimagined Workwear
Forget everything you thought you knew about traditional workwear. Designers in Paris took the humble elements of utility and gave them a luxurious overhaul. At Louis Vuitton, Pharrell Williams continued to merge travel and function, showing off safari-style
jackets and bombers printed with ethereal images of Earth. The vibe was less about a construction site and more about a global journey. This was echoed in collections that paired oversized blazers with cargo pants or featured boxy work shirts in premium fabrics. The key takeaway is a focus on versatility and comfort, proving style and practicality are no longer mutually exclusive. These are clothes designed for movement, whether you're navigating city streets or boarding a flight.
The Rise of 'Pleated Jorts'
One of the most talked-about items on the streets outside the shows was the pleated jort—or jean short. This wasn't your dad's cutoff denim. Instead, think wider silhouettes, often in pinstriped styles, paired with coordinating cropped jackets. The look signals a broader shift towards softer, more fluid tailoring in menswear. Designers like Lemaire showcased billowing trousers that created poetic movement, while even Homme Plissé Issey Miyake, famous for its pleats, presented pieces that felt relaxed enough for a festival but elegant enough for a party. This trend is about embracing a more relaxed and expressive silhouette, moving away from rigid, traditional forms.
Artisanal, High-Craft Details
This season was a masterclass in craftsmanship. At Dior, the collaboration with South African ceramicist Hylton Nel resulted in knits featuring his artwork and hats adorned with ceramic beads. One floral jacket was entirely beaded, requiring 600 hours to create. Louis Vuitton showcased jackets scattered with hand-sewn crystals and silken pajamas trimmed with pearls. Dries Van Noten, in his final show, delivered his signature mastery of color and texture, creating a poignant and beautiful collection. This focus on hand-finished details and artisanal touches represents a move toward 'quiet luxury,' where the value is in the impeccable construction and unique materials rather than overt branding.
A Softer, More Fluid Approach
The theme of softness and fluidity was woven throughout the week. At Loewe, Jonathan Anderson presented a collection with a minimalist allure, featuring draped pants and elongated dress shoes that played with form. Rick Owens unveiled what was described as an "army of love" with spectacular white satin draped pieces. This embrace of lighter fabrics and less structured silhouettes was also seen in the street style, where attendees confidently blurred the lines between menswear and womenswear. The trend points to a broader cultural shift celebrating a more diverse and expressive form of masculinity, where sheer fabrics and delicate details are becoming part of the modern man's wardrobe.
The Travel-Inspired Wardrobe
Travel was a major theme, reflecting a renewed global optimism. Pharrell Williams' Louis Vuitton collection, titled “Le monde est à vous” (The World is Yours), was a literal interpretation, featuring aviation-inspired jackets and pixelated map motifs. The show, held at the UNESCO headquarters, aimed to celebrate unity and humanity. This traveler-centric narrative also appeared through accessories, like canvas bags with “LVERS United” tags and even a cassette-shaped card holder, nodding to the rhythms of a journey. It suggests a wardrobe that is not just for one place but is designed for a life of exploration and cultural exchange.
