All Eyes on FW25

Fashion speaks in trends, and this season’s message was loud and clear on the world’s most influential runways. From Paris to Milan, New York to London, the Big Four fashion weeks unveiled the looks, fabrics, and silhouettes that will shape the months ahead. In this feature, the Sungkyun Times (SKT) captures the standout fashion trends of Fall/Winter 2025 and spotlights Sungkyunkwan University (SKKU)’s own style-setters.

Where Fashion Begins

When it comes to shaping global fashion trends, Paris, Milan, New York, and London rule the runway. Twice a year, each of these style capitals hosts its own fashion week — a whirlwind of shows and parties where the world’s most celebrated designers and brands unveil their newest collections. Split into Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter seasons, fashion week serves as both a stage for creative expression and a launchpad for the business of fashion, revealing what the world will be wearing next. The concept dates back to the late 19^th century, when the English fashion designer Charles Frederick Worth — often referred to as the father of haute couture, the French term for high-end dressmaking — invited select clients to his Paris atelier for intimate salon shows. In 1903, the idea crossed the Atlantic, and over time, these small gatherings evolved into the high-energy, media-saturated spectacles we know today. During this process, the runway emerged as the centerpiece, transforming into a storytelling platform during fashion week. Designers debut their visions not only through clothing, but also through elaborate set designs, live music, celebrity appearances, and unexpected collaborations — such as Balenciaga’s playful partnership with The Simpsons, the iconic animated sitcom, at Paris Fashion Week 2021. Off the runway, the buzz continues in showrooms, on the streets outside the venues, and at after-parties. In today’s hyperconnected world fueled by digital media, that influence extends far beyond the shows themselves. A single standout look or viral moment can be livestreamed, posted, and shared within minutes, sparking buzz across continents. Trends born on these runways quickly filter down — shaping everything from high-end editorials to street style, from beauty trends to lifestyle aesthetics. Today, the Big Four fashion weeks are not just events — they are drivers that set the tone for the seasons ahead.

Season’s Style Codes

It is time to spotlight the must-know trends from the Big Four runways, unveiled during the Fall/Winter 2025 shows held this February and March. From bold textures to unexpected color palettes, these runway moments are poised to redefine the season’s style.

-Call of the Wild

Last a major trend in the late 1990s, leopard print is prowling back into the spotlight for Fall/ Winter 2025 — no longer confined to coats and jackets. This season, it dominates dresses, accessories, and knitwear. Saint Laurent splashed it across vinyl tops, while Fendi went all in with a matching suit, boots, and bag. Worn head to toe or as a single accent, leopard proves once again to be the ultimate power print — daring, timeless, and endlessly versatile.

-Laced with Drama

Lace returned to the runways with a renewed sense of drama, spanning from daringly vibrant hues to classic neutral tones. Dior unveiled ethereal, layered lace dresses, while Gucci added edge with neon lace leotards styled with skirts. Designers also played with contrasts, pairing delicate lace with leather, denim, and bold accessories to highlight its dual nature — soft yet striking. From slip dresses to sheer blouses, lace continues to reinvent itself as a romantic and timeless staple.

-Buckle Up

This season, the belt took center stage — appearing in oversized styles, delicate chains, and even layered two or three at a time. Isabel Marant and Christopher Esber adopted a maximal approach, layering multiple belts in varied textures and widths, while Balenciaga used bold designs to redefine silhouettes. Whether cinched over chunky coats, slung low on the hips, or stacked at the waist, it is the accessory guaranteed to give any look an instant refresh.

-Sleek & Skirted

Sharp, sleek, and unapologetically polished — the pencil skirt made a comeback this season. From classic suits to lace and embellished versions, designers redefined the silhouette beyond its office roots. Gucci embraced minimalism with a brown twopiece styled with bold purple tights, while Chanel gave tradition a romantic twist with tweed layered over sheer tulle. Perfect for both office polish and casual ease, the pencil skirt adapts effortlessly to any setting.

-Flirting with Fur

Faux fur swept the runways, from floor-length coats to cropped jackets and accessories. Altuzarra leaned into drama with a two-tone coat, while Gucci kept it playful in cropped brown. Softer than past yeti looks — those oversized, shaggy coats that seem to swallow the body whole — designers this season favored more refined touches, using fur trims on skirts, coats, and dresses. Updated with contemporary styling, faux fur delivers a touch of old-school glamor reimagined for today’s wardrobe.

-Hold It Loose

The reign of structured handbags is loosening — literally — as designers embrace supple shapes and unstructured silhouettes. From oversized totes to folded clutches, the look is relaxed yet refined. Fendi and Acne Studios showcased buttery leather clutches tucked casually under the arm, while Balenciaga and Calvin Klein reimagined shoulder bags with a languid, lived-in feel. Whether in smooth leather or plush suede, these bags bring effortless ease to any outfit.

Kingos in Style

-Park Ji-hae (Senior, Culture & Technology Convergence Major)

I built my look around a leopard-print dress, grounding it with black essentials. Leopard can feel daring, but with timeless basics, it feels refined rather than overwhelming. For me, style is about balance — getting the colors and proportions right. And if you like a certain trend, the key is to make it your own. That is when it stops being just a trend and becomes your style.

-Yeon Seo-hyun (Sophomore, Department of Public Administration)

I went for a black faux-fur mouton jacket that feels both cozy and sleek. Its structured cut with bold buckles gives the outfit definition while keeping it warm and polished for the season. Since an all-black look can sometimes look flat, I like to add depth through texture for a subtle yet stylish twist. It is a small detail, but it makes the outfit feel fresh and puttogether.

Fashion thrives on change, and each new trend is a fresh invitation to reimagine ourselves. The true magic happens when those runway moments find their way into real life — striding down busy streets or making a statement on campus lawns — transformed by the individual’s personality. Trends may set the stage, but it is the individual twist that steals the show. So, Kingos, let this season’s standouts speak in your style.