Fashion, like life, tends to throw curve balls. Comebacks, twists in the script, unlikely icons, and didn’t-see-that-one-coming trends are all part of the thrill. Indeed, to claim to know exactly what’s next in fashion would be both stupid and wrong—but that doesn’t stop us making some educated predictions.
Here’s a jumpstart on the news you can expect from the fashion world in 2025.
Angelina’s archive moment
Despite her mammoth fame, it feels like we haven’t really seen Angelina Jolie on a red carpet since the Oscars she attended with Brad Pitt and a very prominent leg. But—wow!—is she back, and some. Promoting her lead role in Pablo Larraín’s biopic of Maria Callas, Jolie has been turning to archive design, which really makes sense for her (Jolie’s otherworldly beauty can often eclipse even the greatest of modern dresses). A 1969 Pierre Balmain couture, a 1992 Issey Miyake cocoon coat, a 1956 pleated and draped Madame Grès gown—all have been sourced from the vintage expert (and very, very chic Parisian) Marie Blanchet of Mon Vintage. An awards season frontrunner, hope to see a lot more of this power pairing.
Related article: The Art Of Outfit Repeating
Victoria Beckham: Netflix star
She was the quippy scene stealer in the David-focussed Beckham doc in 2024, and now Queen Victoria is ready for a Netflix star turn. A new documentary goes behind the scenes of Mrs B’s fashion and beauty empire, and "promises to get up close and personal with the former pop star as she juggles her business and family life" (as per the streamer). Expect excellent clothes, glitzy events, witty one-liners and—hopefully!—Victoria and David dancing again.
Related article: ELLE Wrapped: Editors Reflect On Their Most Memorable Work Moments Of 2024
Blazy’s Chanel
No doubt about it, the most anticipated show of the year will be when Matthieu Blazy makes his Chanel debut. Given his mastery with leather at Bottega Veneta, the prospect of the 40-year-old taking on Chanel’s tweeds is mouth-watering. But his isn’t the only debut this year. Also on the slate: Haider Ackermann at Tom Ford, Sarah Burton at Givenchy, Peter Copping at Lanvin, Michael Rider at Celine, Julian Klausner at Dries Van Noten, Veronica Leoni at Calvin Klein and, with Blazy’s move, Louise Trotter at Bottega Veneta. Plus, don’t forget, there are some big names currently (officially) unattached. At the time of writing, ex-Valentino top dog Pierpaolo Piccioli is still publicly without a gig (although he is tipped to join Fendi following Kim Jones’ departure) and, just where is Hedi Slimane going?
Gap year
After teases on Anne Hathaway and Demi Moore, Zac Posen’s first GapStudio collection lands in store in March.
The first Monday in May…
This year’s Met Gala will celebrate the Costume Institute’s Superfine: Tailoring Black Style, based on Monica L. Miller’s text Slaves to Fashion: Black Dandyism and the Styling of Black Diasporic Identity and the Met’s first major menswear exhibition since 2003’s Men in Skirts. On co-host duties this year are Colman Domingo, Pharrell Williams, Lewis Hamilton and A$AP Rocky, with LeBron James, as an honorary co-chair.
Cultural merch
IYKYK swag says more than a potted Instagram bio ever could. Favourites? The ‘Books are Exciting’ caps and socks from Isabella Burley’s excellent bookstore (doesn’t really do it justice—go see for yourself), Climax. And A24’s Babygirl tees, as seen on the film’s star, Nicole Kidman.
Bloomers!
Trust me, they’re coming. Time to swap out your boxer shorts for frothy pantaloons as seen at Chloé. Anya Taylor Joy’s already worn them.
Melania’s return
You might not be thrilled about it, but Melania Trump is returning to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue (sometimes). Some questions: Will so many designers publicly distance themselves again? Will she continue to ignore the unofficial First Lady style rules (lots of US designers and a smattering of accessible price tags)? Will there be more tone-deaf faux pas (the pith helmet, the "I REALLY DON’T CARE DO U?" jacket)? Let’s see. But she is returning with her imperious, 1%, supercharged glamour intact – look at the precisely tailored Christian Dior skirt suit she wore on election night.
She doesn’t seem bothered with portraying relatability, instead doubling down on an executive elite-meets-richest Real Housewife look (confession: I kind of love the blunt transparency of the Melania look, even if I’m not a fan of her husband’s politics). Also coming in with the Trump Presidency? Mar-A-Lago face, the name being given to the inflated, chiselled, bronzed and whitened looks finding popularity among some high profile Republicans.
Brown… And lots of it
Nope, not because Pantone have declared ‘Mocha Mousse’ as their 2025 Colour of the Year (it’s giving, hun’s novelty pud) but because it’s flattering, softer than black and mixes easily with brights and pastels. Celebrities love it. Most recently Hailey Bieber has sported a vintage chocolate Versace skirt suit (and matching Rhode phone case) and boys have been getting in on it too, like Sebastian Stan (in Prada) and Oscar Isaac (in Brioni) at the Gotham Awards. In her brilliant Back Row newsletter (subscribe!), Amy Odell declared brown "the colour of the decade" pointing out that "betting on a simple, beige-y palette was one of the best moves [Kim Kardashian] made with Skims, which now has a $4 billion valuation".
All tied up
As seen at Anthony Vaccarello’s excellent Saint Laurent show, this is the season ties are really going to take off. Easy (and cheap) to imitate.
The Miu Miu effect
The closest we’ve got to a crystal ball in recent seasons is Miuccia Prada. Cassandra in a midi skirt, at Miu Miu she keeps firing hit after hit, anticipating the zeitgeist, reading the room before anyone else even enters it. So, come spring, find it hard to avoid the following: Double belts, nifty sports jackets and pleated skirts, colour block slides, leg warmers and square-toe estate agent loafers.
Related article: The Miu Miu Holiday 2024 Collection Is A Fresh Take On Familiar Favourites
More Pammy, please
Another press tour and awards season charge you’re going to want to keep eyes on is Gia Coppola’s The Last Showgirl. Star Pamela Anderson, whose make-up-free era has coincided with a high fashion confidence, has already been nominated for a Golden Globe. Can’t wait to see what she wears and hope she gets an Oscar nod.
Double trouble
According to the Pinterest Predicts 2025 report: "This year, coordinated outfits will be the hot topic in the group chat. From collaborating on festival 'fits to aligning on date night looks, Gen Z and Boomers will be all about staying in (chic) sync." They identify trending search terms including ‘matching shirts’ (+80%), ‘bracelets matching’ (+70%) and the alarming ‘matching outfits for couples casual’ (+90%) – now, I happen to think that last one is valid grounds for divorce but, you know, fashion. Shrug.
This article was first seen on ELLE UK.