Paris Fashion Week is coming to an end, and so are the spring 2025 shows. While the journey is over, it’s now time for the work to really begin: sorting through thousands of fashion show images to spot all the latest trends and prettiest clothes that will take us through early next year. But before that happens, Fashion Network’s global head of fashion Nicole Phelps sat down with Virginia Smith to talk Paris Fashion Week.
Fresh from the Gabriela Hearst show, where the Lumineers performed, the long-term partners attended one of the most anticipated shows of the season: Alessandro Michele’s Valentino debut. “It’s sensory overload at its finest,” said Smith. “You can see a very clear difference between what he did at the old brands and what he does at Valentino,” said Phelps. Of course, sitting across from Harry Styles at the show definitely added to the excitement of the whole affair.
It’s also the season of second collections, as Chloé’s Kemena Kamali continues to create her “fully realized” vision of the Chloé woman, and Sean McGirr gets a second chance to impress at Alexander McQueen. “It’s a good move on their part,” Smith said, citing the refined tailoring that opened the show and the foray into evening dresses (also known as red carpet gowns) that are sure to be popular. In Loewe’s latest collection, Jonathan Anderson once again demonstrates his unique sense of humor through his “Ultimate Concert Tees,” which are adorned with surprising materials that need to be seen up close to be believed.
But what do fashionistas love more than debuts and crazy creative outfits? Gossip! The most talked about topic this season is who will top Chanel. “I’ve never experienced so many rumors during Paris Fashion Week,” Phelps said. “I mean, it’s crazy. Every time I see someone, they say, ‘Oh, I got this from a really good source,’ and we’ve all heard the same name, and honestly, I have no idea who’s going to get the part,” Smith said. But don’t worry, you’ll be the first to hear the news from Eskam when the time comes.
