PARIS — The final night of Paris Fashion Week was illuminated by Saint Laurent’s dramatic presentation, held against the stunning backdrop of the glowing Eiffel Tower and a grand stage of polished black onyx. Designer Anthony Vaccarello’s fall collection brought a refined approach to the house’s iconic styles, focusing on sharp, impactful silhouettes where tailored details and prominent shoulders set the high standards. Models walked gracefully across the shiny onyx platform, showcasing bold forms, sumptuous textures, and a minimalist expression of strength.
Pierre Bergé, the partner of the legendary Yves Saint Laurent, once said, “Chanel gave women freedom. Yves Saint Laurent gave them power.” This sentiment resonated in Vaccarello’s collection, which emphasized strength through simplicity. The lineup included structured blazers worn as dresses, sharp-edged pencil skirts, and effortlessly chic bomber jackets. These pieces were not simply adhering to trends but were commanding admiration and respect.
In the audience, a constellation of stars including Austin Butler, Zoë Kravitz, Kid Cudi, and Charli XCX awaited the unfolding of the runway spectacle. The highlight of the evening was Bella Hadid, who made a singular and thrilling appearance, causing waves across social media and reaffirming the cultural influence of Saint Laurent.
Vaccarello demonstrated his mastery of power dressing once more this season. The collection featured noticeably bold shoulder lines that set the tone for the sharply tailored blazers, high-necked frocks, and chic outerwear. Models paraded under the softly lit stage in vibrant hues of tangerine, fuchsia, and deep green, adding a layer of richness to the generally minimalist aesthetic. Innovative materials like silicone-coated floral and animal prints, pliable fabrics combined with guipure lace, and textured couture fabrics further enhanced the collection. Flowing skirts with sculptural hip details in the closing ensembles introduced a captivating dynamism to the show.
Saint Laurent has always balanced masculinity and femininity, and Vaccarello’s precise tailoring emphasized this duality. Jackets fitted the models like armor, while elaborate, flowing skirts introduced a disciplined drama to the arrangements. The juxtaposition of leather jackets with finely structured dresses added an edge to the elegance, a reminder that power dressing involves asserting control, not making compromises.
The setting was as essential a part of the presentation as the attire. The event unfolded on a grand oval of polished onyx, representing a sophisticated contrast of durability and elegance. Digital panels with earth-toned and black patterns pulsated with energy, reinforcing the depth of the collection. Against the backdrop of the Eiffel Tower’s iron structure, the occasion felt as grand as a finale to the fashion week’s most significant stage.
Model Linda Evangelista’s entrance in a business-savvy yet edgy Saint Laurent suit was a memorable moment, highlighting the brand’s lasting attraction across various eras. Industry insiders were abuzz with talk of the evening’s final dresses, balancing the grandeur of volume with edgy leather additions and robust rock crystal jewelry, reminiscent of Yves Saint Laurent’s preferred stone.
The show notes declared, “Instead of speaking through ornament or padding, fabrics and precise construction shape the garments.” The focus on pure shapes and well-considered volumes underscored that Saint Laurent continues to lead with power, accuracy, and mastery at its heart, demonstrating that some traditions are not ephemeral; they are enduring and adaptive.
