Finding Renewal in the Shadows: Anne Demeulemeester’s AW25 Introspective Journey by Bethany Berkeley

Ann Demeulemeester fashion show in Paris, Fall Winter 2025 Ready To Wear Fashion Week, Runway Look Photo by Valerio Mezzanotti

Dear Shaded Viewers,

The Ann Demeulemeester AW25 collection was nothing short of spectacular. A powerful exploration of transformation and self-discovery, a visual poem woven with threads of raw emotion and refined elegance. Under the creative direction of Stefano Gallici, the collection delved into the depths of introspection, presenting a narrative of both loss and rediscovery.

Set in a pitch-black venue the mood prior to the show matched the collection exquisitely; dark, intense and expectant. The room was filled with wooden seats —the only decor to be seen in the venue, with a booklet titled “wall of references” released by the brand each season placed on each seat. As the show began C.O.T.A. by The Cult blasted through the speakers breaking the silence injecting the room with energy.

Driven by a desire for radical change, the brand ventured into the unknown, creating pieces that seemed to possess their own vitality. The collection, characterised by its deliberate rawness—dramatic layering and frayed details—was a deeply personal reimagining of wardrobe essentials.

Ruffled, lace-trimmed mini-dresses met fringed boots and wrapped headbands. Inflated sleeves reinvented shirting, styled with vintage vests and uneven top hats. Shredded knits and pointed blazers offered an edgy counterpoint to sleeveless coats, shearling pieces, and deconstructed graphic tees, designed for daring and rebellious individuals.

Later,

Bethany