Blink and the year is over! But not without some monumental moments in fashion. Approximately 15 Creative Director debuts. Butter yellow everything. Then chocolate brown everything. Fashion elite attending this year’s Fashion Trust Arabia. Modest fashion slowly but surely entering the global runways. And the devil wears Valentino now. There’s so much more to cover when speaking on the best fashion of the year so here’s our recap as we take a look back at 2025, fashionably of course.
The Peak of Labubu
Ever since Blackpink member Lisa gushed about her Labubu doll, the furry monster has been everywhere. Bag charms, mascots, bedazzled pieces, and who can forget the 24k gold version?
The Prada Kolhapuris
When Prada debuted a leather toe ring sandal, which was similar to India’s Kolhapuris, at their Menswear show back in June, the internet lit up with equal parts confusion and backlash. Now six months later, the Italian maison has announced working with the Indian government to produce the sandal, bringing a full circle moment on this controversial sandal.
The OG Birkins Get a New Home
Bagaholics everywhere collectively held their breath when it was announced that Jane Birkin’s original Birkin would be auctioned. Paris was lit up for 10 minutes as 9 collectors tried to covet the bag. Finally, sold to a private collector in Japan, the sale ended at a whopping $10.1 million (approximately Dhs 38 million).
But that was not all. Just two weeks back, Abu Dhabi hosted another coveted auction, presenting another Birkin belonging to Jane Birkin—the “Le Birkin Voyageur”. This time, the auction lasted for over 10 minutes, selling at $2.9 million (approximately Dhs 10.6 million)
From Better Yellow to Choco Brown
If there are any colours to represent the year 2025, they would be yellow and brown. Specifically, butter yellow and chocolate brown. No matter the season, the two colour-dominated Pinterest feeds, FYPs, and street style fashion. With our eyes now turned towards the colour of the year, we’re curious to see which colour combo will reign in 2026.
Boy, That’s a Rock!
This year was also a year of celebrity engagements. From Georgina Rodríguez’s insane rock to Taylor Swift’s sweet vintage piece to Alexandra Saint Mleux’s glittering oval-cut diamond, each piece broke the internet because whoo… that sure is a rock!
Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney Going Global
In other news that broke the internet, the announcement of international houses, Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney debuting at Riyadh Fashion Week definitely broke the fashion-forward internet. Blending the East and West, it was a moment of cultural celebration as well as a nod to the global rise of the Arabian fashion scene.
The Result of Fashion’s Musical Chairs
This year was also the year of fashion’s odd game of musical chairs. Creative Directors of beloved houses were exiting and entering left, right, and centre. And the result of that movement culminated this September, as we saw multiple debuts and multiple collections to dissect. And while it was never a competition, our podium winners were Trotter’s Bottega Veneta, Demna’s Gucci, and Matthieu Blazy’s Chanel.
Fashion Elite at Fashion Trust Arabia
The non-profit platforming emerging MENA and international talent held its award ceremony in Qatar with a star-studded guest list of fashion elite. Not only was it a moment for those who won, but it was also a moment for industry experts to applaud the future of fashion.
Miranda Priestly and Nigel Kipling Spotted at D&G
Speaking of fashion’s elite, heads were definitely turned when audiences saw Meryl Streep and Stanley Tucci enter the Dolce & Gabbana in Milan as the Prada-wearing characters, Miranda Priestly and Nigel Kipling. A surreal, pinch-me moment for those attending, but definitely an exciting one for us all once the sequel hits next year.
The Louvre Heist
While more of a cultural moment than a fashion one, we’re including it in our list because of what the thieves decided to steal. The Louvre Museum is not entirely unfamiliar with heists. Mona Lisa got her notoriety because she was stolen from the Louvre back in 1911. This recent heist however involved eight items from the French Crown Jewels, making them the most “sought-after” accessories of the year.
Giorgio Armani’s Final Show
Hearts were broken across the fashion world as news of Giorgio Armani’s passing circulated. A man who shaped fashion for half a century, his 50th anniversary show, which took place in Milan later that year, was even more heartbreaking. A love letter to what made the brand Armani, the posthumous show was a solemn farewell to the legacy that was Armani.
Modesty Entering The Global Runways
And finally, the pivotal moment of fashion this year was a shift to modest fashion. From demure dressing on runways to Modest Fashion Week taking its global stage to Paris next year, we are seeing a callback to cuts, silhouettes, and drapes that echo modesty. While the shift comes with a plethora of reasons, it’s also a styling opportunity, offering up a new canvas to spill creative juices.
