Admittedly, leather is a fabric that is most associated with Autumn/Winter – but as a new fashion season begins, we’d be remiss not to acknowledge its versatility. As ever, an army of designers have done just that on the Spring/Summer ‘25 catwalks – be it through championing the leather jacket in brand new ways or with unique effects and finishes as seen at Prada and Gucci.
Here, we round up the biggest leather trends for this season, straight from the runways.
L to R: Chloé, Saint Laurent, Chloé
Billowing and floaty dresses are back in their masses, with Chloé leading the charge with a SS25 collection that capitalised on multi-tiered, high-volume garments – but with that comes the need for outerwear that offers a little more… structure. The fashion house showed multiple leather jackets in varying silhouettes, from cropped numbers with puffed sleeves to sleeveless gilets with statement pockets – all adding some edge to a sea of airy fabrics.
In fact, a further toughened-up version of the trend was also seen at Saint Laurent, which showed plenty of sheer, floral maxis in darker, moodier tones. Creative director Anthony Baccarello added slouchy leather bombers and motorcycle jackets to each look, in a trend that has become known as ‘moto boho’ – combining ethereal silhouettes with boxy leather jackets or buckled biker boots – since championed by the likes of Sienna Miller.
L to R: Loewe, Gucci
As far as shoe trends go, loafers were one of the standout regulars across the Spring/Summer catwalks, with designers from Loewe and Prada to Burberry styling them with everything from socks and tights to ultra mini-skirts and soft maxis. At Gucci, the brand’s well-loved Jordaan loafers were reimagined into calf-height boots, while Prada showed numerous versions with tassels and buckles – sister label Miu Miu also pushed their classic styles. Loewe’s boat shoe-style loafers are sure to be popular with the fashion girls, too.
Alexander McQueen
Hey, it’s a wardrobe staple for a reason. Since suited-up workwear is also a key Spring/Summer trend (CC: the numerous two-pieces and ties in the Saint Laurent collection), it’s no surprise that smart pencil skirts reigned on the catwalks – be they smooth suede numbers at Hermès or buckled leather at Prada. But make no mistake, leather skirts in all their forms were everywhere, from dishevelled ultra-minis at McQueen to patent A-lines at Miu Miu.
Gucci
As always, designers are finding new and fun ways to experiment with leather in their collections – particularly since an eclectic mood was evident across the runways.
Prada’s futuristic offering saw a mish-mash of contradictions, including the use of high-shine metallic leather with utilitarian f
abrics like canvas and wool; while Gestuz played with leopard printed hides and Gucci created a ribbed look with layers of stitching. Ever the trailblazer, Jonathan Anderson presented a new silhouette for his penultimate collection for Loewe – a series of mind-bending swing jackets in shades of brown, black and grey.
L to R: Miu Miu, Versace
The suede invasion continues, as leather’s softer sister continues to dominate the runways as well as street style. Chloé’s aforementioned jacket offering was also presented in varying tones of soft suede; Marni showed an ankle grazing tea dress in a silky camel shade. At Miu Miu, the brand’s best-selling bags were reimagined in suede, while Versace explored shirting, outerwear and separates in the tactile fabric.
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