THE HYPE FASHION / OCTOBER 2025
Trend
WAITING IN LINE
Now is the time to overcome your ophidiophobia—that’s the fancy term for the fear of snakes. Because even though the universally beloved leopard print continues to dominate wardrobes and collections, the python is catching up at a slow but steady crawl. From boots to bags to complete outfits, you’ll find this unmistakable pattern everywhere. Things get especially exciting when designers don’t just stick to the classic faux leather but translate the reptile look into unexpected textures like knitwear.
Darling
UNVEILED
Until now, Maison Margiela has mostly let its fashion speak for itself. Hardly anyone knows what founder Martin Margiela looks like. Everyone, however, is familiar with the iconic Tabi shoes—with their hoof-like silhouette—which are either deeply loved or despised. Now, the fall-winter campaign surprises us with a rather familiar face: Miley Cyrus was photographed by Paolo Roversi in a painterly style. The campaign is called “Loved to Death,” a phrase that still fits perfectly with Margiela’s unmistakable pieces. Can we look forward to more celebrity appearances now that Glenn Martens has taken the creative helm and is steering the house into a new era? It remains to be seen. maisonmargiela.com
It-Piece
COMPLETED
Time for a trip down memory lane: Let’s fast-forward two decades back to 2005 and take a look at what the “it girls” of the time—Mischa Barton, Kate Bosworth, Sienna Miller—were carrying. One item in particular catches our eye: a long bag with a huge lock: the Paddington Bag by Chloé. Twenty years later, it’s back with a minimal makeover. First on the runway for the fall-winter collection, then in stores and online starting in September—where you can already get your name on a waiting list. Creative Director Chemena Kamali drew inspiration from the romanticization of the past. Perhaps the return of this iconic bag also has something to do with the fact that Kamali was once an intern under Phoebe Philo, whose vision gave rise to the Paddington Bag. Just a few years ago, you could snag a vintage Paddington Bag for a small three-digit sum. Today, resellers like Vestiaire are in high demand, while search queries for this “it” piece have skyrocketed by 3,000 percent. chloe.com
New Collection
Y2K DREAMS
Red, denim, florals, faux fur: Georgian designer David Koma’s first runway collection for the Italian label Blumarine brings together so many trends of the moment that it creates a world all its own. While Blumarine has made the ever-popular Y2K aesthetic its trademark in recent years, Koma is now cementing it with his own signature style. The result? A collection where you’ll want every single look. blumarine.com
We Love
WEEKEND WARRIORS
Sure, we shouldn’t just live for the weekend, but we can’t help it if we’re in a better mood on Friday than on Monday. Weekend Max Mara seems to share this view—after all, it’s right there in the name. In collaboration with the Italian label Giuliva Heritage, they’ve created a capsule collection titled “Fine Settimana”—Weekend. But these looks aren’t just for a sunny fall weekend; they’re perfect for weekdays, too. Maybe it’s time to start a petition for longer weekends after all. weekendmaxmara.com
Exhibition
WHAT’S YOUR STYLE?
Dansaert, Brussels, the 1980s: There’s something in the air, as the pioneers of the Belgian fashion scene are gradually opening their shops here. Leading the way is Sonja Noël with her boutique Stijl. She supports new designers and brands, blends high fashion with everyday wear, and has thus become a go-to destination for all fashionistas. The exhibition “40+ Years of Stijl” at the Fashion and Lace Museum in Brussels traces the history of a unique boutique that has had a significant influence on the history of Belgian fashion. “40+ Years of Stijl,” through January 11, 2026, Fashion and Lace Museum, Rue de la Violette 12, 1000 Brussels, Belgium, fashionandlacemuseum.brussels
Book
GET THAT BAG
An outfit isn’t complete until the right bag is dangling from your arm. The world of designer bags is a mysterious one—a mix of pop culture, it girls and boys—and, more recently, social media—determines whether we’re currently scouring reseller websites for Chloé’s Paddington Bag and justifies why we think spending 1,000.– on a secondhand Balenciaga City Bag is perfectly fine. And those playing in the very top league are on a waiting list for a Birkin bag from Hermès. Hardly anyone understands this complex universe better than Fashionphile, the ultra-luxury e-commerce platform that specializes in the buying and selling of pre-owned designer handbags. In “The Book of Iconic Bags,” Fashionphile lists the 25 most influential bags of all time. Craftsmanship, history, cultural relevance, and investment potential all came together to curate the top 25. Assouline x Fashionphile, “The Book of Iconic Bags,” 280 pages, approx. 120.—, assouline.com
