Runway

Walter Van Beirendonck Spring Summer 2025: A Denim Revolution with G-Star Unveiled at Paris Fashion Week

June 22, 2024

In a captivating display of avant-garde design and denim innovation, Walter Van Beirendonck's Spring-Summer 2025 collection, unveiled at Paris Fashion Week, served as the perfect backdrop for a groundbreaking collaboration with G-Star. The show, aptly titled "I HAVE SEEN THE FUTURE," transported attendees into a world where fashion becomes a powerful medium for both escapism and social commentary.

Clowning Around with Proportions

Van Beirendonck's mainline collection drew inspiration from an unlikely source: the classic circus clown. This motif manifested in exaggerated silhouettes that played with extremes – tiny tops paired with voluminous bottoms created a striking visual dialogue. The designer's signature wit was evident in the "camaïeu pinks and baby blue hues" that dominated the color palette, offsetting the collection's more somber undertones.

Micro vs. Maxi: A Sartorial Tug-of-War

The show's standout theme was the juxtaposition of micro and maxi elements. Van Beirendonck masterfully manipulated proportions, presenting oversized, enveloping shapes alongside skin-hugging pieces. This contrast was further emphasized by playful details like 3D dots, bulging patches, and what the designer cryptically referred to as "terror toys."

Innovative Construction Takes Center Stage

Both the mainline collection and the G-Star collaboration showcased Van Beirendonck's relentless pursuit of innovative garment construction. The designer introduced "STITCH LESS" items, including Alcantara puzzle pieces and coats with circular or arrow-shaped endings that could be cleverly manipulated. These pieces embodied Van Beirendonck's vision of "modern-day cutting-edge craftsmanship."

G-Star x Van Beirendonck: Denim Reimagined

Seamlessly integrated into the show was the highly anticipated G-Star x Walter Van Beirendonck capsule collection. This 19-piece unisex line, dubbed "Denim with Balls," pushed the boundaries of denim design. Embracing Van Beirendonck's experimental approach, the collaboration featured minimal stitching, instead utilizing unconventional techniques like gluing and taping.

Standout pieces from the capsule included the Square Jeans, Wader Jeans, and Future Proof Jacket, each showcasing unique elements like embossed dots and taped seams. The collection's commitment to sustainability was evident in the use of certified Cradle to Cradle fabrics for all denim pieces.

A Vision of the Future

Van Beirendonck's Spring-Summer 2025 show, with its inclusion of the G-Star collaboration, painted a vivid picture of fashion's potential future. The designer's message was clear: in a world of extremes, creativity and innovation can serve as powerful tools for both escape and engagement.

As the models paraded down the runway in their micro-maxi ensembles and revolutionary denim pieces, Van Beirendonck's closing statement resonated: "I HAVE SEEN THE FUTURE... And you are in it." This sentiment perfectly encapsulated the show's blend of whimsy and forward-thinking design, leaving attendees both entertained and intrigued by the possibilities that lie ahead in fashion.

Set to hit select retailers worldwide in February 2025, both Van Beirendonck's mainline collection and the G-Star capsule promise to be coveted by fashion enthusiasts seeking pieces that challenge conventions and push boundaries. As we eagerly anticipate their release, one thing is certain: the future of fashion is bold, experimental, and unapologetically playful.

Runway imagery courtesy of Walter Van Beirendonck; Front row imagery courtesy of courtesy of Patricia Buren.