With brands like Fendi and Onitsuka Tiger delivering fresh and forward Spring/Summer 2025 collections, the global fashion scene is thriving. Amongst all of the collections airing this autumn, fashion designers have implemented a seamless blend of minimalism and experimentation. Oversized silhouettes, soft tailoring, and genderless designs are coming in hot while muted tones and earthy palettes join the catwalks with an understated elegance. The trend consensus of the season? Neutrals are the way to go.
New York, Milan, & London, Oh My!
At New York Fashion Week, Sandy Liang brought the fashion-forward, early-2000s hit cartoon Totally Spies to corporate America with a nostalgic twist. Following the big trend of the season, the collection’s statement pieces – which included sharp blazers, tailored pants, and other office attire – were mainly neutral. However, the designer injected Y2K flare with bright red and pink handbags. HYPEBEAST called the collection “The Spy Girl’s Nine-to-Five.”
MM6 Maison Margiela debuted its SS25 collection during Milan Fashion Week. The looks presented by John Galliano deconstruct the basic and boring into something much more complex, leaving simple silhouettes and muted tones with meaning. Culted magazine stated that the line “Delivered on the clean tailoring we associate with the Maison blended with more modern pieces.” This combination of clean yet rough is a driving force in modern fashion.
Aside from her signature florals, Simone Rocha embraced the season’s trend of neutrality, introducing an array of taupe, beige, and ivory tones as the foundation of her eclectic work. Much like Sandy Liang, Rocha did not shy away from adding bold pink and red pops to the lineup. These eye-catching accents were paired lovingly with voluminous dresses and ruffled skirts, fusing soft femininity with architectural integrity.
Trending in the South East
In comparison with the global fashion market, Atlanta might seem miniscule, but the city’s influence on style is steadily evolving. To live in a city with a vibrant creative scene and artists on every corner is a blessing. Taking a step onto Peachtree Street will garner a month’s worth of outfit inspiration, and emerging creators and SCAD students alike are redefining Southern style.
Atlanta is becoming a breeding ground for fresh talent and the SCAD students I have worked with and come to know are at the top of the pyramid. Apart from the rigorous technical training, SCAD kids are innovating and trend-setting with hand-crafted accessories to Rick Owens ensembles. They are not simply learning the craft, but instead pushing boundaries and setting new standards for the forthcoming generation.
Influencers are also shaping Atlanta streetwear and the overall style of the city. ATL-based creator Kyah (@reinberrie) posts weekly fashion content between her Instagram and TikTok, from casual everyday ‘fits to concert outfit inspiration. Her look is the embodiment of Atlanta fashion: versatile, ever-changing, and just the right amount of moody – unlike Atlanta’s weather.
In terms of her personal style and trends, Kyah stated, “I wear what I want and I want to wear everything. I don’t have a set personal style because if I limit myself, I may miss out on trends I’ll actually love.”
“Atlanta has definitely become the new mecca when it comes to fashion. This generation is not only entrepreneurial, but we’re able to express ourselves while inspiring others. The Atlanta fashion community is filled with trendsetters.”
Similarly, Atlanta’s resident I-T G-I-R-L, Aliyah Bah (@aliyahsinterlude), is changing the game for Atlanta’s streetwear scene. Although her swagger is anything but neutral or minimalistic, her recent “Aliyah core” looks at NYFW were mixed with subtle shades of blue and beige.
Let’s Talk About Trends, Baby
Pinterest’s quarterly trend report confirms the neutrals craze with an increase of 110% in searches for “Serene color palette.” On the opposite end of the spectrum, the search for “Leopard print jeans” went up by 2990%, persisting the reign of animal print superiority. Masculine and feminine combinations also seem to be merging into the mainstream, with obvious authority from the aforementioned designers.
But trends and Pinterest reports extend far beyond one season. They bring into question the invariably rising tension between individuality and conformity. While Fashion Week collections and content creators lay a foundation for what’s hot, it is the individuals beyond the screen that challenge how we perceive personal style and cultural identity. The dialogue surrounding individuality versus conformity confronts the complex nature of personal expression within a society so obsessed with fitting in.
The democratization of fashion through the internet and social media has given a platform to the fashionably marginalized. It also gives a voice and visibility to every niche aesthetic; from the Midwest princesses to the goth Black girls, there will now and forever be a community waiting to embrace the future Simone Rochas and Andrea Pompilios of the world with open arms and a few fashion tips.
Ultimately, the future of fashion is looking out to be an accepting place, one that keeps up with the trends while simultaneously fostering uniqueness. As more voices join in on the style discussion, the industry’s structure will shift, honoring individuality but embracing the beauty of collective expression.
