Your Overview of the Major Trends for 2025 and the Direction of Fashion in 2026.

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      Each year, Senior Fashion Editor Anna LaPlaca releases her State of Style report, and this year there was much to discuss. From the new creative director changes at brands like Dior, Chanel, Loewe, Gucci, Balenciaga, and Bottega (and many more) to the decline of quiet luxury (which is gone, but not forgotten), Anna joins Editor in Chief Kat Collings to analyze her findings and share her predictions for 2026.

      Consider this episode a concise update on the key fashion insights from this year, including the reasoning behind some of the most significant trends, moments, and style news that emerged in 2025.

      Let's revisit the rise of quiet luxury. Where is it headed now? The quiet luxury movement has taught us to establish a foundation for our wardrobe, but currently, there’s a stronger focus on showcasing one's personality through personal style, choosing more expressive and striking pieces. While I wouldn’t claim it’s completely over, as there’s certainly a time and place for quiet luxury, I believe its status as the “goal aesthetic” is diminishing. We’re growing tired of it; we crave joy and drama.

      If not quiet luxury, what encompasses loud luxury? Many designers are interpreting this concept in their distinct styles. One notable example is Bottega Veneta... with Louise Trotter's debut as creative director, she highlighted [the brand's signature intrecciato] and introduced other unique, bold textures prominently. For instance, there was an intrecciato leather coat featuring a striking white, feathery collar.

      Additionally, many looks incorporated vibrant, fringy pieces made from recycled fiberglass. The collection surprised many, featuring voluminous feather skirts and sequins—elements that indicated a significant shift in trends. Upon seeing these pieces, I thought, "The tides are really changing."

      It seems that maximalism is closely linked to color; in fall 2025, bright colors began to re-emerge, and for spring 2026, there's this burst of color… Historically, periods of maximalist fashion often correlate with economic downturns. While I’m not suggesting we’re currently facing such a crisis, I do feel we’re in a time of uncertainty and unease, which this new color trend may respond to.

      The last real surge of bright colors in fashion was during the late 2000s and early 2010s, possibly as a reaction to the 2008 financial crisis. For instance, Balenciaga showcased a beautiful feathered skirt paired with a cherry red leather T-shirt and ballet pink hues—a mix of unexpected combinations.

      We must also address the current influence of the '80s. The presence of items like cigarette trousers and padded shoulders in 2025 is fascinating, signaling a notable revival of that decade. Chloé embodies this trend with its clear '80s references, showcasing acid-tone florals, voluminous shoulders, and even the leggings-as-pants style. It was unmistakable yet fun, and I'm eager to see these looks in everyday settings.

      I want to touch on the wave of new creative director debuts we witnessed for spring 2026. Which designers are making a notable impact so far? One cannot discuss this without mentioning Chanel. Matthieu Blazy’s reimagining of the house’s traditional codes has captured attention this season, making it a key highlight. For someone like me, who may not have been a core shopper, I now find myself thinking, "I might become a Chanel girl after all."

      Another debut worth mentioning is Rachel Scott of Diotima joining Proenza Schouler. Known for her focus on crochet and artisanal work, her arrival at Proenza, with its sleek tailoring and menswear elements, is particularly thrilling.

      This interview has been edited and condensed for brevity.