The digital direction of Fashion Week gave designers free range to exercise the extent of their creativity, resulting in thoughtful video presentations that explored everything from the reality of 2020 to the cultural roots of brands spearheaded by Black creatives. But of course, in the midst of collections so greatly unique to themselves, a few overarching fall fashion trends managed to stand out.
In general, much of the world is still working from home with large gatherings on a pause, and fashion trends continue to follow suit. But at Fashion Week, this means more than just sweatpants, with designers instead exploring the territory of relaxed luxury. Then, there were other trends to emerge such as what Pantone’s colors of the year look like in action, and the many different ways to incorporate denim into your wardrobe.
Taking a look at the latest collections from Black-led brands at Fashion Week, here are the trends to look out for in the coming months.
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Sheer/Net
In one form or another, peek-a-boo elements have been a common theme for the last few seasons. Where cut-outs became the dominating trend for 2020, the coming seasons appear to bet on a combination of sheer mesh and netted styles. Theophilio embraced the trend with a netted top reminiscent of the Rastafarian Jamaican flag while Frederick Anderson welcomed sheer tunics and mini dresses.
Photo: Theophilio
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Bursting With Yellow
Pantone named “Illuminating,” an almost pale yellow, as one of its 2021 colors of the year, but it’s the designers at New York Fashion week who brought the hue to life. From floor length dresses and oversized jackets at A. Potts, to satin, cocktail-ready gowns at Dur Doux and pinstripe knits at Victor Glemaud, look to this sunset tone as the key to bringing your wardrobe back to life.
Photo: Victor Glemaud
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The New Denim
When it comes to ready-to-wear, designers have a way of morphing ordinary into anything but. For this year’s fall season, it’s unexpected denim pieces that takes the spotlight. The trend was seen translated in a number ways, including patchwork pants, a mini dress, and ‘70s-style wide-leg trousers.
As designers teeter the line between “lockdown friendly” and “back to normal” styles, luxe fabrics such as silk and satin become the ultimate middle ground. Historically associated with evening wear (think gowns), or loungewear (think robes), the two are merged together with palazzo pants and matching sets to create pieces that feel cater to comfort while also feeling effortlessly done up.
Photo: Dur Doux
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Keep it Co-Ordinated
Whether it’s sweats or skirts, matching sets have become a go-to in the last year, and the trend isn’t letting up just yet. Dresses aside, matching sets made up the bulk of A. Potts’ Fall 2021 collection with oversized pull-overs and loose-fit trousers. Negris LeBrum took a more formal approach to the trend with a sequined suit, and a tweed jacket with shorts.
Photo: Negris LeBrum
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Falling for Fur
Though designers acknowledged the practical, comfort-focused nature of current fashion, their hints at a future filled with maximalist, over-the-top fashion was heard loud and clear, with fancy fur elements (both faux and genuine) taking the lead. There were full-on animal print jackets, there were scarves and there were vests. When the time comes, endless options await for you to go all in.
Across the pond this evening the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards kicked off. The special occasion allowed actors and actresses to present themselves uniquely. Since red carpet season is well underway in the United States it was refreshing to see those who have been carving out a niche for themselves in matters of style operate similarly. Stars who attended opted to stick to their guns.
For example, Cynthia Erivo who never backs down from a print or pattern wore a custom Louis Vuitton frock crafted with white lace. Styled by Jason Bolden her look was topped off by exquisite gemstone earrings and white heels. An additional stunner? Colman Domingo arrived in a leather statement coat, patterned button-up, and sleek black trousers. Domingo’s outfit which was styled by Wayman Bannerman and Micah McDonald was entirely Versace.
Zoe Saldana who won a BAFTA Award for her supporting role in Emilia Pérez wore a black lace Saint Laurent gown. Saldana’s jewelry which consisted of a necklace, earrings, and assorted rings was striking, these pieces were credited to De Beers. Next, Lupita Nyong’o who was styled by her longtime stylist Micaela Erlanger stunned in a delightful ensemble by Chanel. The white top appeared to be made of white tweed, while the crystallized detailing which included a bow was emblazoned with glitzy black stones. The tulle skirt portion of Lupita’s outfit made for an excellent pairing.
Separately, Letitia Wright donned a custom Prada gown in a gorgeous maroon hue with jewelry by Chaumet. A hooded element was attached to the back of Wright’s gown embellished with hundreds of silver and glittered specks. Her cornrowed hair was a solid hair choice.
Nico Parker who is somewhat of a red carpet darling opted for a Chanel Fall/Winter 2024 Couture gown. The polka dot elements were striking especially when paired with minimal jewelry and black pumps.
Below take a look at the looks that caught our attention at the 2025 BAFTA Film Awards.
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Cynthia Erivo
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: Cynthia Erivo attends the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2025 at The Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)
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Colman Domingo
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: Colman Domingo attends the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2025 at The Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)
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Zoe Saldana
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: Zoe Saldana attends the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2025 at The Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)
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Lupita Nyong’o
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: Lupita Nyong’o attends the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards at The Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Kate Green/Getty Images)
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Vanessa Williams
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: Vanessa Williams attends the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2025 at The Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by John Phillips/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)
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Letitia Wright
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: Letitia Wright attends the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards at The Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Samir Hussein/WireImage)
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Marianne Jean-Baptiste
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: Marianne Jean-Baptiste attends the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards at The Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Pascal Le Segretain/Getty Images)
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Naomi Ackie
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: Naomi Ackie attends the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards at The Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Max Cisotti/Dave Benett/Getty Images)
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Wunmi Mosaku
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: Wunmi Mosaku attends the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2025 at The Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Kate Green/Getty Images)
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David Jonsson
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: David Jonsson attends the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards at The Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Kate Green/Getty Images)
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India Amarteifio
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: India Amarteifio attends the EE BAFTA Film Awards 2025 at The Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Joe Maher/BAFTA/Getty Images for BAFTA)
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Nico Parker
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: Nico Parker attends the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards at The Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Kate Green/Getty Images)
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AJ Odudu
LONDON, ENGLAND – FEBRUARY 16: AJ Odudu attends the 2025 EE BAFTA Film Awards at The Royal Festival Hall on February 16, 2025 in London, England. (Photo by Mike Marsland/WireImage)