The year 2025 in fashion was a whirlwind of high drama, viral accessories, and cultural conversations that spilled far beyond the runway. It was a period where style statements sparked existential debates and traditional craftsmanship found itself at the centre of a global luxury controversy. Let's revisit the five moments that truly broke the internet and defined the fashion narrative of the year.
The Accessory That Creeped Into Every Tote: Labubu Doll Mania
Forget classic bag charms; 2025 was unequivocally the year of the Labubu doll. These distinctive, slightly eerie-looking dolls became the must-have accessory, dangling from the handles of the world's most expensive totes and Birkins. The trend exploded into the mainstream after global K-pop icon and style-setter Lisa from BLACKPINK was spotted sporting one. Almost overnight, these quirky figures rendered other charms, like Coach's popular cherry, seemingly obsolete, proving that in the viral age, unconventional cuteness reigns supreme.
A Titan's Farewell: The Industry Mourns Giorgio Armani
The fashion world stood still on September 4, 2025, when the House of Armani announced the passing of its legendary founder, Giorgio Armani. The news sent a wave of mourning across the industry, marking the end of an era for design. Magazines globally featured the late maestro on their covers, celebrating his unparalleled legacy. His own Maison paid a moving tribute during its September show in Milan, where a poignant piano piece by Ludovico Einaudi underscored the collection, honouring the visionary's profound impact.
Campaign Chaos: Sydney Sweeney's Genetic Jeans Uproar
Euphoria star Sydney Sweeney found herself in hot water yet again, this time for an American Eagle Outfitters campaign. The ad featured Sweeney in their jeans delivering a breathy voiceover: "Genes are passed down from parents to offspring, often determining traits like hair colour, personality, and even eye colour." After a pause, she added, "My jeans are blue." The campaign was immediately slammed by commentators and critics who argued it functioned as a dog whistle supporting white supremacy and problematic genetics theories, turning a simple denim advertisement into a fierce socio-political debate.
Cultural Appropriation or Inspiration? Prada's Kolhapuri Controversy
Italian luxury giant Prada faced significant backlash in 2025 after unveiling sandals in their 2026 men's spring/summer collection that bore a striking resemblance to the traditional Kolhapuri chappals from Maharashtra. The issue was exacerbated because Prada initially listed them simply as 'leather sandals' on their website for over Rs 1.2 lakh, without any credit to their inspiration. This was particularly sensitive as Kolhapuris received their Geographical Indication (GI) tag in 2019. Following the outcry, the brand acknowledged the influence and even sent teams to visit the artisan factories in Maharashtra later that same month.
The year also saw a historic moment on the global fashion stage with two iconic Indian debuts at the Met Gala. Shah Rukh Khan made his long-awaited first appearance in a majestic outfit by Sabyasachi, complete with a large 'K' pendant and a Bengal tiger head cane, perfectly embodying the year's theme. Punjabi superstar Diljit Dosanjh made a powerful statement in a custom Prabal Gurung creation adorned with Gurmukhi script, a jeweled turban, and a ceremonial sword.
However, Dosanjh's moment was tinged with controversy. Reports revealed that luxury jeweller Cartier denied his team's request to borrow the historic Patiala Necklace, claiming it was "sealed in a museum display." This reasoning was questioned, as the same necklace had been worn by influencer Emma Chamberlain at the Met Gala back in 2022, leading to discussions about accessibility and representation in high fashion.
From viral trinkets and profound loss to cultural debates and red-carpet glory, 2025 proved that fashion remains one of the most potent reflectors of our times, capable of breaking the internet with a single doll, sandal, or statement.
