Jeanne Friot AW25
The Pont Alexandre III, with its grandeur and sweeping views of the Seine, was the stage for Jeanne Friot's AW25 collection, aptly titled "VISIONS." As I took my seat beneath the ornate arches, I couldn’t help but reflect on how far this brand has come. A few seasons ago, I stumbled upon Jeanne Friot at the Palais de Tokyo in a modest show space accompanied by PJ Harvey’s haunting melodies. Today, Friot commands one of Paris Fashion Week’s most iconic venues, a testament to her meteoric rise and unwavering vision.
"VISIONS" is not just a collection; it’s a manifesto. Friot’s work has always been deeply political, and this season is no exception. Against the backdrop of a politically tense climate, her designs exude defiance and resilience. Long black vinyl coats shimmer like armor, while white velvet pieces with broad shoulders demand attention and space. The collection’s palette, dominated by black, white, red, and flashes of silver, evokes both rebellion and hope. Standout pieces include fluffy faux-fur red coats that refuse invisibility, wide silver trousers that feel like modern-day chainmail, and bodysuits printed with Friot’s signature belts that liberate movement. The slogans, “A Woman is Somebody, not Some Body” printed on upcycled Levi’s® 501 jeans and pleated kilts are rallying cries for inclusivity and empowerment. These garments don’t just dress, they speak.
The spirit of Jeanne d’Arc (Joan of Arc for us English speakers) looms large over this collection. Last summer, Friot’s collaboration with leather artisan Robert Mercier for the Olympic Games saw Jeanne d’Arc reimagined in silver armor, a moment that amplified Friot’s voice on the global stage. This influence carries into "VISIONS," where silver windbreakers and bold-shouldered jackets evoke modern armor for a new generation of warriors. These pieces are refashioned tools of resistance.
Friot’s commitment to sustainability is woven into every fiber of her brand. From upcycled Levi’s® collaborations to her use of deadstock fabrics from haute couture houses like Louis Vuitton, she proves that luxury and responsibility can coexist. Her partnership with Both for footwear and MAC Cosmetics for beauty further underscores her dedication to ethical innovation. At its core, "VISIONS" is about liberation. Liberation of bodies, voices, and identities. Friot draws inspiration from feminist thinkers like Adrienne Rich and bell hooks, who emphasize the power of speaking out. Clothing becomes more than fabric, it becomes a political statement. As philosopher Sara Ahmed argues, turning the voice into a tool of disruption is an act of resistance, something Friot achieves through her designs.
Watching this collection unfold felt like witnessing history in the making. Jeanne Friot doesn’t just design clothes, she crafts narratives that challenge norms and inspire change. Her work reminds us that fashion can be both beautiful and meaningful, a platform for revolution as much as self-expression. As I left Pont Alexandre III that evening, I carried with me not just the memory of exquisite craftsmanship but also a renewed sense of hope. Jeanne Friot is more than a designer. She is a visionary leading us toward a more inclusive and sustainable future, one bold silhouette at a time.
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