Simplicity? Done. Plain? Done. Minimalism? Done. Over-the-top fashion and dressing feminine? In! Givenchy’s collection, showcased during the 2025 Paris Fashion Week, proved the rumors to be true about what styles would be trending in 2025.
Minimalist luxury has been a trend for the past couple of years. Chic looks that captivate an expensive taste, but resonate with the everyday gal were all the rage until it was overdone, and the time for rotation occurred.
Maximalist fashion is by no means ‘new.’ Icons such as Lady Gaga, Lil Nas X and Billy Porter have always owned the game when it came to dressing over the top, but when it became trendy to be portrayed as a ‘clean girl’ the fashion industry shifted and favored simplicity rather than bold styles.
During the March 2025 Paris Fashion Week, Givenchy debuted its fall collection with pieces that are not so casual, but still luxurious and very feminine. This collection featured coats and blazers with a cinched-in waist while still prioritizing an oversized shoulder pad.
Though blazers and coats are not subject to minimalism or maximalism, the form in which these pieces are created and worn showcases an elevated approach to the everyday article of clothing. The fifth look from the show featured a long-length lemon-shaded coat with sleeves that billow out in contrast to a tailored waist.
Besides the shaping of the coat, the model wore an oversized black scarf, knotted into a bow; adding a feminine touch to the overall look.
Some of the designs lean towards the infamous clean girl aesthetic, like the 10th and 14th looks from the show, but are followed by the perfect trend transition pieces.
Alex Consani, the 2024 Model Of The Year, wore look 22, a two-piece set with fabric that looked like wool, covered in grey and black swatches and splashes. The look is tied together with the same scarf from look five and the lemon-colored coat.
As the show continues, Givenchy toys with more feminine touches. Some looks sport deep-cut necklines, while others feature sheer fabric that reveals the model’s body. Look 29 was perhaps the most feminine, featuring makeup compact containers stuck to a nude mini dress with a sweetheart neckline. Though the hues of the look give it a neutral appearance, it is anything but. It’s maximalist and hyper-feminine, while the hair and makeup resemble the clean girl aesthetic.
The following looks feature ruffles,feathers and gems. Look 47’s blouse was made entirely of gems strung together to fall perfectly on the model, providing a maximalist take on a top, but are also paired with classic black slacks.
The finale of the show, look 52, was nothing you would see someone with minimalist taste wearing. The look was an off the shoulder, neon yellow dress, completely made of tulle. The dress has no tailoring to it and is paired with a black heel that also has tulle on it.
This show also happened to be Sarah Burton’s debut collection with Givenchy. The overall energy from the 52 looks allowed femininity to be seen, but in a respectful manner. The structuring allowed for sophistication, while the lace and tulle provided a kiss of womanhood.
The art of being a woman has never looked more different than before. There is nothing abnormal about wanting to appear sexy while still dressing in a sophisticated manner, and Burton creates that energy throughout the show.
Eating away at what it means to dress as a woman, whether it’s exaggerated or not, is what this fashion show provided. Most pieces leaned towards dramatization, but in a gradual manner. The pieces may not be as camp as the Met Gala, but they serve as a transition for what is to come.
Simplicity has not completely clocked out, but her time is ticking. So in the meantime, while those who enjoy a trend begin to transition their wardrobe into the maximalist and feminine aesthetic, the new Givenchy collection can serve as a mood board.