Rick Owens’ Fall/Winter 2025 menswear collection, titled Concordians, showcased yet again why the designer remains at the pinnacle of fashion innovation. Presented at Paris Fashion Week, the show captured the imagination of critics and fashion enthusiasts alike, not only for its bold, dystopian aesthetic but also for the deep personal resonance it conveyed.
Owens’ ability to maintain relevance and challenge the status quo lies in his unwavering commitment to personal storytelling and his innovative take on design. This collection, which draws its name from the industrial town of Concordia in northern Italy where Owens’ factory is based, serves as a powerful tribute to resilience and craftsmanship. The town, a symbol of endurance and hard work, mirrors Owens’ journey — one shaped by years of struggle and modest beginnings.
The designer’s philosophy — forged in adversity — shines through in the collection, which reflects his passion for transformation and survival. Owens’ deep personal connection to his roots is evident in every stitch, and every silhouette, making his work not just fashion, but an ongoing narrative of growth and overcoming hardship.
The Concordians collection’s design elements are a masterclass blending gothic drama with futuristic rebellion. Cropped tops with rounded shoulders, flowing hooded coats, and chain-link skirts evoke a strong sense of otherworldliness, while the materials speak volumes about Owens’ commitment to innovation and sustainability. The use of bleached alligator leather, bronze-treated denim, and eco-certified wool is a striking juxtaposition of luxury, environmental awareness, and cutting-edge design.
Accessories further amplify the collection’s themes of endurance. Luggage-tag necklaces and intricately detailed bronze bags serve as reminders that fashion is not just about aesthetics, but the stories and messages they convey. These pieces effortlessly reinforce Owens’ idea of adaptation, a theme central to his design philosophy.
The runway setting, held at the Palais de Tokyo, was as striking as the collection itself. With its stark, industrial atmosphere enhanced by strobe lights and thick smoke, the scene mirrored the dystopian world Owens envisioned. The emotional depth of the show was amplified by David Bowie’s Heroes, performed in various languages — a fitting tribute to the heroism that defines both the collection and its creator.
While some fans felt parts of the collection paled in comparison to previous shows, particularly in terms of innovation, the boots received widespread acclaim, showcasing Owens’ ability to remain true to his signature style while offering fresh perspectives. Critics, however, universally praised his continued ability to push creative boundaries and maintain his unique voice in an ever-evolving industry.
At its core, Concordians is not just a collection; it is a manifesto. A call to embrace resilience in the face of adversity, Owens challenges us to recognize the hero within, to transform struggles into strength. Through fashion, he invites us into a world where personal and societal narratives intersect, offering not just garments, but a vision of hope and survival.
Rick Owens continues to stand as one of the foremost pioneers of avant-garde design, a designer who has never wavered from pushing the boundaries of fashion while staying deeply connected to his roots. His ability to remain at the forefront of innovation, while staying true to his narrative, ensures that he will always be “at the pinnacle” — creating not just collections, but cultural milestones that resonate far beyond the runway.
