Rick Owens SS25 Fashions the Creatures of Hollywood Boulevard

As a longtime admirer of Rick Owens‘ avant-garde designs, I can confidently say that his Spring 2025 show at Paris’ Palais de Tokyo was nothing short of breathtaking. The sheer spectacle of the event, with its army of Kiss Boots-clad attendees and a diverse runway cast, was nothing less than a testament to the strength of Owens’ cult following.

A multitude of Kiss Boots marched into Paris’ Palais de Tokyo for Rick Owens’ Spring 2025 show on Thursday night. Notable attendees like Cardi B and Michèle Lamy were seen sitting in the front row, while numerous other guests displayed Rick Owens’ unique alien-shouldered gowns, futuristic garments, and protective jackets. The extraordinary display underscored the immense following that Rick Owens has amassed.

In a fashion similar to his “White Satin Army of Love” event in June, Owens invited models from various Parisian fashion schools to strut on his runway along with devoted associates from the House and Owenscorp. The venue’s grand staircase echoed as hundreds of them made their way down, categorized by their outfits: some sporting latex or leather, others resembling extraterrestrials or desert-bound ensembles. The spectacle was almost spiritual in nature, which Owens referred to as “Hollywood” – a testament to the glamour of the entertainment industry.

The gathering bore the title inspired by the infamous “Vice Alley” that Owens joyfully dashed through in his pursuit of his kin, as he shared in his exhibition notes. “I was on a quest for the fiery beings I had witnessed captured by Jack Smith and Kenneth Anger… or Ken Russell. And I frequently allude to the vanished Hollywood of pre-code black and white biblical dramas, blending Art Deco, sensual transgression, and salvation.

In this reimagined assortment, the designs paid tribute to the extravagant personalities who strut through Hollywood, each piece exuding a unique flair that can only be associated with Owens’ distinct style. Silky chiffon fabrics were meticulously crafted into delicate capes, while denim was frayed on cut-off pants, and versatile zip jackets used sturdy cotton and repurposed polyester canvas woven on artisanal looms. The iconic Kiss Boots from the previous season were deflated for this line, and many items included shin cargopacks.

Additionally, there were black charmeuse robes created by Dafne Balatsos, who has collaborated with Owens for 25 years. In the beginning, it was just Owens, Balatsos, and a single seamstress constructing the brand. One of Balatsos’ responsibilities included buying fabrics from Oriental Silks on Beverly Boulevard in Hollywood. The latest show on Thursday truly felt like a remarkable, full-circle event.

In wrapping up his notes, Owens offered a final thought: “Individuality is wonderful, but it’s crucial to recognize our shared aspects, particularly in these times of heightened intolerance worldwide.” The Rick Owens fashion show presented an undeniable sense of unity – if only momentarily – through its diverse models, universal street style, and unique design themes.

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