If you thought the fashion world was taking a breather after the summer heatwaves, think again. Honestly, October 2025 has been one of the most chaotic, "musical chairs" style months for the industry in recent memory. We’re talking about foundational shifts at heritage houses that have stayed the same for decades.
The End of an Era at Hermès
For 37 years, Véronique Nichanian was the steady hand at Hermès. That's almost unheard of in this business. Most creative directors last five years if they're lucky; she stayed through multiple economic collapses and the rise of the internet. But the big menswear news october 2025 is that she’s finally stepping down.
The replacement? Grace Wales Bonner.
This is a massive deal. Wales Bonner is the first Black woman to lead the menswear division of a major French luxury house. It’s a huge win for people who felt the old guard was a bit too, well, old. She doesn't officially debut until 2027, but the industry is already buzzing about how she’ll blend her British-Jamaican tailoring roots with that hyper-expensive, "if you know, you know" Hermès leather vibe.
Kim Jones and the Bosideng Pivot
Meanwhile, Kim Jones—the man who basically invented the high-fashion-meets-streetwear crossover at Louis Vuitton and Dior—has made a move that surprised everyone. After leaving Dior earlier this year, he hasn't gone to another European giant.
Instead, he’s taken the reins at Areal.
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It’s a new luxury sub-brand from Bosideng, the Chinese down jacket giant. If you’ve ever seen those massive, high-tech parkas that look like they belong on an Antarctic expedition, that's Bosideng. Jones taking over a luxury line there tells you everything you need to know about where the money is moving. It's not just about Paris anymore; the East is where the new "super-luxury" is being built.
Retail Reality: High Street vs. High Fashion
While the luxury guys are playing musical chairs, the high street is doing some weird, experimental stuff. H&M just dropped their Glenn Martens collaboration. If you know Martens from Diesel or Y/Project, you know his stuff is weird. We're talking denim that looks like it's melting and sweaters with three armholes. It’s high-concept, but people are actually buying it.
Why the High Street is Winning Right Now
The "middle" of the market is basically dead. You’re either buying a $5,000 coat from Zegna or you’re hunting for a deal at Uniqlo. Speaking of Uniqlo, they just opened a massive new flagship in the West Midlands. Their growth is record-breaking right now because they’ve mastered the "quiet luxury for normal people" aesthetic.
- LVMH reported an "improvement in trends" this month, but they’re still being cautious.
- Kering (the guys who own Gucci) are struggling a bit more, seeing a 10% drop in revenue.
- Richemont is staying afloat mostly thanks to their jewelry brands like Cartier.
The "aspirational" shopper—the guy who buys one Gucci belt a year—is pulling back. But the guys who buy $40,000 watches? They're still spending. It’s a K-shaped recovery.
The Clothes You’ll Actually See
Forget the runway for a second. What are guys actually wearing?
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Corpcore is the word of the month. It’s basically dressing like an 80s accountant but making it "fashion." Think oversized pinstripe blazers, wide-leg trousers, and—wait for it—the return of the necktie. Not the skinny "indie sleaze" ties, but wide, bold silk ties.
We’re also seeing a massive shift in footwear. The era of the "clunky, ugly sneaker" is dying a slow death. In its place? Low-profile shoes. Loafers are everywhere. Simple, slim-soled leather shoes from brands like The Row and Lemaire are the new status symbols. If your shoes look like they were designed for a minimalist Japanese architect, you’re doing it right.
Tech Meets Skin: Carewear
The weirdest news of October 2025? Coperni launched "carewear."
It’s clothing infused with skincare. They used a fabric that supposedly releases probiotics and prebiotics when it touches your skin. The idea is that your shirt helps your skin barrier while you wear it. Is it a gimmick? Probably. But in an industry obsessed with "wellness," it’s definitely going to sell out.
What You Should Actually Do About It
Don't go out and buy a probiotic shirt just yet. If you want to stay ahead of the curve based on this month's shifts, here is how to navigate the rest of 2025.
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Invest in "Permanent" Pieces
The trend cycle is moving too fast for anyone to keep up. Follow the lead of Kim Jones’ last Dior collection—focus on "permanence." Buy one really good wool coat or a pair of high-quality loafers. Avoid the "logo-mania" that’s currently tanking at Kering.
Watch the Chinese Luxury Market
If you’re a collector, keep an eye on Bosideng’s Areal line. When someone like Kim Jones moves to a brand like that, the resale value of those first-season pieces usually skyrockets.
Go Wide on Trousers
The skinny jean is officially in the grave. If you haven't transitioned to a straight or wide-leg cut, now is the time. October's street style from Paris to Tokyo confirmed that volume is here to stay for the foreseeable future.
The Loafer Swap
Swap your chunky New Balance or Yeezys for a pair of polished loafers. Whether they're from a high-street brand or a luxury house, they are the defining footwear of this late-2025 transition period.
October was a month of goodbyes to the old legends and a very expensive welcome to the new era of "carewear" and Chinese-backed luxury. It’s a weird time to be a shopper, but a great time to be a spectator.