Julie Kegels Spring/Summer '25 Paris Fashionweek

Not even the pouring rain could keep the crowd away from Julie Kegels's showcase at Paris Fashion Week. Set against a poolside backdrop in Paris's 16th arrondissement, the show infused classic Parisian elegance with a relaxed California attitude. 'A pool will do', captured the playful essence of the collection. Drawing inspiration from her recent travels to Santa Barbara and Malibu, Kegels delved into archival imagery from the 1960s and 1970s, reinterpreting retro poolside aesthetics through a contemporary fashion lens.

The designer reinvented traditional tweed suits with daring thigh-high cuts and flowing fringe, while pencil skirts took cues from board shorts, featuring fold-over waistbands for a laid-back twist. Crisp white button-downs were styled with bikini bandeaus, seamlessly blending beachy nonchalance with polished sophistication. The easy going tailored trousers worn with a shimmering pink bikini top, seamlessly blended surf culture with elevated fashion. Audrey Hepburn inspired headscarves paired with raincoats evoked a sense of vintage nostalgia, while faded canvas jackets added a timeworn charm. Meanwhile, terry cloth beach towels casually draped over shoulders and paisley socks styled with kittenheel flip-flops introduced a quirky, playful twist.

A standout piece featured a classic trench coat reimagined with Hawaiian floral prints and plush towel fabric. Another favorite was the combination of silk bermuda shorts and modern caftans, seamlessly paired with sleek black swimsuits and swimwear-inspired pieces, emphasizing the contrast between the two worlds she sought to merge. A special mention to @airtomyearth for her expert styling and signature touch; floral stickers adorning the models' feet, a playful mark of her aesthetic.

Julie Kegels has built her reputation on merging unexpected influences, and this season was no exception. As with her previous collection, she played with contrast; luxury meets ease, nostalgia meets modernity. The now signature yellow raincoat handbag made a return, this time serving as a playful nod to the weather. With this latest collection, Julie Kegels reaffirms her status as a designer to watch. Her ability to harmonize opposing aesthetics makes her work not just intriguing, but essential.

About the designer:

Belgian designer Julie Kegels, a graduate of the prestigious Antwerp Royal Academy of Fine Arts, refined her craft under the mentorship of fashion icons Walter Van Beirendonck and Dirk Van Saene. After gaining experience through internships at Meryll Rogge and Alaïa with Pieter Mulier, she was poised to launch her own brand in 2024.