Bella Hadid made a triumphant return to the runway on Tuesday, closing out the Saint Laurent Fall 2025 ready-to-wear show at Paris Fashion Week. The 28-year-old model, who had taken a step back from the industry in 2024, captivated audiences with her poised and powerful presence.
Dressed in a semi-sheer eggplant purple lace ensemble, Hadid embodied the sophisticated elegance of Saint Laurent’s latest collection. The intricate botanical-inspired lace, structured boxy shoulders, and long sleeves combined modern tailoring with classic femininity. The metallic choker necklace and pointed pumps added a touch of edge, while Hadid’s slicked-back chignon and minimal, glowing makeup completed the look.
A Long-Awaited Return
Hadid’s return to the runway comes after she announced a break from modeling to focus on her mental and physical health. “Treatment was painful, and to be away from work for the first time in 10 years, I realized I was a workaholic,” Hadid shared in early 2024. Despite her hiatus, she remained in the spotlight, appearing in select campaigns, including Victoria’s Secret and Frankies Bikinis, and launching her fragrance line, Ôrəbella.
Saint Laurent’s Vision: Strength in Simplicity
Under Anthony Vaccarello, Saint Laurent’s Fall/Winter 2025-2026 collection focused on sharp lines, bold shoulders, and sleek silhouettes. Vaccarello described the collection as a study in “simplicity of silhouette,” with each piece crafted to exude strength and confidence.
Hadid’s runway look aligned perfectly with this aesthetic, featuring oversized shoulders, sheer floral lace, and a knee-length skirt that encapsulated the brand’s powerful yet refined vision. The color palette of the show ranged from deep jewel tones—emerald, sapphire, and ruby—to neutral hues, embodying Parisian sophistication with a modern twist.
A Star-Studded After-Party
Following her runway appearance, Hadid attended the Saint Laurent after-party, where she stunned in a completely sheer black dress with a mock neck collar and long sleeves. The ensemble was paired with knee-high black boots, silver hoop earrings, and skinny black glasses, cementing her status as a fashion icon.
Hadid was joined by Hailey Bieber, who opted for an all-black look, featuring a black jersey mini dress layered with a leather motorcycle coat. The two models coordinated monochrome outfits echoed the timeless appeal of Saint Laurent’s aesthetic.
The Power of the Runway
Saint Laurent’s Paris Fashion Week finale was a masterclass in structure, precision, and bold femininity. The show’s venue—set against the illuminated Eiffel Tower—featured a black onyx stage, polished to a mirror-like finish, creating a dramatic, cinematic backdrop for Vaccarello’s vision of power dressing.
The collection featured strong shoulders, sleek pencil skirts, and voluminous ballgowns, blending 80s power dressing with 90s haute couture influences. Textured fabrics such as silicone-slicked florals, distressed lace, and stretch materials added depth to the refined aesthetic.
Vaccarello’s shoulder-first silhouette philosophy was evident in tailored blazers, sculpted coats, and structured eveningwear, reinforcing the idea that fashion is not just about trends but about commanding presence.
Saint Laurent’s Expanding Influence
Beyond fashion, Saint Laurent is making moves into film, design, and culture. The house’s latest production, Emilia Pérez, has already garnered Oscar nominations, while an upcoming Jim Jarmusch project signals its ambition to become a cultural powerhouse. The brand’s Paris flagship revamp in collaboration with the Judd Foundation further cements its influence in the art world.
A Lasting Impact
Bella Hadid’s return to the runway was more than just a moment—it was a statement. Her presence at Saint Laurent’s Fall 2025 show reaffirmed her status as one of the defining models of her generation. As she continues to balance fashion, business, and personal well-being, her influence in the industry remains as strong as ever.
