Paris Fashion Week through the eyes of a South African fashion enthusiast

When the invitation to the Balmain Fall-Winter 25-26 Womenswear Show arrived,Lex (my business partner) and I couldn’t help but pack our bags and race off to Paris for Fashion Week. It was a whirlwind that hit us faster than we had time to process, and even now, back in SA,we are still soaking in the experience. From the moment we stepped out of our hotel and into the streets of Paris, we were immersed in a living, breathing runway show.

The streets were alive with extraordinary fashion—from the polished windows of designer boutiques to the effortless style of Parisians and the eclectic mix of tourists who had flown in from every corner of the globe. It became so clear why Paris hold sits place as the fashion capital of the world.

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What struck me most, though, was how much the world of fashion expanded once we arrived. The energy was infectious—activations, exhibitions, and so much more unfolding around us as the week went on. But for me, the true essence of Fashion Week was in the streets, where fashion was worn like a second skin.

2025 Paris Fashion Week spotlight streetwear fashion

I've always had an obsession with street style, and in Paris, it was like seeing that obsession come to life. What stood out wasn’t just the impeccable outfits, but the undeniable truth: fashion is ageless. It's about self-expression, about embracing, exploring, and—most importantly—enjoying what you wear. So often, I think we hold back from fully embracing our personal style. We worry that certain pieces are too precious or too “special occasion” to wear casually, and as a result, we keep them locked away.

Fashion enthusiasts at Paris Fashion Week

But walking through Paris, I saw a city that celebrates fashion as part of daily life. Whether it was someone in the most effortless chic basics or someone rocking a bold leopard print coat, the message was clear: wear what you love, and wear it often. The beauty lies in how you choose to wear your pieces—reinterpreting them every day, making them part of your story, part of your rhythm.

The bold street wear fashion take at Paris Fashion Week

I’m guilty of saving my “special” pieces, but in Paris ,I saw how a single standout blouse or a beloved leather jacket can be transformed by the simple act of wearing it every day, without reservation. Throughout the week, I witnessed a sea of exceptional outfits, accessories, and individuals moving through their day-to-day lives—yes, heightened by the buzz of Fashion Week—but no less inspiring.

Street style, after all, is an ever-evolving testament to personal freedom and expression, and Paris brings that to life in the most unapologetic way. From a trend perspective, the streets reflected a shift toward quiet luxury, but there was also a love for oversized, tailored silhouettes and an unmistakable focus on leather. Whether it was a full leather suit or leather layered on leather, it became one of my favorite takeaways from the trip. Now that I’m back in SA, I’m carrying with me a new sense of freedom. I want to embrace my personal style with more spontaneity, to stop taking myself so seriously, and just have fun with fashion. And that starts with me.

A guest written piece by Gina Mosley-Groenewald of Sinnamon