This season, Wales Bonner draws inspiration from archival Ebony and Jet magazines, tapping into imagery that captures the glamorous spirit of the late 1960s and early 1970s. The images, discovered in the archives of artist Theaster Gates, have been translated into unique prints that feature prominently on t-shirts, adding a nostalgic yet contemporary appeal to the collection. Such details give the line a charm that resonates deeply with women who appreciate thoughtful design references.
For Fall/Winter 2025, Wales Bonner presents a thoughtful approach to tailoring, expertly translating the precise traditions of menswear to womenswear. Her affinity for tailoring, particularly from Savile Row’s Anderson & Sheppard, informs pieces that offer women structured elegance without sacrificing personality. Standout examples include a sleek black pantsuit, impeccably tailored, and a sophisticated shirtless tuxedo jacket that effortlessly commands attention.
Outerwear emerges as a cornerstone of the collection, highlighting the designer’s skillful reinterpretation of classic silhouettes. A military-inspired overcoat with gold buttons and a peacoat with satin shoulder panels and distinctive toggle fastenings exemplify Wales Bonner’s nuanced approach. A worker’s black donkey jacket accented with satin patches and firefighter-inspired metal clips further illustrates her ability to reinvent familiar garments while maintaining a refined aesthetic.
Signature knitwear designs showcase versatility and creativity, appealing to women who prefer adaptable fashion. Oversized knee-length sweaters cleverly incorporate sturdy zippers to transform into capes, jackets or elegant off-the-shoulder dresses. Wales Bonner also experiments with traditional cable-knit patterns, introducing innovative twists and deliberate distressing. These thoughtful touches, including discreetly embroidered “WB” initials, convey a sense of authenticity and individuality.
Leather takes a bold yet elegant turn in this collection, most notably in a brown leather and rib knit A-line dress and a sophisticated black leather belted dress with a plunging neckline. A beautifully constructed cardigan jacket with delicate leather trim subtly nods to the chic minimalism of the era Wales Bonner admires, offering wearers a polished yet relaxed option.
Jewelry maintains its integral role in the Wales Bonner aesthetic, evolving significantly from earlier shell-based pieces to more elaborate embellishments. The Fall/Winter 2025 collection features medallion-inspired pins, baroque pearl necklaces and colorful beaded earrings sourced from artisans in Ghana. Each accessory has a unique character, thoughtfully curated to complement the clothing line while providing expressive options for fashion-forward women.
Wales Bonner’s thoughtful reflections on her personal style illuminate her design vision for women. She openly admits her preference for refined formality combined with imaginative, expressive detailing. This design philosophy clearly resonates throughout the Fall/Winter 2025 womenswear offering, where carefully structured pieces effortlessly coexist with elements of surprise, charm and individuality.
Notably, this Fall/Winter 2025 lookbook marks Wales Bonner’s first womenswear-only presentation in a decade, separating the women’s collection from its customary joint presentations with menswear. Though presented without a separate runway show this season, the collection stands confidently on its own, affirming the designer’s growing strength and maturity in womenswear. Many pieces, including carpenter trousers and silver-studded black boots, directly reference her menswear heritage, demonstrating her seamless integration of masculine tailoring techniques into women’s designs.
©Photo: Wales Bonner
