Rick Owens Unveils “Concordians” Collection at Palais de Tokyo for Fall/Winter 2025
Like clockwork, the iconic Rick Owens has returned to the Palais de Tokyo to showcase his latest Fall/Winter 2025 collection. Aptly titled “Concordians,” this season’s collection pays homage to the small industrial town of Concordia, Italy, where the brand’s factory has been located for the past 22 years.
The inspiration for this collection stems from Owens’ frequent trips to Concordia over the past two decades. In 2003, the designer and his partner Michèle Lamy made the decision to leave Los Angeles for Paris in search of production and distribution outlets in Europe. Since then, regular trips to Concordia have become a staple in Owens’ life and have greatly influenced his designs.
In an interview, Owens shared that during the first 15 years in Concordia, he would often sleep on the couch in the factory itself in order to fully immerse himself in the industrial production schedule. He also stayed in a nearby hotel, describing his room as “no frills” and jokingly referring to it as a “serial killer room.” However, these experiences have shaped his perspective on material possessions and the importance of minimalism. Owens states, “I can need less but make choices count more. I want to depend on less things but make them as supernatural as possible.”
The “Concordians” collection is a reflection of Owens’ essential items and features a range of versatile and functional looks. The designer’s signature villainous aesthetic is evident in pieces such as Dracula-collared coats made from vegan tanned calf leather and flared jeans with layers of bronze foil and wax on denim. The collection also includes Owens’ iconic platform shoes, this time reconfigured for workwear with rounded soles and a non-slip finish.
As a nod to his journey from California to Europe, Owens incorporates thermal undergarments into many of the looks. He explains, “Thermal underpins most looks as it changed my whole attitude about winter when I moved from California.” Other standout pieces include shredded and collaged jeans and jackets and coats made from a British mélange wool felt blended with kemp.
The collection was accompanied by the iconic song “Heroes” by David Bowie, which Owens describes as the “soundtrack to a lot of our lives.” He paints a vivid picture of “a village train station on a cold foggy night on your way somewhere to work on a weird and wonderful future.”
The “Concordians” collection is a testament to Owens’ evolution as a designer and his ability to continuously push boundaries and challenge traditional fashion norms. With its industrial influences and versatile designs, this collection is sure to be a hit among fashion enthusiasts and Owens’ loyal fanbase alike.
