This past week, Rick Owens unveiled his AW25 collection, Concordians, a personal and autobiographical exploration that bridges his past and future. Inspired by two decades of trips to Concordia, the industrial Italian town where his factory resides, Owens reflected on his journey and translated it into a bold, provocative vision. The collection leaned into a kinky, avant-garde aesthetic with revealing crops, rope ties, and form-fitting silhouettes that pushed the boundaries of contemporary menswear. 

The dystopian runway was brought to life with models of diverse ages and sizes, their eerie all-black contact lenses amplifying the show’s unsettling yet captivating atmosphere. Sharp silhouettes dominated, featuring plunging necklines, intricate shapes, harnesses, and striking albino alligator fabric shirts. Signature Rick Owens staples—airy tanks, moto jackets, and hooded tunics—added a familiar yet reimagined touch to the collection. 

Among the standout pieces, Owens debuted a new iteration of his viral boots, adorned with fringed laser-cut leather details. A collaboration with Parisian designer Victor Clavelly, these boots were nothing short of show-stopping, showcasing Owens’ relentless commitment to innovation and craftsmanship. From the beginning days of his career, selling prototypes of his iconic distressed denim, baggy tees, and low-slung basketball shorts on Hollywood Boulevard to dominating Paris Fashion Week is a well-deserved feat reflected in this collection. 

Owens’ collaborative spirit extended beyond footwear; Matisse Di Maggio contributed to the collection with laser-cut chain-link skirts and frilled rubber hoodies, adding texture and dimension to the show. Another standout was the bronze Rimowa carry-on, lined in black leather, paired with playful cow fur luggage tag necklaces. These pieces seamlessly blended functionality with high-fashion artistry, emphasizing Owens’ ability to turn the ordinary into the extraordinary. 

With Corcordians, Rick Owens once again demonstrated his unparalleled ability to challenge conventions while honoring his evolution. The collection struck a striking balance of individual artistry and collaborative innovation, cementing Owens’ place as a pioneer of avant-garde fashion. Every detail left a lasting impression, from the provocative designs to the dystopian feel.