Autumn has always been the season where fashion finds its rhythm in layers. Yet beyond the silhouettes and colors, it is the richness of texture that truly defines this moment in style. Touch becomes the language of luxury, and in 2025, designers are making it the central narrative of their collections. The season’s most coveted fabrics are not just visual statements but tactile experiences that blend warmth, elegance and a hint of indulgence.
Gucci Fall/Winter 2025-2026 campaign
At the forefront is velvet, the perennial symbol of opulence. This autumn, Valentino brings velvet to the runway in jewel-toned blazers and flowing gowns, while Gucci reinterprets it in sharp tailoring that nods to the brand’s heritage with a modern edge. Paired with fluid silks at Dior, velvet takes on a dual role – dramatic yet refined, lush yet contemporary – making it one of the most versatile fabrics of the season.
Hermès Fall/Winter 2025-2026 runway show
Leather emerges as a defining material, seen across collections from Bottega Veneta, where sculpted leather trenches and oversized clutches embody power dressing, to Hermès, which presents buttery-soft leathers in flowing coats and relaxed tailoring. The juxtaposition of rigid structure and supple drape highlights leather’s ability to shift seamlessly between armor and sensuality, practicality and allure.
CHANEL Fall/Winter 2025-2026 runway show
Meanwhile, knitwear is having a renaissance. No longer confined to understated basics, knits are transformed into architectural pieces at Loewe, where exaggerated sleeves and voluminous silhouettes redefine coziness as couture, while CHANEL introduces layered knit sets in bold seasonal hues.
Balmain Pre-Fall 2025 campaign
Heritage textures like bouclé and tweed also make a strong return. Long associated with CHANEL’s timeless suits, these fabrics are reimagined this season in cropped jackets, youthful silhouettes and daring pairings with leather trousers. At Balmain, tweed is given a bold military-inspired edge, while Alexander McQueen elevates it with sculptural tailoring that fuses tradition with avant-garde artistry.
CELINE Fall/Winter 2025-2026 collection
Finally, shearling emerges as autumn’s ultimate indulgence. From the oversized coats at Celine to the plush aviator jackets at Prada, shearling offers instant warmth and tactile luxury. Even accessories embrace the texture – think shearling-trimmed boots and handbags, adding depth and character to everyday ensembles.
What unites these textures is their ability to create dimension and intrigue, transforming a simple outfit into a sensory experience. Hard and soft, matte and sheen, structure and fluidity – the contrasts invite wearers to layer with intention. This season, fashion is not just about what we see, but about how it feels.
Article Written by Mirella Haddad
