Bella Hadid’s highly anticipated return to the runway at Saint Laurent’s Spring/Summer 2025 show marked a major moment in Paris Fashion Week and the fashion world at large. After a two-year hiatus, during which she took time to focus on her health and personal life, Hadid reemerged, exuding confidence and sophistication in a sleek, 90s-inspired power suit. The supermodel had taken a break from modeling to recover from Lyme disease-related health issues and to manage the immense scrutiny that comes with being one of the most sought-after models. Her triumphant return to the catwalk was a testament to her resilience and enduring appeal in the fashion industry.
Hadid’s Break and Personal Evolution
During her time away from the runway, Hadid remained active and engaged in various ventures. She launched her own soft drinks brand and a fragrance label, showing her entrepreneurial spirit and expanding her influence beyond the fashion world. Additionally, she found love with equestrian Adan Banuelos, and the couple has been frequently spotted together, often dressed in matching cowboy and cowgirl outfits. Their shared passion for horses and equestrian events became a significant part of Hadid’s life, with photos of the couple gazing adoringly at each other making waves on social media. Though her life took on a new dimension outside of modeling, her passion for fashion never waned, and fans eagerly awaited her return.
In May 2024, Hadid made a brief appearance at the Cannes Film Festival, stepping onto the red carpet in a bold and daring ensemble from Saint Laurent’s Autumn/Winter 2024 collection. This marked her first public appearance in two years and sparked speculation about her return to the runway. The look, a sheer, hosiery-inspired halter-neck top paired with a pencil skirt, hinted that her runway comeback might not be far off. It wasn’t long before those predictions came true, as she graced the Saint Laurent runway for its SS25 collection in Paris, a city that has been integral to her modeling career.
The Saint Laurent SS25 Show: A Study in Power and Elegance
Anthony Vaccarello, the creative director of Saint Laurent, chose the perfect moment to reintroduce Hadid to the world of high fashion. The SS25 collection embodied the brand’s signature blend of elegance and edge, making it the ideal backdrop for Hadid’s runway return. Dressed in a slouchy, oversized power suit with a slicked-back bun and chunky black-framed glasses, Hadid looked like she had stepped out of a 90s crime thriller. The outfit, which exuded both authority and chic nonchalance, positioned her somewhere between a high-powered businesswoman and an embodiment of Yves Saint Laurent himself.
Despite the significance of her return, Hadid didn’t open or close the show, a move that defied expectations but underscored her position as one among many talented models in the lineup. Vaccarello’s decision to treat Hadid’s appearance as part of a collective rather than a singular focus demonstrated his commitment to highlighting the overall vision of the collection, rather than placing the spotlight solely on one figure. However, Hadid’s presence on the runway was still a major highlight, cementing her status as a fashion icon capable of commanding attention even without the traditional fanfare.
The Evolution of Vaccarello’s Saint Laurent
The SS25 collection represented a notable shift for Vaccarello and Saint Laurent. In previous seasons, the designer had leaned heavily into provocative, sheer designs that showcased the body in bold, revealing ways. However, this time around, he took a different approach. The collection featured more wearable, practical pieces that many women could envision incorporating into their own wardrobes. From loose-legged trousers to luxe leather bomber jackets and cinched trench coats, the collection balanced masculine and feminine elements in a way that felt fresh and modern.
While Vaccarello moved away from the sheer, body-baring looks of past seasons, he didn’t entirely abandon the playful, daring spirit that Saint Laurent is known for. The second half of the show saw models strutting down the runway in cropped jackets adorned with shiny crystal buttons, layered lace slips, and flowing, metallic-threaded skirts that shimmered under the lights. These looks added a touch of whimsy and glamour to the otherwise structured and minimalistic collection, injecting a sense of fun and surprise into the mix.
This balance between sharp tailoring and softer, more fluid elements demonstrated Vaccarello’s ability to evolve the Saint Laurent aesthetic while staying true to its core values of sophistication and rebellion. The use of color was also a departure from the neutral palettes that had dominated previous seasons, with shimmering fabrics and bold, eye-catching hues making an appearance. This added a sense of playfulness and vibrancy to the collection, without sacrificing the brand’s trademark elegance.
Front Row and Celeb Sightings
As with any major fashion event, the front row at the Saint Laurent SS25 show was packed with high-profile celebrities and industry insiders. Among those in attendance were Lenny and Zoë Kravitz, Rami Malek, K-pop star Rosé, and French actress Béatrice Dalle. Nicole Richie also made an appearance, taking a break from filming the reunion of The Simple Life with Paris Hilton to enjoy the show. Richie expressed her excitement about the upcoming reboot and even joked about who would play her in a biopic, suggesting that Diana Ross and Jim Carrey’s hypothetical child would be the perfect choice.
The star-studded audience only added to the glamour and anticipation surrounding the show, as fans and critics alike speculated about what Vaccarello had in store for Saint Laurent’s latest collection. The combination of celebrity presence, Bella Hadid’s return, and Vaccarello’s evolving design direction made this one of the most talked-about shows of Paris Fashion Week.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for Bella Hadid?
Hadid’s return to the runway has left fans wondering what’s next for the supermodel. Her appearance at Saint Laurent SS25 signals that she’s ready to step back into the fashion spotlight, but it remains to be seen whether this is just the beginning of a full-fledged return or a more selective involvement in the industry. Given her recent appearances in Saint Laurent’s collections and her close relationship with the brand, it’s likely that we’ll see more of Hadid on the runway in the near future.
There are also whispers that Hadid may make an appearance at the upcoming Coperni show, which is rumored to take place at Disneyland. Coperni, known for its innovative and boundary-pushing presentations, would be a fitting stage for Hadid, who has become known for her dynamic and memorable runway moments. Whether or not these rumors prove true, one thing is certain: Bella Hadid’s return to the runway has reignited excitement in the fashion world, and all eyes are on her next move.