At the Espace Niemeyer in Paris, Kolor’s Fall Winter 2025 collection marked an emotional milestone as Junichi Abe announced his departure as the brand’s lead designer. Inside silver bags handed to guests before the show, Abe’s letter revealed his decision to step down after over 20 years at the helm of the label he founded in 2004. While he assured his continued support for Kolor, this was to be his final collection as its creative leader.
FALL WINTER 2025.26 COLLECTIONS
The collection was an example of Abe’s talent for merging tradition with innovation. This season, he explored the coexistence of different eras within a single garment, presenting layered designs that felt both familiar and fresh. Corsets were unexpectedly layered over classic pea coats, while aged jewelry adorned luxurious shearling jackets, creating a sense of refined nostalgia woven into contemporary silhouettes.
Tailoring, one of Abe’s trademarks, reached new heights with inventive constructions. Jackets were deconstructed with exposed interfacings and slim lapels, while vertical darts and reimagined collar shapes brought fresh dimensions to classic pieces. These subtle yet striking details reflected Abe’s ability to challenge convention while maintaining wearability.
Over the years, Kolor has become a celebrated name in global fashion, blending technical precision with artistic innovation. Abe’s shows in Paris consistently drew attention from fashion insiders, solidifying the brand’s reputation as one of Japan’s most significant contributions to 21st-century fashion.
Though the designer’s successor has yet to be revealed, this collection felt like a carefully considered handoff, encapsulating the values and vision that have defined Kolor for two decades. Abe’s ability to balance the experimental with the timeless leaves an enduring legacy that will shape the brand’s future.
Kolor FW25 was a masterful reflection of Junichi Abe’s journey, a celebration of his contributions, and a heartfelt goodbye. With this final show, Abe leaves behind not just a collection but a legacy that will continue to inspire long after his departure.
