At Paris Fashion Week, Ottolinger designers Christa Bösch and Cosima Gadient unveiled their SS25 collection, infusing the runway with a fresh sense of audacity. Dominating the show was a striking visual—a beached shark with a bloodied mouth—set against the stark concrete setting. Present from beginning to end, this powerful image symbolized resilience rather than fear. “This represents the woman who overcomes all adversity,” Gadient explained, encapsulating the collection’s core message.
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The collection featured futuristic accessories such as bands and wraps reminiscent of life vests. Designed to be detachable, these elements added a customizable dimension to the outfits. “They are meant to be optional additions,” the designers noted.
Themes of fluidity and movement ran throughout the collection, with references to mythical figures like Calypso and imagery of a shark navigating between cities. This set the stage for a lineup that juxtaposed eye-catching pieces with understated, minimalist designs.
A focal point of the collection was the long jersey dresses engineered for effortless transition from day to night. These garments featured thoughtful details, such as twin necklines allowing for versatile styling—a shirt collar could be worn traditionally or shifted forward for an edgier look. A standout was a red jersey dress embodying this adaptability. Moving away from the intricate strapping and deconstruction typical of previous seasons, this collection embraced a more streamlined aesthetic.
The lineup also showcased statement pieces like a black halter dress and eye-catching crystal-studded sandals. Leather played a prominent role, with jackets made from foiled and structured “car crash” leather offering an edgy twist. One of the most daring accessories was a reinterpretation of classic handbags, coated in tonal thermo-molded rubber and embellished with metal “Trading Bank” credit cards—a playful nod to women’s financial empowerment and autonomy.
Collaboration remained a key aspect of Ottolinger’s creative process. Contributions from Shayne Oliver included bikinis and eyewear, while Shark Beauty added a whimsical touch with Barbie-inspired hair elements. The SS25 collection masterfully balanced minimalism with bold experimentation, celebrating the fearless spirit of the modern woman and offering a thoughtful commentary on themes of self-reinvention and empowerment.
View the collection in the Gallery below:
