PARIS — As fashion month approaches a crescendo in the French capital, rising talents and industry heavyweights came together at the Shangri-La to celebrate the newest members of the BoF 500, the definitive index of people shaping the global fashion industry.
2025 BoF 500 cover star Kim Kardashian, Charli XCX, Demi Lovato. Colman Domingo, Moncler’s Remo Ruffini, Edward Enninful and Kering’s new chief executive Luca De Meo mingled with the BoF 500 Class of 2025, including designer Giambattista Valli, model Alex Consani, Dries Van Noten’s Julian Klausner and acting duo ‘‘Freen’’ Sarocha Chankimha and ‘‘Becky’’ Rebecca Patricia Armstrong, as well as industry pioneers from previous BoF 500 classes: Jaden Smith, Anok Yai, Burberry’s Daniel Lee and Jil Sander’s Simone Bellotti.
“For me, this event starts to feel more and more like a homecoming. It’s the Saturday of Paris Fashion Week. Everyone is a little exhausted and this is a moment for us to let off some steam, catch up with old friends, meet people you’ve admired from afar and celebrate the Class of 2025,” said BoF’s founder and editor-in-chief, Imran Amed.
“The creativity and sense of celebration and inclusion in the room is inspiring. It’s remarkable to see such a wonderfully diverse and innovative collective of visionaries gathered here in Paris,” said Jenny Freshwater of Amazon Fashion, the presenting partner for the event. “We are so honoured to be part of the BoF 500 gala tonight.”
The celebration came during a pivotal season in fashion, with some of the biggest brands in the industry debuting new creative visions under new designers, from Demna’s Gucci, Jonathan Anderson’s Dior and Pierpaolo Picciolo’s Balenciaga to the most anticipated debut of all: 2025 BoF 500 cover star Matthieu Blazy’s first show for Chanel on Monday night.
In the room, the moment was palpable, with industry leaders looking ahead to fashion’s next chapter — and what this moment of transition signifies for fashion’s future amid a sharp downturn in demand.
“I want to affect change, and I don’t see that as [something] I can affect just by myself,” said designer and new inductee, Conner Ives. ”We need hope, and I feel like there is a sense of optimism in the room.”
“I think it means: I’ve made it,” said NFL fashion editor Kyle Smith, reflecting on their recognition as a new BoF 500 member. “To see so many of my peers made me feel instantly welcomed. I feel like I’m part of a very cool community.”
As guests moved their way from the red carpet into the ballroom, they were met with a banquet table adorned with autumnal botanical decorations, around which they mingled and reflected on the latest happenings in the industry and their company in the room.
“It’s good to surround yourself with so many interesting people. It’s unbelievable,” said Thai actor and musician Bright. “There are so many new cool brands, very niche, small brands from Africa, India… they put the culture in fashion and I want to see more [of this].”
Other guests looked to the future of fashion with excitement for change and optimism, commenting on their hopes for the industry’s trajectory.
“I’m looking forward to opening the doors from fashion to a whole generation that feels excluded,” shared content creator and founder of La Watchparty, Lyas. “I’m trying to open those doors — God knows it was hard for me to enter this industry, so I hope to be able to make it easier for the new kids.”
“We live in a different reality than the fashions that we look to as inspiration, so we do have to innovate. Innovation is just forward motion, so I think that as long as we don’t stay in this archaic idea of how fashion should look and be and feel. We will continue moving forward,” said model Palomar Elesser.
As night fell over Paris, guests danced in the glow of the Eiffel Tower, framed by the Shangri-La’s terrace, to music curated by Benji B and sets by DJs Naomi Clement and Manaré.
“There’s no certain shape that you have to fit to be creative,” said Satoshi Kuwata, founder and creative director of Setchu. “And it’s a really great time to be creative, to find something to be unique. Right now, I only find excitement.”
The BoF 500 2025 is made possible by Presenting Partner Amazon Fashion, and partners The Shangri-La Hotel, La Fantaisie, La Mode en Images and Getty Images.
This is a sponsored feature paid for by Amazon Fashion as part of a BoF partnership.
