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| A soigne black gown at Magda Butrym's new show in Paris. Photograph and masthead cover by Elli Ioannou for DAM |
At Paris Fashion Week, Magda Butrym unveiled a collection that intertwines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design. Drawing from Poland’s rich textile traditions, particularly the art of weaving, the Autumn/Winter 2025 collection reinterprets artisanal techniques, with an emphasis on texture, structure, and femininity. The new work highlights the Polish designer's dedication to handcrafted artistry while exploring themes of identity and self-expression, writes Antonio Visconti. Photography by Elli Ioannou
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Magda Butrym's show was held amid an immersive textile installation |
The designer pays homage to the skilled artisans who have shaped Poland’s artistic landscape, referencing figures like Magdalena Abakanowicz and Paulina Ołowska, both of whom transformed fabrics into powerful forms of artistic expression. This deep cultural connection serves as the foundation of the collection, influencing not only the garments but also the immersive environment in which they were presented.
“This collection is an instinctive, fearless exploration of self ~ driven by pure emotion and the joy of creation,” Butrym explains Unlike previous seasons, with their romantic embellishments and vintage style, this collection embraces a more experimental, tactile approach. The incorporation of handwoven elements, natural fibers, and artisanal detailing reflects a designer who is not only honoring her roots but also pushing her craft in new directions.
“This collection is an instinctive, fearless exploration of self ~ driven by pure emotion and the joy of creation,”
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Handcrafted dresses made from interwoven yarns,sculpt the body |
The fabrication process alone required hours of meticulous handwork, including warp winding, threading, and precise hand-tying techniques.
The final result was a floating, sheer landscape of interwoven materials, reinforcing the collection’s emphasis on craftsmanship and femininity. The deep red hue of the textile installation referenced the Enchanted Rose, a signature motif of Butrym’s label, adding a layer of symbolic meaning to the environment. As models moved through the space, their presence animated the setting, bringing the themes of movement, texture, and a certain Slavic expressionism to life.
The show's setting was an extension of artistic vision, transforming the space into an immersive installation
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The beautifully-constructed red mini-dress with layered knitting techniques |
An open-knit tutu, paired with a sleek black slip, evoked the contrast between delicate transparency and structured form. The collection’s finale look, a wedding gown with a crochet veil, embodies Butrym’s commitment to handmade artistry.
The silhouette, reminiscent of traditional Polish tapestries, is given a modern reinterpretation with its voluminous, petal-like layers and textural depth. Kept in a pure white palette, the gown symbolizes new beginnings and creative exploration.
Beyond intricate knitwear, the collection integrates elements of Slavic heritage, reimagining traditional Polish dress in contemporary fashion. Sculpted black dresses with exaggerated waistlines and voluminous skirts nod to folk costume influences while remaining distinctly modern. Accessories such as floral headscarves, an iconic element of Slavic fashion, make an appearance, reinforcing the collection’s ties to cultural identity. This fusion of past and present echoes Butrym’s broader aesthetic, where nostalgia and modernity coexist.
A striking interplay of textures runs throughout the collection, showcasing Butrym’s ability to balance softness and structure
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Sculptural outerwear was a highlight of the collection |
The collection’s sculptural outerwear, including oversized shearling coats draped effortlessly over refined ensembles, channels a similar sense of power and confidence. These voluminous yet elegant pieces create a striking juxtaposition between structure and fluidity, reinforcing the duality of Butrym’s designs.
Butrym’s use of layering further enhances the narrative of the collection. Shawls drape over duvet jackets, while raw shearling coats contrast with the delicacy of silk. This interplay between protection and exposure mirrors the broader theme of duality that runs throughout the work. The garments are at once strong and ethereal, structured yet fluid, suggesting the complexity of contemporary femininity.
Though personal in its themes, the collection remains true to the ethos that has defined Butrym’s label since its inception. She continues to refine her signature blend of minimalism and sensuality, strength and fluidity, tradition and modernity. While this season’s designs embrace a more avant-garde approach, they remain rooted in her core identity as a designer who values craftsmanship and authenticity above fleeting trends.
Along with intricate knitwear, the designs integrate elements of Slavic heritage, reimagining traditional Polish dress in contemporary fashion
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The finale wedding gown with a crochet veil and textural richness |
It is a statement of identity, not only as a designer but as an artist exploring new dimensions of her creativity. The collection marks a shift in her trajectory, one that is guided more by instinct and emotion.
Her new designs demonstrate that fashion can be a bridge between past and present, private and public and traditional savoir faire and contemporary innovation.
As Magda Butrym continues to evolve as a designer, this season’s collection shows how she understands the value of artistry and the ability to tell a story through fabric and form. By weaving these elements together, her body of work feels both of its time and forward-thinking.
Scroll down to see more highlights from Magda Butrym's Autumn/Winter 2025-26 show in Paris
