Junya Watanabe’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection brought a sculptural sensibility to life, transforming upcycled materials into an unexpected vision of futuristic fashion. Set to the hypnotic pulse of Donna Summer’s “I Feel Love,” the show fused retro beats with a distinctly modern aesthetic, where familiar objects were reimagined as striking pieces of wearable art.

Watanabe’s approach this season focused on recycled materials: reflective silver foil, rubber motorcycle tires, and soundproofing foam, assembled into bold, armour-like silhouettes. Broad shoulders and cinched waists gave way to exaggerated, voluminous shapes, with balloon sleeves and geometric capelets crafted from clusters of backpacks and technical ribbons, creating a balance between utility and elegance.

Collaborations with Innerraum, along with motorcycle brands Komine and Degner, introduced elements of biker gear and technical accessories, seamlessly integrated into the designs. Reflective patches and coated Japanese denim added a futuristic edge, while the industrial materials lent each garment a sculptural, almost architectural quality.

From voluminous skirts to angular, flattened silhouettes, the collection showcased Watanabe’s ability to manipulate shape and texture in innovative ways. Skin-tight pants, reminiscent of past eras, and cleverly constructed coat-gown hybrids provided a balance of sleekness and structure, while the overall collection was anchored in a vision that felt simultaneously grounded in both past and future.

With a focus on upcycling and inventive materials, Junya Watanabe’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection demonstrates a mastery of form and function, offering a fresh perspective on contemporary fashion.

Discover Junya Watanabe’s Spring/Summer 2025 collection at Crash.

Photo credit: Elise Toide