Despite being just a month or so into 2025, so far, this year has been a good one for Ashi Studios.
Taking place between January 21 to 26, this year saw Mohammed Ashi's second foray for Mohammed Ashi onto the catwalk at Paris' Couture Fashion Week.
And a little earlier in the year, on January 5, three internationally-renowned Hollywood actresses graced the red carpet of this year's Golden Globes, wearing ensembles designed by Ashi Studios: Mindy Kaling, Ari Graynor and Kristen Bell, each wowed in their tailored ensembles.
With women of the moment, Cynthia Erivo of Wicked fame, also taking to the stage for her performance of Frank Sinatra’s “Fly Me to the Moon,” also wearing a Ashi Studios. This particular dress was a statement, strapless black velvet, balloon skirt dress from the Fall/Winter 2024 Couture collection.
Shaping the Fashion Industry
And if his Spring/Summer 2025 collection did one thing, its to let us know that Ashi has no plans to hold back artistically. After all, Business of Fashion did name him as one of 'The People Shaping the Global Fashion Industry' in 2024.
"My Spring/Summer 2025 collection is born from a specific moment in time, one where women experienced unbridled emancipation and aspired to be the sole selector of the destiny," Ashi says in the collection notes.
The Velvet Underground
Dotted along the edges of the catwalk, as guests sat and waited for the Spring/Summer 2025 collection to be unveiled, the caged excitement was palpable.
Themed 'Velvet Underground,' this collection embraces a tasteful yet slightly risque take; unveiling daring shapes, striking silhouettes and a myriad of magnificent details. The Maison notes, "it's delicate yet daring," something wouldn't necessarily expect of a Saudi Arabian designer. But the Paris-based Maison, Ashi Studios has always been one to move the needle.
Inspired by the enigmatic women of the 1960s, who exuded a sense of sophisticated rebellion, the Maison presents a collection that celebrates their independent spirit and their desire for a life of both bourgeois luxury and personal freedom.
The first look set the tone and wholly embraced the theme. Though arguably quite revealing, the look unpacks the boldness of a woman with a see-through lace skin tight full-length bodysuit, complete with matching skirt. The second look showcases the detailed and couturier craftsmanship that Ashi has employed in the corset, tights, and translucence of the robe. As the show progresses, a series of beautiful women grace the catwalk, adorned in gowns of flamboyant design. Crafted from velvets and heavily threaded with gold, each intricate detail beautifully complementing the natural female form.
Throughout the show, the fashion forward were left in awe as a countless looks passed by: faux fur (and faux dogs), heavy fringing, embellished velvet, sequins with movement, mirrored appliques, over-sized silhouettes yet also form fitting lingerie-inspired ensembles replete with feminine, soft edged eyelash lace. The materials, shapes, and colours – like the burgundy velvet gown with heart-shaped hips and intricate bodice detailing, flowing off the model's shoulders – evoke a timeless elegance, and result in a captivating effect that bridges the past and the present.
On point for what has been pinpointed as a pivotal trend for 2025, the show-stopping Mediterranean blue gown oozes old-world Hollywood, with figure hugging and hip-enhancing draping. Whilst the sheer arm-length gloves, and the satin-tipped platforms add a contemporary edge.
Wanting for More
An expert in knowing when to stop, and leave the audience wanting for more, Mohammed Ashi doesn't do collections with endless looks. Less is more when it comes to the number of looks to walk down the catwalk, but most definitely not when it comes to the Saudi designer's intricacy, detailing and passion that is poured into his works.
At Paris' Couture Fashion Week, Ashi Studio's Spring/Summer 2025 collection beautifully captured the spirit of an era where women dreamed of a bourgeois life, and now it can finally become a reality, with this collection offering a path to transformation and escape - bridging the gap between the past and the future.
