On the red carpet at the 2025 Oscars, Ariana Grande made it clear that fashion has taken a turn toward exuberance. Her spectacular Schiaparelli gown, with an imposing peplum cascading into a soft, voluminous skirt, marked the return of luxurious textures and bold designs. With this look, the singer not only captivated but also previewed what will become one of the leading trends of the upcoming seasons.

This shift towards a dramatic and visually impactful aesthetic marks the end of an era where opulence was merely hinted at, giving way to fashion where wealth and luxury are displayed without reservation. The cream-colored jeans, striped shirts, and sophisticatedly white garments that defined the "quiet luxury" or "old money" trend, so popular on social media, characterized by discreet luxury, neutral tones, classic elegance, timeless sophistication, and refined details, are now a thing of the past.

Sean Monahan, a renowned trend forecaster, coined the term "Boom Boom" to describe this phenomenon, which captures the explosion of luxury and visibility dominating current fashion. This preference for loud luxury is not only taking over the runways but is also influencing the public’s perception of fashion. Coincidentally, Rihanna, in February of this year, provided a perfect example of this phenomenon when she left court after her husband A$AP Rocky’s trial. She wore a Balenciaga dress made of a voluminous, wide-cut fabric with bell sleeves, decorated with a snake print that is prominent in the Spring-Summer 2025 season. To complete the look, she doubled the print in Bottega Veneta knee-high boots with a pointed toe and white sole, finishing off with a rectangular handbag from the same brand. The audacity, luxury, and sophistication of her ensemble reflect the spirit of this trend, which challenges the principles of sustainable fashion. During this appearance, the singer was confronted by animal rights activists, who criticized her for wearing furs in 2025.

This new wave in fashion prioritizes opulence over social and environmental awareness. After several seasons where the origins of garments — where, who, and how they were made — were at the center of debate, fashion is shifting direction. Welcome the return of bold, expressive silhouettes, furs, and luxurious materials such as velvet, brocade, and lace. The high-cost couture ‘GORSKI’ coat worn by Mickey Madison as Ani in the Oscar-winning film Anora is a key example to understand this trend.

The overuse of leather, the fetishization of tailoring and office wear, and exaggerated proportions — such as elongated hips, puffed sleeves, and ruffled skirts — have become key elements of this trend. Even men are not escaping this style. In March, during the premiere of The Last of Us season two in Los Angeles, actor Pedro Pascal dazzled on the red carpet in a total Saint Laurent look from the Fall 2025 collection. What truly surprised was his choice of footwear: daring, experimental leather boots for men called ‘XL’, which, combined with 80s-style sunglasses, created an ensemble that quickly became one of the best male looks of the season.

Finally, Jenna Ortega joined the wave of exuberant textures with an intricate, stained-glass-inspired look that she debuted on The Late Show With Stephen Colbert in New York. The actress stunned in a strapless mini dress from Oscar de la Renta’s Fall 2025 collection, featuring an intricate red pattern made from pieces with a stained-glass effect shaped like red flower petals. This look not only stood out for its visual complexity but also for its bold, modern ability to capture attention. When praised for her choice, Ortega humorously mentioned how the crystals were uncomfortable in certain areas of her body, an ironic touch that highlights the spirit of today’s fashion: looking spectacular, even when discomfort is part of the price you pay for style.

This return of luxurious textures and bold prints marks a clear turning point in contemporary fashion. Materials like velvet, brocade, and lace take center stage, while striking prints from snake prints to more traditional animal prints — dominate the runways. It’s a moment of deliberate excess, visible luxury, and tangible opulence. In this new era, fashion celebrates splendor, even at the cost of comfort, transforming luxury into an unabashed visual statement.

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