5 autumn/winter hair trends inspired by the catwalks
The latest round of the Big Four international fashion weeks saw celebrities, editors, influencers and industry insiders flocking to catwalk shows in New York, London, Milan and Paris.
While the clothes showcased at the spring/summer 2025 collections won't land on the shop floor for another six months, the runway beauty trends on show have an immediate impact.
Looking back at the SS25 shows, Paul Edmonds noticed three main hair themes emerging.
"Firstly, there was a 40s or 50s feel where the hair was quite controlled but with a soft edge to it, worn away from the face," Paul says.
"Secondly, there was a lot of undone, natural hair, and then there were lots of bobs. The bobs were styled with soft waves, just a bit of movement, and often kicking out at the bottom edge rather than turned under."
There was a wide variety of looks within each of these categories, meaning that with the help of your hairdresser, you can take inspiration from the catwalk but still make the look your own.
"When working with clients we use a combination of what we do in the salon and also what we've seen on the runways," says stylist Tam Cluney. "We'll take ideas from both of those and Incorporate them to help tailor a look to the client."
Paul adds: "It's not always about making a fashion statement, it's about highlighting an individual's features."
Here, Paul talks through five of the season's hottest hair trends and offers his advice on how to find your perfect catwalk-inspired look…
1. SUPERMODEL WAVES
Models on the Philipp Plein catwalk had their long locks styled into perfectly cascading waves, which reminded Paul of the biggest pop star of the moment.
"The Sabrina Carpenter look with curtain bangs will continue to be popular as we head into winter, but this is a chic alternative if you fancy giving it a next-season push," he says.
"Gel and blow dry the front back and away from the face and use a curling tong or heated curlers to create soft waves at the back, giving a bit of supermodel wow."
2. THE BLUNT BOB
Countless celebrities have jumped on the bob bandwagon this season and the trend shows no sign of slowing down.
"The short, blunt bob of the summer - as seen on Emily in Paris star Lily Collins - can transition into autumn/winter by keeping the same short length but finishing with invisible layers," Paul says, meaning a haircutting technique that subtly adds volume.
"The blunt bob can be worn either with a soft wave, giving a deconstructed 40s vibe, or away from the face as seen on the Bottega Veneta catwalk."
3. THE CHOPPY FRINGE
Timeless style icon Jane Birkin - who died last year at the age of 76, and for whom the Hermes Birkin bag was named - provided hair inspiration on the catwalks at Milan Fashion Week.
"The Jane Birkin 70s choppy fringe trend will continue into next year, as seen at the Versace show, with models' hair looking sleek and uber glossy," Paul says.
The great thing about the choppy fringe is that it works with lots of hair styles and types.
4. THE SHAG
The rock chick's haircut of choice got a high-end makeover on the runways of Paris and Milan.
"The shag or 'coupe sauvage' looked great, either long and with a 70s feel - as seen at Tom Ford and Saint Laurent - or shorter and wavy, like the models at Prada," says Paul. "Either way, the hair was naturally dried with heavy fringes."
5. SHORT HAIR
In contrast to all the flowing locks, gamine crops were seen on the runways at London Fashion Week favourites Erdem and short tousled curls at Kent & Curwen.
"These short haircuts were soft textured or razored with internal layers and edges," Paul explains. "They were styled to have a soft, tousled finish."
Complementing mannish tailored outfits, these sassy pixie cuts brought androgynous cool to the catwalks.
FROM RUNWAY TO REAL LIFE
"Adapting looks for clients coming to the salon is all a matter of judging face shape and what will show off their eyes and cheekbones - this is the main emphasis that all hairdressers try to produce," Paul says.
He is guided by the 'magic triangle' principle when determining how to tailor a catwalk look for a client: "It's about emphasising the eyes, cheekbones and chin while slimming the jaw, so I might add a little bit of extra width to the haircut or a little bit of height all depending on the individual's face shape."
Ultimately, your hair should make you feel amazing, and a good hairdresser will draw inspiration from a trend while also considering various factors to create a confidence-boosting haircut.
"I would never say one look definitely suits someone and not another," Paul says. "The main thing is always to go with the individual and bespoke each look to the face shape, hair texture and lifestyle."
From flowing waves to pretty pixie cuts, there was something for everyone on SS25 catwalks, so why not embrace the new season now with a trendy yet tailored look?
Wondering which catwalk look would suit you? Book a consultation with one of the team to chat through your options Paul Edmonds London
