The Return of Pink: From Valentino’s Runway to Your Denim Drawer
In 2023, Greta Gerwig’s Barbie movie sent a wave of pink across pop culture, a frenzy that had already been brewing thanks to Pierpaolo Piccioli’s 2022 Valentino runway takeover. Nearly an entire collection was devoted to a specially formulated hue — Valentino Pink PP — a shade so bold it became a cultural signpost.
Fast forward to 2025: the fever has cooled, but this vibrant pink hasn’t vanished. Instead, it’s evolved, slipping into unexpected corners of fashion — including denim.
Phoebe Philo’s Pink Precision
Phoebe Philo, long revered for her precision tailoring, has just dropped a pair of pink jeans in a tone reminiscent of the tuxedo pants she designed for Céline’s Fall/Winter 2011–2012 collection. The cut — named Zip — is relaxed but sharp, with the same confident back-zip detailing she debuted in her own label’s first collection.
Philo’s mastery of trousers runs deep. At Chloé, she gave us flared, high-waisted silhouettes that felt both romantic and effortless. Now, under creative director Chemena Kamali, Chloé’s Spring/Summer 2025 line nods back to Philo’s Spring/Summer 2004 work — high-waisted denim with a gentle flare, crafted to flatter without fuss.
Star Jeans of the Season
Kamali’s peach-toned jeans are just one example of how pink denim is having a moment. Net-a-Porter is doubling down, stocking everything from Loewe’s wide-legged candy-pink jeans to a pleated Haikure cut that toes the line between retro and modern.
Over at Mytheresa, brands like Frame and Re/Done are leading the charge, while Cos introduces Bay — a textured, wide-legged light-pink pair with an architectural edge. And in a playful twist, Jonathan Anderson’s first Dior Homme collection brings a rainbow of color, including pink, into the menswear conversation.
How to Wear It
For many, pink still feels risky — a color that demands confidence. The trick is restraint. Phoebe Philo’s own styling (as seen on this issue’s cover) nails it: keep the rest of your outfit neutral, let the jeans do the talking. Crisp white shirts, muted knits, and minimalist accessories will keep the look sharp. If you want a hint of pattern, try fine stripes — nothing more.
Pink denim in 2025 isn’t about novelty. It’s about reimagining a bold shade through the lens of timeless design. After all, trends fade — but the right pair of jeans can last a decade.
