Why seek adventure in the countryside when you can do it in the streets of Paris? That seemed to be the vibe Isabel Marant was going for in her latest collection for next spring. She found her inspiration in the early ‘80s, drawing on the rebellious spirit of Annabella Lwin from Bow Wow Wow and their hit “Go Wild In The Country.” But rather than just borrow from the past, Marant infused her signature laid-back style, resulting in effortlessly cool clothes with an edge.

The collection was a delightful mix of bohemian and punk elements. Picture vibrant silk chevron mini-dresses intricately braided and embroidered, distressed denim jackets in faded black and gray, and leather shorts with just the right amount of studs. There was also a strong presence of suede—stitched in a blanket style and some pieces adorned with swaying fringe. Moccasin boots and slouchy suede bags completed the look, while the long, bare legs of the models reminded us that Marant knows how to celebrate femininity in its most confident form.

A quick sidebar on Bow Wow Wow—managed by the late Malcolm McLaren, who also worked with the Sex Pistols, the band’s lead singer, Lwin, was expected to be easily controlled by McLaren, but she wasn’t one to be pushed around. Her fearless, independent energy aligns perfectly with the Marant woman: unapologetically herself, always standing strong.

During a preview of the collection, Marant, alongside her design director Kim Bekker, highlighted some of the standout pieces: a jacket adorned with silky, iridescent fringe that shimmered as it moved, a top in abstract prints with braided seams crisscrossing the fabric, and two standout long dresses, one in black and the other a metallic gray, connected with silver beads that flashed glimpses of skin in the most unexpected yet tasteful ways.

This season, Marant took things up a notch in terms of craftsmanship. “I wanted to revisit our roots and really focus on artisanal techniques,” she said. The collection had a tribal flair, channeling the strength and spirit of powerful women. One particularly striking piece was a dress inspired by the wings of South American butterflies, with a swirling needlework pattern that echoed their intricate beauty. Bekker mentioned that they were going for a warm, earthy color palette—rust, mauve, pink, and purple—that reminded them of sunsets. The textures, like the velvety finish on the butterfly wings, were meant to evoke softness and richness.

Throughout Fashion Week, there’s been an ongoing conversation about the distinction between the male gaze and the female gaze in fashion. It’s not a new topic, but it feels more urgent this season. In Marant’s world, the female perspective reigns supreme. Her collections always feel like a dialogue with women, as if she’s saying, “We see you, and we’re creating clothes that empower you.”

For those women who love the sleek, leggy look that Marant is known for but prefer a bit more coverage, she offered a fresh take with her kick-flare cropped trousers—perfectly tailored yet relaxed. And when it came to footwear, the collection leaned heavily into flats, with only the occasional kitten heel for those who like a slight lift. Marant explained, “We wanted to keep the girls grounded, to let them feel free. No one really wants to wear heels anymore.”

Ultimately, the collection was a celebration of feminine strength and liberation, with Marant proving once again that she knows how to balance craftsmanship with a cool, easy vibe that resonates with women who want to look great without sacrificing comfort.