The iconic image of the 1980s businesswoman is making a fashion comeback – complete with broad shoulders, impeccable suits, ties, and a confidence that transforms office attire into a statement of power. Four decades later, the power dressing aesthetic is once again gracing the mood boards of designers: from Saint Laurent, where Anthony Vaccarello continues the legacy of Yves Saint Laurent, the creator of the first women’s tuxedo, to Givenchy, Calvin Klein Collection, and Stella McCartney. We explore why the image of the strong woman is once again becoming one of the main fashion trends.
Saint Laurent, Fall-Winter 2025/2026
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Saint Laurent, Fall-Winter 2026/2027
In the Saint Laurent Spring-Summer 2025 collection, Anthony Vaccarello dressed most models in double-breasted blazers and ties, sometimes complemented by leather jackets. The designer is not merely transferring the men’s suit into the women’s wardrobe but is reinterpreting it as a symbol of confidence and control. Strict suits, shirts, and ties create a restrained, almost business-like look, where traditionally masculine codes paradoxically only accentuate the feminine silhouette. In the new season, the story of the strong woman continues: jackets gain even more pronounced shoulders and are paired with pencil skirts, while lace dresses with transparent details emphasize femininity.
Givenchy
Givenchy
The modern female leader also appears at Givenchy, where she wears impeccably tailored suits, at Calvin Klein Collection, where she opts for radical shades like anthracite, and on the Stella McCartney runway, where she pairs suits with high heels without unnecessary embellishments.
Stella McCartney
Calvin Klein Collection
Victoria Beckham
Unlike the 1980s businesswoman, who often emulated a masculine image, the contemporary female leader fully embraces her own appearance and the right to make her own choices. She wears a suit not to conform to rules but to stand out. She plays with established codes, blurs gender lines, and demonstrates strength and freedom without sacrificing femininity.
Versace
Isabel Marant
Tom Ford
This is why the modern businesswoman is reviving corporate codes but making them much freer: choosing soft silhouettes, more comfortable cuts, and garments that do not restrict movement – neither physical nor internal. Being a woman is strength, and true power lies in not being afraid to use it.