Thom Browne Fall Winter 2024-2025 “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe. Story by Eleonora de Gray, Editor-in-Chief of RUNWAY MAGAZINE. Photo Courtesy: Thom Browne.

A Gothic Romance Unfolds for Saint Valentine

… once upon a midnight dreary …
“The Raven” poem tells of a distraught lover who is paid a mysterious visit by a talking raven. The lover, often identified as a student, is lamenting the loss of his love, Lenore. Sitting on a bust of Pallas, the raven seems to further antagonize the protagonist with its constant repetition of the word “Nevermore”. The poem makes use of folk, mythological, religious, and classical references.

In a masterful blend of couture and literature, Thom Browne unveils his Fall Winter 2024-2025 collection, inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s iconic poem, “The Raven.” This collection, revealed just in time for Saint Valentine’s Day, delves deep into the realms of gothic romance, mystery, and the macabre, echoing the haunting beauty of Poe’s work.

Thom Browne, known for his avant-garde approach and impeccable tailoring, translates the rhythmic despair and ornate imagery of “The Raven” into fashion, crafting a narrative that bridges the gap between the ethereal and the tangible. The collection showcases a dramatic palette dominated by grey and black, punctuated with unexpected flashes of gold, evoking the poem’s eerie midnight dreariness and the vibrant heartbeat of love lost.

The fabrics are a tactile representation of the poem’s thematic depth, hinting at the duality of love and loss. Browne’s use of raven application on the garments, in particular, pays homage to the raven itself—symbolic of mourning and never-ending remembrance, yet also a bearer of truth and deep wisdom.

The silhouettes in this collection are a testament to Browne’s sartorial wizardry, with structured coats and suits that whisper tales of a bygone era, alongside flowing “lantern” gowns that seem to float with an ethereal grace. Each piece is meticulously crafted, featuring elaborate embroidery, intricate lacework, and a meticulous attention to detail that brings Poe’s haunted verses to life.

Accessories play a pivotal role in accentuating the gothic allure of the collection. Dramatic hairdos are Victorian-inspired enhancing the narrative, creating a bridge between the past and the present, the real and the surreal.

Thom Browne’s Fall Winter 2024-2025 collection is not a line of clothing but a complex, immersive story. It invites us to explore the depths of human emotion and the timeless allure of a gothic romance. In doing so, Browne challenges our perceptions of fashion, art, and literature, proving once again that clothing can be a powerful medium for storytelling.

This Saint Valentine’s, Thom Browne offers not just a collection, but a journey into the heart of darkness and back into the light of understanding and appreciation for the beauty found in the shadows. It’s a poignant reminder of the power of love, loss, and the art that emerges from the depths of our most profound emotions.

See All Looks Thom Browne Fall Winter 2024-2025