Let’s talk fashion!

Fashion Week often seems like a mystery to anyone new to the world of style- aka me, with all the buzz, runway shows, and designers showcasing their work in rapid succession. So come with me as I dive in and search how Fashion Weeks work, where and when they’re held, and what makes these events so essential to the fashion industry.

Let’s get into it:

Fashion Week is a series of events held in major cities where designers showcase their latest collections. It is an essential part of the fashion industry, where trends are set, emerging talents debut, and fashion houses present their creative vision. Fashion Week gives insiders—editors, influencers, buyers—a preview of what’s to come in upcoming seasons.

When Are Fashion Weeks Held?

Fashion Weeks are held twice a year to showcase two primary fashion seasons:

1. Spring/Summer (S/S): Usually in September and October of the previous year
2. Fall/Winter (F/W): Typically held in February and March of the same year

Where Do Fashion Weeks Take Place?

The four main cities known as the "Big Four" of Fashion Week are:

1. New York City (NYFW)—The season usually kicks off in early February for Fall and winter and early September for Spring and summer.
2. London (LFW) – This takes place right after NYFW, maintaining its reputation for bold and innovative designs.
3. Milan (MFW) – Follows London’s Fashion Week, known for luxurious brands and Italian designers.
4. Paris (PFW) – The finale of each Fashion Week season, where legendary houses like Chanel, Dior, and Louis Vuitton showcase their latest collections.

Both seasons hold their shows in those four cities in this exact order each year. However, those shows are only reserved for big brands that are on top of the game.

The Fashion Weeks You Didn’t Know About

Beyond the Big Four, many cities host their own Fashion Weeks. These events may focus on local designers or alternative fashion scenes. Here are some notable ones that I found:

• Copenhagen Fashion Week – Known for its eco-conscious and Scandinavian style.
• Seoul Fashion Week – A key event for K-fashion and emerging Asian designers.
• Tokyo Fashion Week – Known for unique and forward-thinking designs, often more experimental than Western fashion weeks.

These Fashion Weeks are designed to allow new designers and brands to also share their art with a broad audience.

How Fashion Shows Work

During Fashion Week, designers put on runway shows or “presentations” where models showcase the new collections. Each show is meticulously planned and set up with specific themes, music, and set designs that reflect the vision of the collection. Shows can range from large, theatrical productions to smaller, intimate presentations, depending on the designer and brand.

Each collection tends to have a specific vision and in the show, every aspect is designed to immerse the audience in this vision and see beyond the clothing.

How Can You Watch Fashion Week?

Fashion Weeks were once exclusive events for industry insiders, but now many shows are live-streamed, and highlights are often available on social media and fashion websites. Major fashion publications like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar also provide coverage.

Why Fashion Week Matters

Fashion Week isn’t just about clothes; it’s about innovation, art, and the cultural influence of fashion. Trends, colors, and styles shown at Fashion Week can influence everything from high-end fashion to street style and even interior design for the months and years to come.

Fashion shapes every aspect of our lives no matter if we realize it or not, and Fashion Weeks have a big influence on how fashion will change in the next season while ensuring its continued evolvement.