Getty Images / JULIEN DE ROSA / AFP
WHAT ARE THE FOUR FASHION WEEKS?
Paris Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, and London Fashion Week are the four major fashion weeks.
There is also Copenhagen Fashion Week, Tokyo Fashion Week, Dubai Fashion Week, Berlin Fashion Week, and several other international fashion events.
WHAT IS FASHION WEEK?
Fashion week is a weeklong industry event where designers, brands, and fashion houses present their latest collections in runway shows to buyers, influencers, press and VIP guests. These fashion shows usually influence trends for current or approaching seasons.
WHEN IS FASHION WEEK?
Paris Fashion Week is held from February to March (Fall/Winter) and September to October (Spring/Summer).
Milan Fashion Week is held from February to March (Fall/Winter) and September to October (Spring/Summer).
New York Fashion Week is held in February (Fall/Winter) and September (Spring/Summer).
London Fashion Week is held in June (Fall/Winter) and September (Spring/Summer).
WHEN DID FASHION WEEK START?
The first New York Fashion Week was held on July 19, 1943, and was initially called Press Week.
The first Paris Fashion Week started in October 1973.
The first Milan Fashion Week began in 1958.
The first London Fashion Week started in March 1984.
1800s
Before fashion week, “défilés de mode” or fashion parades were shown in Paris couture salons. Clothes were displayed on mannequins showcased for clients to purchase.
In the 1800s, designers began to show multiple collections together, opening their showings to the public and even hosting parties afterward.
1943
The first ever Fashion Week, called “Press Week”, was held in New York and organized by Eleanor Lambert.
1958
Milan Fashion Week is officially established.
1973
The first recognized Paris Fashion Week was held as a fundraising event. Hosted at the Palace of Versailles and overseen by the founder of New York Fashion Week, Eleanor Lambert, the estimated $60 million USD raised from the show was used to restore parts of the palace.
1975
London Fashion Week holds its first show.
1990s
Fashion Week becomes a major media event, with coverage from major publications and television and a growing influence on celebrity culture.
Designers like Gianni Versace and Karl Lagerfeld dominate the fashion world, connecting fashion with stardom.
2005
Tokyo Fashion Week is created, eventually becoming the largest fashion week in Asia.
2006
The first Copenhagen Fashion Week is held.
2007
Berlin Fashion Week is launched, held in front of the Brandenburg Gate.
2009
Alexander McQueen’s famous digital runway presentation becomes a landmark for integrating technology into fashion week.
2016
Designers begin to introduce the “See Now, Buy Now” model, where collections on the runway can be immediately purchased. Some participating shows include Tom Ford, Moschino, and Tommy Hilfiger.
2018
CEO Cecilie Thorsmark establishes an advisory board and partner institute to organize sustainability practices for Copenhagen Fashion Week
2020
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, international fashion weeks pivot to digital formats. Virtual shows, films, and immersive online experiences replace traditional in-person runway shows.
2021
Hybrid fashion week models, a mix of physical and digital shows, become more common.
2022
In-person fashion week runway shows make a big comeback, showcasing many experimental shows while also bringing new sustainable practices with them.
2023
Pharell Willaims debuts with Louis Vuitton. Jacquemus presents a runway show at Château de Versailles.
2024
London Fashion Week becomes more focused on smaller brands.
