It’s no secret that in today’s world, we could all benefit from taking a moment to appreciate beauty and artistry more, Fashion Week allows us to do just that. The glamour, the art and the unfiltered creativity are some of the many reasons why fashion month has an important place in our calendar. (Seeing what our fashion week outfits our favourite A-Listers are sporting definitely comes a close second.)
Fashion’s ”Big 4” hosts annual and semiannual exhibitions that are both highly anticipated and highly prestigious. They are a welcome reminder of the beauty and mastery involved in the industry. Visual sartorial displays are a medium of transportation; they show us where fashion has come from, where it’s headed and for some, an avenue of escape to another dimension.
Everything you need to know about the Fashion Week
What we know: Fashion Week is an unmissable occasion that promises the latest and boldest in fashion innovation. What we don’t know: how did it all start, what dates do I need to know and which designers will be flaunting their wares in 2024? Here’s our guide to everything you need to know!
What is Fashion Week?
Fashion Week takes place over the course of a month in the four major hubs. Kicking off in New York, it comprises an entire week dedicated to revealing what’s in vogue and displaying the pinnacle of high fashion.
So, what is the point of Fashion Week? While they may seem like illustrious weeks of celebration and high-profile parties, they play an essential role in the fashion industry. From dictating future trends, and catching buyer’s eyes to providing editorial fodder and brand promotion, this glamorous affair signifies more than mere clothing.
How It All Started
You may be shocked to hear how and where it all started. The City of Love is a logical guess but it’s not entirely true. Throughout the late 19th and 20th centuries, Paris was reputed for its tradition of invitation-only affairs. Designers such as Charles Worth and Paul Poiret invited well-to-do clientele to their ateliers for a private display of opulence. The first official PFW -the Battle of Versailles- took place in 1973.
“Press Week” is the origin of the format as we know it. The globe’s gaze had been fixed on Paris, the capital of la mode, for inspiration. However, the impending WWII would bring the European fashion scene to an abrupt halt. In 1943, Eleanor Lambert spotted an opportunity to establish the USA as a major fashion player in its own right. Cue “Press Week”, a week that consisted of American designers exclusively unveiling their latest creations to the most influential names in the press.
Fashion Week Dates To Mark In Your Calendar
London Fashion Week
- AW 24/25 - 16 -20 February 2024
- SS 25 - 13 - 17 September 2024
Milan Fashion Week
- AW 24/25 Menswear - 12 - 16 January 2024
- SS 25 Menswear - 14 -18 June 2024
- AW 24/25 Womenswear 20 - 26 February 2024
- SS 25 Womenswear 17 - 23 September 2024
Paris Fashion Week
- AW 24/25 Menswear - 16 - 21 January 2024
- SS 25 Menswear - 18 - 23 June 2024
- Haute Couture SS - 22 - 25 January 2024
- AW 24/25 Womenswear - 26 February - 5 March 2024
- SS 25 Womenswear - 23 September - 1 October 2024
- Haute Couture FW - 24 - 27 June 2024
New York Fashion Week
- AW 24/25 Showcase - 9 - 14 February 2024
- Bridal Week - 3 -5 April 2024
- SS 25 Showcase - 6 - 11 September 2024
Dubai Fashion Week
- AW 24/25 Showcase - 4 - 8 February 2024
- SS 25 Showcase - 1 - 5 September 2024
Fashion Weeks Around The World
Naturally, fashionistas keep their eyes peeled for the Big Four, with the most renowned runways happening in London, Milan, Paris and New York. However, there are more than 100 fashion weeks organised annually: Berlin, Lisbon, Stockholm and Copenhagen have begun to make their own marks in Europe. Vancouver is now home to one of the most popular showcases in Canada.
How Do I Get Invited to Fashion Week?
A question on many fashion aficionados' minds is “Can anyone go to fashion week?” To get an invitation to Paris Fashion Week (or any for that matter), one needs to be a member of the press, a celebrity, a socialite or an industry professional. However, the cities are teeming with exciting and interesting sub-events to discover.
The Crème de la Crème: Designers To Look Out For This Season
Milan: Giorgio Armani, Bottega Veneta, Dolce & Gabbana, Ferragamo and Versace.
Paris: Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Miu Miu, Maison Margiela, Schiaparelli and Saint Laurent.
New York: Thom Browne, Gabriela Hearst, Khaite, Willy Chavarria, Tommy Hilfiger and Michael Kors.
London: Burberry, J W Anderson, Simone Rocha, Molly Goddard and Roksanda.
Celebrities Spotted At Fashion Week 2024
So far, the Autumn/Winter editions have been graced by the presence of some of our favourite Hollywood elites. Milan Fashion Week welcomed Salma Hayek, Daisy Edgar-Jones and Anne Hathaway. Jennifer Lawrence and Penelope Cruz sported effortlessly chic ensembles at Paris Fashion Week.
As for New York, Beyoncé shut down Brooklyn with her surprise arrival at the Laur show. Blake Lively made an appearance at Michael Kors while Matt Damon attended Naeem Khan’s exhibit. David Beckham sat front and centre with Brooklyn and Cruz to support Victoria’s AW line. Across the water, Cara Delevingne, Jonathan Bailey and Barry Keoghan were spotted at the Burberry showcase during London Fashion Week.
Where To Watch The Fashion Week replay in the UAE?
If you didn’t manage to get a front-row seat of the action, no need to worry. Fashion Houses exhibiting their latest collections will create dedicated playlists on their YouTube channels. Outlets such as Fashion Week Online share replay links and compilations of the major runways so that you don’t miss a single second.
