The fashion world is a fascinating one. Although many consider it to be frivolous, it’s actually an environment of constant creativeness and innovation. When you think of fashion you usually picture beautiful models and fancy outfits, however, all this magic has to happen somewhere. We are talking about fashion events, which are the scenarios where all of this takes place.
Runway show
These are the most popular fashion events, but they are not the only ones. Probably most people have seen a runaway at some point in their lives, at least on TV, without knowing what these are. Runways shows are events organized by a brand or designer to present a new collection.
Trade show
Think of this as a fashion market. Trade shows are the perfect place for different companies to display their products. Thus, designers can present their latest collections to retailers and prospective clients. If you own a fashion brand, you’ll want to exhibit your work in any of the top trade shows of 2022.
Product launching
This is where companies present a new product to the public. Product launchings are usually held before the release to create expectations.
Press event
Press events are similar to product launching but only for the press. They can take various forms like cocktail parties and brunches and are organized by brands to present the details of a new collection.
Corporate event
Corporate events are flexible and can have different purposes. The fashion world gets together before different audiences, which can be stakeholders, potential clients, and employees. Usually, corporate events are organized to grant an award, celebrate an anniversary, or increase brand awareness.
The top 5 fashion events in the world
Paris Fashion week
Paris is virtually the most traditional fashion centre. From the early 20th century, this city has been regarded as a place where fashion meets fine craftsmanship. It all goes back to the French designer Paul Poiret, who organized balls where attendees had to wear their finest outfits. Towards 1945, the ‘Haute Couture’ chamber stipulated that every house would have to present at least 35 new styles every season.
Thus, the first official fashion week premiered in 1973 and since then Paris has been a synonym for glamour and good taste. The following video shows a peek at the 2021 Spring/Summer fashion week.
New York fashion week
Being one of the ‘big four’, i.e., one of the four main fashion centres in the world, New York hosts the fashion week two times a year. The events are celebrated in February and September to cover the year’s two main seasons.
Some of the top brands that attend the New York fashion week are:
- Ralph Lauren
- Brooks Brothers
- Alexander Wang
- Calvin Klein
- Diane Von Furstenberg
- Michel Kors
The event’s history is particularly interesting. It started in the 1940s and soon became one of the pioneers in the fashion industry after Paris, the previous fashion epicentre, was occupied by the Germans. Since then, it has done nothing but grow and today is a true mecca for designers and fashion leaders.
London Fashion Week
This is the youngest of the ‘big four’ events having started in 1983. The London Fashion week is characterized by an imaginative, rebellious style. For example, the 1960s miniskirt was presented here. This event has seen many provocative collections like the ones created by Vivienne Westwood and Alexander McQueen.
Milan Fashion Week
Besides being known as an iconic city in the fashion industry, Milan is regarded as one of the sexiest. It boasts a unique charm and sex appeal, combined with a touch of extravaganza. Although the fashion movement began in Florence at the Palazzo Pitti, Milan soon became Italy’s fashion epicentre. Partly, this happened thanks to the city’s advanced manufacturing centres and talents such as Armani and Versace. Milan, among other things, was the hot spot for the supermodel phenomenon during the 90s.
Tokyo Fashion week
Regarded by many as the fifth element of the ‘big four’, Tokyo is gaining popularity in the fashion scenery. This event is held bi-annually in March and October, and it has been growing considerably since 2005.
However, Japanese designers are facing quite a challenge: most of the coverage is focused on the streets rather than the runaways. Nonetheless, Tokyo is showing clear signs of becoming one of the ‘big five’ soon.
Conclusion
Although all these five fashion centres feature top brands and high-class designs, they each have a unique style. From the classic beauty of the Parisian runways to London’s fearless mood, the big names of the fashion industry get together in these colourful events that beam beauty, creativeness, and style.