Last Updated on August 8, 2023
Wondering what the ‘Big Four’ Fashion Weeks are? I’m here to give you the 411 on the most significant dates in the fashion calendar. As you may know, Fashion Week is more than just colourful outfits and glamorous guests. The fashion shows dictate the trends we’ll be seeing everywhere next season, so if you’re a buyer, designer or just a fashion enthusiast, you pay attention. But with so many fashion events happening all the time now, like Tokyo, Berlin and Copenhagen Fashion Weeks, you might be wondering which are the most significant.
Before fill you in, read everything you need to know about September’s London Fashion Week. Now, onto the main topic…
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What are the four main Fashion Weeks?
The four main Fashion Weeks, also known as the ‘Big Four Fashion Capitals, are Paris, Milan, New York, and London. As you may know, Paris is home to some top-tier designers, like Louis Vuitton, Céline, Yves Saint Laurent, Chanel, Dior and Hermès. Just like Paris, London showcases not just a stunning city but also a multi-cultural view of trends and expressions of style. London has a long history of street culture and is known for breaking stereotypical norms, and is home to designers Alexander McQueen, Victoria Beckham, J.W. Anderson, Vivienne Westwood and Stella McCartney.
The same goes for New York, where big brands and high-end lifestyles meet cool and sporty. Think Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, Tom Ford, Vera Wang and Diane von Furstenberg. Lastly, Milan’s fashion gives off excellence and creativity, which is why “made in Italy” often refers to quality products. This is also why Italian brands such as Prada, Gucci, Versace, and Bottega Veneta have made a mark in the fashion world.
Although these are the main highlights of the fashion calendar, fashion weeks are also held in several other parts of the world, including Seoul, Mumbai, Tokyo, Madrid, Copenhagen, and more.
Is fashion week every season?
Fashion Week is held bi-annually. Instead of Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter, the week-long event is divided into two parts. One is the Spring Summer which falls in September, while Fall Winter usually takes place around February.
What order are the ‘big four’ fashion weeks?
The four main Fashion Weeks start in New York, followed by London, Milan, and lastly, Paris. For the most recent events, New York Fashion Week was held from February 10 to 15. Meanwhile, London Fashion Week took place from February 17 to 21, Milan Fashion Week was scheduled from February 21 to 27, and Paris Fashion Week happened from February 27 to March 7.
For the upcoming Fashion Week Spring Summer 2024 schedule, here are the dates:
- New York Fashion Week: Sep 8 – 13, 2023
- London Fashion Week: Sep 15 – 19, 2023
- Milan Fashion Week: Sep 19 – 25, 2023
- Paris Fashion Week: Sep 25 – Oct 3, 2023
What is the most important month in fashion?
While Fashion Week is held twice a year, the most important month in fashion is September. Besides the highly anticipated September issue of Vogue magazine, it is also the month that is considered the ‘beginning of a new year’ in the fashion calendar.
How do you get invited to fashion week?
Unfortunately not everyone can attend the coveted Fashion Week, as it’s invitation only. Only selected celebrities, influencers, buyers, press and editors are automatically invited. The same goes for fashion stylists and buyers, models, photographers, makeup artists, and basically those who work behind the camera.
