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TOP FASHION WEEKS AROUND THE GLOBE
Author: J H McIntosh
Many fashion enthusiasts follow fashion shows around the globe. A fashion show lets fashion industry leaders share with us their latest creations. Attendees typically include apparel buyers, the press and the public.
The shows occur in the Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter seasons. They are previews of the upcoming fashions and impact what is available to us in our favorite stores.
These “runway” showcases are an expression of the creators’ dreams fulfilled in the flesh. Reactions by show attendees have an impact on the success or failure of the latest fashion offerings.
Many of the designers treat their shows like theatrical performances, enhanced with live music and other embellishments.
This article focuses on some of the world’s most popular fashion events, including:
Paris Haute Couture Week, France
Pitti Uomo, Italy
New York Fashion Week, U.S.
London Fashion Week, U.K.
Milan Fashion Week, Italy
Paris Fashion Week, France
Tokyo Fashion Week, Japan
Shanghai Fashion Week, China
Met Gala, U.S.
CFDA Fashion Awards, U.S.
PARIS HAUTE COUTURE WEEK:
By definition, Haute Couture is the formation of exclusive custom-fit attire which is fastidiously created by the industry’s most talented innovators. Charles Frederick Worth is credited with establishing the first, genuine Couture House in 1858.
Haute Couture offerings are typically introduced twice a year, in January and in July.
PITTI UOMO:
One of the most popular seasonal fashion events occurs twice a year. It is when Pitti Immagine Uomo presents men’s clothing and accessories from the best global designers.
Pitti Uomo is a second-to-none gathering of buyers from everywhere in the world. They are attracted to the event by the quality of the “Made in Italy” emblem.
Its beginnings date back to the 1950s when the accomplishments of Florentine artisan tailors began developing a global reputation for superb quality.
Definitively, Pitti Uomo dates to February 12, 1952, with what was billed as the First Italian High Fashion Show. Initially, it highlighted lady’s fashion.
NEW YORK FASHION WEEK:
New York Fashion Week occurs twice a year in February and September. The shows offer apparel buyers, the press and the public an opportunity to see the latest creations from worldwide fashion designers.
New York Fashion Week debuted in 1943. Created by Eleanor Lambert, press director of the New York Dress Institute. It is considered by many as the American fashion industry’s first special event.
London Fashion week:
London Fashion Week also occurs twice a year. Both the February and September shows follow quickly on the heels of New York Fashion Week.
The London show is the most limited of the Big 4 fashion weeks, ending in five days. It is billed principally as a “buyer’s event” and typically generates purchases north of one hundred million.
MILAN FASHION WEEK:
Milan Fashion Week is held twice every year in Milan, Italy. The Italian fashion week owes its genesis to Giovanni Battista Giorgini who, inspired by Eleanor Lambert, the mother of fashion week, coordinated a progression of shows at Palazzo Pitti in Florence, Italy.
Giovanni Battista Giorgini, more than anyone is credited with attracting worldwide fame to Italian fashion. However, due to congestion in the city of Florence, the show was eventually moved to Milan where, in 1975, the first Fashion Week occurred.
PARIS FASHION WEEK:
Paris Fashion Week is the last of the Big 4 and the longest-running at a total of nine days.
The first Paris fashion week was organized in 1973 by the Fédération Française de la Couture. It was held at the royal residence of Versailles. More recently it has been held in the Carrousel du Louver.
SHANGHAI FASHION WEEK:
The Shanghai Fashion Week is held multiple times each year in Shanghai. It is essential for the Shanghai International Fashion Culture Festival which normally runs for a month.
The first version of the Shanghai Fashion Week was in 2001. Sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce, it is a business and social occasion promoted by the Shanghai Municipal Government.
TOKYO FASHION WEEK:
The Shanghai Fashion Week is held multiple times each year in Shanghai. It is essential for the Shanghai International Fashion Culture Festival which normally runs for a month.
The first version of the Shanghai Fashion Week was in 2001. Sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce, it is a business and social occasion promoted by the Shanghai Municipal Government.
CFDA FASHION AWARDS:
The CFDA Fashion Awards is an occasion presented by the Council of Fashion Designers of America. It has celebrated greatness in the American fashion industry since 1962. Many consider it “the Oscars of Fashion”.
CFDA awards include American Womenswear Designer of the Year, American Menswear Designer of the Year, American Accessories Designer of the Year, American Emerging Designer of the Year and more.
MET GALA:
Another well-known fashion occasion is the Met Gala. Also called the “Met Ball”. It is a yearly fund-raising event to celebrate and garner support for the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Costume Institute in New York City.
The first Met Gala occurred in 1948 and was dedicated to raising capital for the new Costume Institute. Today, all shows serve to place fashion inside the setting of contemporary culture.
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