Big Four Fashion Shows in the World: Paris, Milan, New York and London

As an annual event in the fashion industry, the global fashion show attracts the attention of countless designers, supermodels, fashionistas and the media as it is held. These dazzling fashion feasts not only showcase the latest trends, but also serve as a stage for major brands to compete and show their creativity and strength. Every fashion show is leading us to explore the infinite possibilities of fashion. In this article, I will introduce Big Four: Paris Fashion Week, Milan Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week and London Fashion Week, which are the four most famous fashion weeks in the world.

Content

1.Paris Fashion Week

2.Milan Fashion Week

3.New York Fashion Week

4.London Fashion Week

1.Paris Fashion Week

Paris Fashion Week (Semaine de la mode de Paris) is held every six months in Paris, France. It is divided into spring&summer and autumn&winter each year. Paris Fashion Week is hosted by the French Federation of Haute Couture and Fashion (FHCM). Paris Fashion Week is recognized as one of the four major fashion weeks around the world. In chronological order, it is the last stop of each season (New York → London → Milan → Paris). Paris Fashion Week is divided into three categories: "Women's Ready-to-wear", "Men's Ready-to-wear" and "Haute Couture". Some fashion brands will choose to hold catwalks in cultural sites in Paris, such as Chanel on the Grand Palais in Paris, Dior on Musee Rodin, Louis Vuitton on Louvre, Saint Laurent on Champ de Mars. In addition, they also select the Tuileries Garden, Palais de Tokyo, Museum of Humanity and Centre Pompidou as their catwalks. Additionally, there have some regulations to be know in Paris Fashion Week. In 2017, LVMH and Kering, promised not to hire models under the age of 16; Since 2017, according to French government regulations, models with a BMI below 18.5 will not be allowed to appear on the catwalk.

2.Milan Fashion Week

Milan Fashion Week (Settimana della moda di Milano) originated in 1958 and is one of the four major fashion weeks in the world. It is held twice a year, with the Autumn and Winter Fashion Week in February and March and the Spring and Summer Fashion Week in September and October. Milan Fashion Week are hosted by the Italian National Chamber of Fashion, which is responsible for fashion events and catwalks in Milan. The core event of Milan Fashion Week is the high fashion shows. Milan Fashion Week attracts many international luxury brands, including Giorgio Armani, Gucci, Prada, Versace, Dolce & Gabbana, Fendi, Bottega Veneta, Salvatore Ferragamo, Emilio Pucci, etc. The brands showcased their unique styles on the catwalk, from Prada’s bow elements into its pieces to Moschino’s effortless cool. In addition to fashion shows, there are also some trade exhibitions and static displays. Buyers and journalists can further see more diverse fashion products. During Fashion Week, there are a series of related activities held, such as parties, dinners, seminars and award ceremonies. Milan Fashion Week 2024 showcased its oversized fashion styles, abstract prints, soft colors and delicate fabrics. And they were the characteristics of the 2024-2025 Fall/Winter womenswear collections. There were many featured events, for example, Diesel’s Fall/Winter 2024 collection showcased a groundbreaking concept that projected a Zoom meeting with 1,000 members onto the catwalk wall.

3.New York Fashion Week

As an international fashion show, New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is held twice a year for fashion buyers, news media and the public. The Autumn/Winter Fashion Week is held in February each year, and the Spring/Summer Fashion Week is held in September each year. NYFW includes many brand events, including "Olympus", "Mercedes-Benz", "MADE" and many independent fashion brands. The schedule (including WME/IMG) is managed by the Council of Fashion Designers of America and arranged by Ross Finlay. Admission to New York Fashion Week is usually obtained by voucher, and special events can only be entered by invitation. According to statistics, New York Fashion Week brings $887 million in revenue to the US economy each year. NYFW attracts many well-known brands and designers, including Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Tom Ford, Oscar de la Renta, Vera Wang, etc. New York Fashion Week is known for its business, many designers' works will soon be sold in the retail market. Also, it is adapting to new market demands and consumer habits, such as paying more attention to the "see now, buy now" model and digital display methods. New York Fashion Week has always been at the forefront of adopting new technologies, such as virtual reality fashion shows and online live broadcasts.

4.London Fashion Week

London Fashion Week (LFW) is held twice a year in London, with the Autumn/Winter Fashion Week held in February and the Spring/Summer Fashion Week held in September. Together with New York, Milan and Paris Fashion Week, it is known as the Big Four. Its main venues include catwalks of most top designers and fashion houses, which are arranged in a large tent in the atrium of Somerset House in central London, while the exhibition is arranged indoors in Somerset House, which can accommodate the works of more than 150 designers. Other catwalks organized by private groups are arranged in other places in central London (for example: Vauxhall Fashion Scout, On|Off). LFW has special projects to support emerging designers, such as Newgen and Fashion East. It has attracted many well-known brands and emerging designers, including Burberry, Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Stella McCartney, Christopher Kane, JW Anderson, Victoria Beckham, etc. In addition, London Fashion Week is also very active in digitalization and social media, and global audiences can participate in many show live broadcasts and interactive activities.