Fashion Weeks' Global Shift: From Big Four to New Contenders
The article explores the evolving landscape of global fashion weeks, focusing on the diminishing influence of the 'big four'—New York, London, Milan, and Paris—and the emergence of secondary cities. It highlights that New York launched its fashion week in 1943, followed by Milan in 1958, Paris in 1973, and London in 1984, each establishing distinct identities. The rise of globalization and fast fashion has led to production moving to more affordable regions, diminishing the prominence of London and New York after COVID and Brexit; London now celebrates its 40th anniversary with a single men's wear edition. Meanwhile, Paris thrives with luxury brands, and Milan maintains its connection to Italian manufacturing, as cities like Copenhagen and Shanghai rise, with luxury labels presenting collections beyond official schedules.
Key facts
- New York's first official fashion week was in 1943.
- Milan's fashion week debuted in 1958.
- Paris's fashion week started in 1973.
- London's fashion week began in 1984.
- London will celebrate its 40th anniversary with a men's wear-only edition from June 7.
- Copenhagen Fashion Week introduced a Sustainability Action Plan in January 2020.
- Shanghai's fashion week was created 20 years ago on political instruction.
- Luxury brands Dior, Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Balenciaga held cruise shows outside official calendars in 2024.
- Dior's cruise show was at Drummond Castle in Edinburgh, Scotland.
- Chanel's was on a terrace in Marseille, France.
- Hermès's was at Pier 36 in New York, USA.
- Louis Vuitton's was at Parc Güell in Barcelona, Spain.
- Balenciaga's was at Pudong International Airport in Shanghai, China.
Entities
Artists
- Aldo Premoli
Institutions
- LVMH
- Kering
- Richemont
- Inditex
- H&M
- Uniqlo
- Shein
- Bottega Veneta
- Brioni
- Fendi
- Givenchy
- Gucci
- Loro Piana
- Valentino
- Versace
- Balenciaga
- Chanel
- Dior
- St. Laurent
- Burberry
- Christian Dior
- Hermès
- Louis Vuitton
- Copenhagen Fashion Week
- Shanghai Fashion Week
- New York Fashion Week
- London Fashion Week
- Milan Fashion Week
- Paris Fashion Week
- Garment District
- Pradasphere
- Masoni
- Nuti Ivo
Locations
- New York
- USA
- London
- UK
- Milan
- Italy
- Paris
- France
- Copenhagen
- Denmark
- Shanghai
- China
- Amsterdam
- Netherlands
- Antwerp
- Belgium
- Barcelona
- Spain
- Berlin
- Germany
- Stockholm
- Sweden
- Istanbul
- Turkey
- Lagos
- Nigeria
- Melbourne
- Australia
- Nairobi
- Kenya
- Rio de Janeiro
- Brazil
- São Paulo
- Mumbai
- India
- Seoul
- South Korea
- Tokyo
- Japan
- Toronto
- Canada
- Rome
- Edinburgh
- Scotland
- Marseille
- Santa Croce sull'Arno
- Vietnam
- Bangladesh
- Morocco
- South America
- Eastern Europe