New York City
Fashion week is an event that models, designers and fashionistas all over the world look forward to. New York, Milan and Paris are three of the four fashion capitals worldwide. New York hosts two fashion weeks per year, while Milan and Paris hosts four.
Each fashion capital hosts its own fashion week, but it had to start somewhere. New York City presented the first fashion week, then called Press Week, in 1943. New York Fashion Week is a semi-annual event that takes place in February and September. Due to the pandemic, recent shows were done virtually – and now, designers, models and audiences are ready to return to the excitement of live events. The Spring ’22 fashion week (named for when the clothes are released, not when the week takes place) will be New York’s first in-person fashion week since the pandemic. Usually seven to nine days long, the shortened fashion week will be held from September 8 to 12.
The legendary Fifth Avenue is known to be New York’s most fashionable district and the primary location for Spring ’22 fashion week. It’s historic because this will be the first time that Fifth Avenue hosts fashion week.
You can usually spot models and celebrities at the Gramercy Hotel, the Soho Grand and the Grosby Street Hotel. There are many hotels to choose from near Fifth Avenue as well, such as the Langham, Arlo NoMad, and the Kitano Hotel. Restaurants near Fifth Avenue include Royal 35 Steakhouse, STATE Grill and Bar, and the Europa Café.
The events of the Spring ’22 fashion week end on the 12th but be will followed up with another historic day. The Met Gala is usually held on the first Monday of May, but the pandemic prevented it from its usual date. Tying up the thrills of New York Fashion Week, the Met Gala will be presented on September 13.
Milan
Milan became Italy’s fashion capital due to its production of affordable and stylish clothing. Each year, Milan is third of the four fashion capitals to host its fashion week. Their first fashion week, locally referred to as Milano Moda Donna, was presented in 1958. The Spring/Summer ’22 womenswear fashion week will take place from September 21 to 27. With over 170 events scheduled for their six-day fashion week, the city will not rest. Milan fashion week goers can expect nonstop fashion shows throughout their stay. The audiences can look forward to seeing styles from top designers such as Giorgio Armani, Jil Sander and Alberta Ferretti. Fashion shows from luxury brands like Fendi, Prada, Bottega Veneta, Moschino and Versace are guaranteed as well. Shows are hosted at interesting places; for example, Prada runway shows are occasionally held at Fondazione Prada (an art/culture museum). Those interested in viewing art can go to Spazio Maiocchi for a combination of art and fashion in a social environment.
Walking the streets of Navigli and Brera is an event in itself. With many places to shop, everyone usually dresses in their most stylish clothes. That’s why people-watching is a common activity, especially during fashion week. Another place to check out is 10 Corso Como for your food and fashion needs. With a bookstore and restaurant included, 10 Corso Cosmo offers a place to shop, read and eat. Other popular places to dine are Carlo E Camilla in Segheria, God Save the Food, rooftop restaurant Ceresio 7 and Mimmo, which is popular with locals and tourists.
Those who attend fashion week usually stay at the Bulgari Hotel Milan, Hotel Principe di Savoia, Galleria Vik, and Hotel Armani Milano. Hotel Armani Milano is home of the nightclub Armani Privé. Although many afterparties are hosted during fashion week, Armani Privé remains a top choice for fashion week goers.
Paris
Paris fashion week is always the last to go. The Spring/Summer ’22 womenswear fashion week will begin on Monday, September 27 and end on Tuesday, October 5. When it’s time for fashion week in Paris, designers are sure to go the extra mile. Some luxury brands that can be counted on to make their appearance on the runway include Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Jean Paul Gaultier, Givenchy and Céline. Fashion week is designed to display stylish clothing for the upcoming seasons, but in Paris presentation is nearly as important. Spectators are prepared to expect the unexpected while attending a Paris Fashion Show. At these shows, designers are known to use props to display fashion. Famously during the Spring/Summer show of 2012, Louis Vuitton utilized a functioning carousel to deliver their models to the runway.
Paris fashion week shows are “invite only.” The invitations are usually extended to select celebrities and a few fashion journalists. It’s not odd to see nicely dressed individuals gathered at the doors of these events. People are known to stand outside show venues, in their most fashionable clothes, hoping to be invited in. Sometimes, if the room isn’t full, they will pick people from outside to join the audience.
During fashion week, Carrousel du Louvre is the venue for at least 20 shows a day. Most of the fashion shows take place at Carrousel du Louvre, which is located at the bottom of the Louvre Museum. The Louvre Museum is the world’s largest museum and houses the Mona Lisa and other well-known pieces. Hotels near the Louvre include Chez vous St Honore, Hotel Moliere, Ritz Paris and Hotel du Louvre. Top Paris restaurants include L’Officine du Louvre, Café de le Comedie and Le Nemours.
Shop around at Avenue de Champs-Elysees, which is Paris’ fashion district. Originally Champs-Elysees only had luxury shops; they have now included affordable stores such as Zara, Gap and H&M.
The September fashion weeks set the tone for the next season’s styles. Attending fashion week in one of the fashion capitals is an experience. Fashion week goers get to see fashion on and off the runway. They also have the opportunity to shop local boutiques of luxury designers while attending.
