The History of Fashion Weeks

Activity 1 : Spend 4 minutes reading the following text

Fashion weeks are among the most influential events in the global fashion industry. These events bring together top designers, models, buyers, and journalists to showcase the latest collections and predict trends. But how did they originate, and why do certain cities dominate the fashion calendar?

The first significant fashion event, New York Fashion Week, was established in 1943 by American publicist Eleanor Lambert. At the time, European designers were unable to travel to the U.S. due to World War II. To fill the void and offer American designers the same level of exposure, Lambert organized a series of shows called Press Week. The event was a success, and this laid the foundation for what would later be known as Fashion Week. New York’s ability to attract press attention and showcase American designers was instrumental in the city's rise as a fashion capital.

By 1945, Paris, long considered the heart of haute couture, held its first official fashion week. This was a natural development, given Paris' established legacy in the fashion industry. The Big Four—New York, Paris, Milan, and London—soon became the pillars of global fashion weeks, each contributing unique elements to the industry.

Milan, known for its luxurious Italian craftsmanship, became a dominant force by the 1980s, drawing top Italian designers such as Giorgio Armani, Versace, and Prada. Similarly, London Fashion Week gained prominence in the 1990s, helped by designers like Alexander McQueen and Vivienne Westwood, who were at the forefront of avant-garde fashion.

While New York, Paris, Milan, and London dominate the global fashion scene, other cities like Tokyo, Berlin, and Copenhagen are emerging as key players. These cities offer a unique perspective on fashion, often focusing on emerging talent, sustainability, and innovative design. Although these cities do not attract as much media attention or have the financial backing of the Big Four, they are slowly carving out their own niche in the fashion calendar.

Today, digital platforms and virtual shows have transformed fashion weeks. In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, designers and brands have embraced online formats, allowing wider access to their collections. This shift to virtual shows has democratized fashion weeks, making them accessible to global audiences in real time.

Fashion weeks are not just about runway shows—they have become vital for the fashion industry, influencing trends, fostering creativity, and driving commerce. The presence of media, influencers, and buyers ensures that the fashion weeks remain integral to the global fashion calendar.

Activity 2: Complete the True or False below.

1. Eleanor Lambert founded the first official fashion week in London in 1943.

2. Paris Fashion Week started in 1945, following the success of New York Fashion Week.

3. Milan Fashion Week became influential in the 1980s, due to designers like Giorgio Armani and Versace.

4. London Fashion Week started to gain importance in the 1980s, thanks to designers like Alexander McQueen.

5. Digital fashion weeks only became popular after the COVID-19 pandemic.

6. Tokyo is one of the cities gaining recognition for its focus on sustainable and innovative fashion.

7. Fashion weeks are primarily a way for designers to show their collections to potential buyers.

8. The "Big Four" cities in fashion are New York, Paris, Milan, and Berlin.

9. New York Fashion Week was originally called "Press Week" in 1943.

10. Fashion weeks now exclusively feature in-person shows, without any digital formats.

Activity 4: Fill the blanks with the vocabulary from Activity 3

1. The new collection from Chanel was presented on a stunning __________ during Paris Fashion Week.

2. In the world of high fashion, __________ designers create exclusive collections tailored to individual clients.

3. Social media __________ have become a key part of the fashion industry, helping to shape trends and influence buying decisions.

4. Many fashion brands are now focusing on a __________ market, offering products that cater to a specific group of people.

5. The legacy of iconic designers like Coco Chanel continues to __________ the fashion world today.

6. Fashion weeks are big business, with major brands investing millions for __________ in global media.

7. Fashion houses hire __________ to ensure their shows and collections get the attention they deserve in the media.

8. The city of Milan continues to __________ the global fashion scene, with its shows attracting top designers and celebrities.

9. The rise of digital fashion shows during the pandemic has allowed smaller brands to gain __________ without the need for a physical runway.

10. The idea of wearing clothing that challenges the norm is often associated with __________ fashion, pushing boundaries in design.

Activity 5: Choose one of the following prompts and write a short paragraph (share it below) or record a voice note.

a) Why do you think New York, Paris, Milan, and London have become the leading cities in fashion? Are there any cities you think could eventually join the "Big Four"?

b) What impact do you think digital fashion shows will have on the future of the fashion industry?

c) In what ways can smaller cities contribute to the global fashion industry, and how might they differentiate themselves from major cities?