Fashion Week is one of the most iconic events in the fashion industry. This biannual event attracts designers, celebrities, influencers and buyers from all over the world to discover the latest trends and collections from fashion houses. Held in iconic cities such as Paris, Milan, New York and London, Fashion Week is divided into several categories that reflect the different aspects of fashion: haute couture, women's ready-to-wear and men's ready-to-wear. Let's discover together what Fashion Week represents and the differences between these categories.
Fashion Week: an unmissable fashion event
Fashion Week is an event where fashion designers present their new collections for the upcoming seasons. It takes place twice a year: in February/March for the fall/winter collections and in September/October for the spring/summer collections. For several days, each city organizes fashion shows where designers unveil their new pieces in front of an audience made up of journalists, buyers, celebrities, and influencers.
The most influential cities for Fashion Week are often called the "Big Four": Paris, Milan, New York, and London. Paris is particularly known for its haute couture Fashion Week, while New York focuses more on ready-to-wear. Milan is known for its great Italian houses, and London for its emerging talent.
Haute Couture: The pinnacle of fashion
Haute couture represents the ultimate luxury in the world of fashion. This term, protected by law in France, refers to unique creations, custom-made for privileged clients. Each piece of haute couture is handcrafted with the most precious materials and can take hundreds of hours of work. Only a few houses are allowed to use the name "haute couture", and they must meet strict criteria established by the Chambre Syndicale de la Haute Couture in Paris.
Haute couture shows are distinguished by their exclusivity and limitless creativity. Unlike ready-to-wear, these collections are not intended to be mass-produced. They are a demonstration of the know-how and artistic vision of the designers.
Women's ready-to-wear: the art of accessible fashion
Ready-to-wear women's clothing, or ready-to-wear, is fashion intended to be mass-produced and marketed. Unlike haute couture, ready-to-wear collections are designed to be worn by the general public. They combine creativity, fashion and practicality, while remaining more accessible than unique haute couture pieces.
Women's Fashion Week is often the most talked about event. Major fashion houses and emerging designers present their visions of the upcoming season's trends. These collections are a reflection of what will be seen in stores around the world a few months after the shows. Many brands use steamers to prepare their garments, both on the runway and in their stores, to maintain a flawless appearance.
Also discover: our professional steamers.
Men’s ready-to-wear: a booming market
Menswear has gained popularity in recent years, with fashion weeks dedicated to menswear collections. While menswear used to be more restricted than womenswear, designers are now exploring new avenues to reinvent the male wardrobe.
The menswear shows feature bolder collections, incorporating modern cuts, innovative textiles, and influences from urban culture or sportswear. Milan and Paris are particularly known for their menswear fashion weeks, which now rival the womenswear shows in importance.
A celebration of creativity
Fashion Week is a celebration of creativity in all its forms. Whether it is through the exclusivity and craftsmanship of haute couture, the accessibility and trendiness of women's ready-to-wear, or the innovation and audacity of men's ready-to-wear, this event reveals the many facets of the fashion industry. Fashion Week continues to fascinate and define what we will wear tomorrow...