The Future Of Fashion Week In A Globalised World
For years, industry specialists have looked towards the “Big Four” cities (Milan, New York, London and Paris) to set the trends and direction of fashion. But as Paris Fashion Week comes to a close and the season ends, it’s clear that the world around has changed since this illustrious event was first held in the 20th century. This begs the question: what role will Fashion Weeks take on in the future?
Fashion week initially started in New York during the 1940s as an event for press and buyers, having a very exclusive and select guest list. Soon after, Milan, Paris and London started joining in and thus cemented their place as fashion capitals. The events showcased collections of legendary designers, drawing the attention of celebrities, industry people and fashion enthusiasts around the world.
However, there has recently been an increase in cities aside from the Big Four that have launched their own alternative fashion weeks. Opportunities are being created for emerging designers from capitals such as Lagos, Seoul, Sao Paulo and Amsterdam (to name a few). This expansion is aided by digital technologies. Social media and local influencers are helping to broadcast and share the work of creatives on a global scale.
Moreover, many brands are choosing to showcase their new collections on-line or off-schedule. This can be very useful for small brands that don’t yet have the recognition or the financial backing necessary to participate in the event. Independent designers can grow by easily and directly communicating with a wide range of customers. Others are forgoing the event completely, due to a lack of resources or not enough time to conform to the busy fashion schedule.
With the rise of e-commerce and the accessibility of online platforms, fashion fanatics can engage with designers and brands directly. These changes are encouraging an environment where creativity, innovation and sustainability may flourish, celebrating the emergence of new voices. The essence of fashion is being redefined in a globalised world, highlighting self-expression and acknowledging different perspectives on style.
This brings us back to the main question: what does the future hold for Fashion Week? Digitalisation is paving the way for emerging clothing brands and hubs to participate in the event. This democratisation of the industry is altering the concept of the traditional Fashion Week, as these events are no longer confined to geographical or even physical boundaries. They are transcending into a global stage where talent from all corners of the world can participate, challenge conventions, and contribute to the dialogue of style and aesthetics.
Paris, Milan, London and New York will always remain powers to be reckoned with - these cities continue to house some of the greatest brands that have left their mark in the history of fashion. As such, the traditional "Big Four" Fashion Weeks will remain an inspiration for creatives around the globe. Fashion has always been a medium for self-expression, for unique perspectives and stories to be told through garments. With an increasingly globalised world, we can hope to see a platform appear where people all around the globe are encouraged to pursue their creativity
