When is Fashion Week?

So when is fashion week, anyway? (And what is it?) Short answer: fashion week generally refers to the womenswear shows that happen twice per year (February and September) in the “Big 4” fashion capitals of New York, London, Milan, and Paris (in that order). However, the fashion calendar also includes Men’s Fashion Weeks (January and June), Bridal Fashion Week (April and October), and Miami Swim Week (late May to early June). With these specialized events and the proliferation of fashion weeks globally, it’s truly always fashion week somewhere. (You can also see the full dates here.)

The Fashion Week Calendar Structure

The global fashion calendar is now packed with events throughout the year, making it accurate to say “it’s always Fashion Week somewhere.” However, the term “Fashion Week” primarily refers to the womenswear shows that occur twice yearly in the “Big 4” fashion capitals.

Photo courtesy Alynwonderland via Flying Solo

Annual Fashion Week Cycle

Fashion Weeks follow a consistent annual pattern, with specific events occurring during predictable months. For the most current dates, always check our Fashion Week Dates page.

January: Men’s & Haute Couture

  • Milan Fashion Week (Men’s): Mid-January
  • Paris Fashion Week (Men’s): Late January
  • Paris Fashion Week (Haute Couture): Late January

February/March: Main Womenswear Season

June/July: Men’s & Haute Couture

  • London Fashion Week (Men’s & Women): Mid-June
  • Milan Fashion Week (Men’s): Late June
  • Paris Fashion Week (Men’s): Late June
  • Paris Fashion Week (Haute Couture): Early July

September/October: Main Womenswear Season

Additional Fashion Weeks

Beyond the “Big 4” fashion capitals, several other notable fashion weeks occur throughout the year:

Specialized Fashion Weeks

Understanding Fashion Week Seasons

The traditional fashion calendar follows a specific naming convention that can sometimes create confusion:

Season Naming

Traditionally, fashion weeks showcase collections for the upcoming season, roughly six months ahead:

  • February Shows: Primarily feature Fall/Winter collections
  • September Shows: Primarily feature Spring/Summer collections

Evolving Seasonal Conventions

The traditional system is evolving as consumer demands change:

  • See-Now-Buy-Now: Some designers now show in-season collections available for immediate purchase
  • Season-Fluid Collections: Increasing number of designers creating seasonless or trans-seasonal clothing
  • Gender Integration: Traditional divisions between men’s and women’s fashion weeks are blurring

The “Big 4” Fashion Capitals

The fashion industry follows a specific order for the “Big 4” fashion weeks:

The Established Order

  1. New York: Always first, setting the season’s initial direction
  2. London: Second, often showcasing experimental and emerging talent
  3. Milan: Third, featuring established Italian luxury houses
  4. Paris: The grand finale, presenting both heritage houses and avant-garde designers

Finding Current Fashion Week Dates

Fashion Week dates can shift slightly from year to year. For the most accurate and up-to-date schedule information:

Fashion Week Access Options

There are multiple ways to experience Fashion Week depending on your industry connection:

Industry Professionals

Buyers, editors, stylists, and other fashion professionals typically receive invitations directly from brands or through industry credentials.

Fashion Enthusiasts

The public can experience Fashion Week through:

  • Ticketed Shows: Many events now offer public access options
  • Digital Access: Livestreams and virtual experiences
  • Fashion Week Online® VIP Membership: Exclusive access to discounted tickets and special events

Fashion Week runs like clockwork year after year, following this consistent calendar structure. While exact dates may shift slightly each year, the pattern remains the same—allowing the global fashion industry to plan accordingly and ensuring that somewhere in the world, it’s always Fashion Week.