When was fashion week

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Last updated: April 17, 2026

Quick Answer: Fashion Week began in 1943 as 'Press Week' during World War II, organized by Eleanor Lambert to showcase American designers. The modern format of seasonal events in major cities like New York, Milan, and Paris solidified in the 1980s and 1990s.

Key Facts

The first Fashion Week, called 'Press Week,' was held in 1943 in New York.
Eleanor Lambert, a public relations expert, founded the event to promote American fashion.
Paris Fashion Week began in 1910, predating the official term 'Fashion Week.'
The 'Big Four' Fashion Weeks are held in New York, London, Milan, and Paris.
Today, Fashion Weeks occur biannually, in February and September, for Spring/Summer and Fall/Winter collections.

Overview

Fashion Week is a biannual event where designers and fashion houses present their latest collections to buyers, press, and influencers. Originating during World War II, it was created to shift attention from Paris to American fashion due to travel restrictions.

Over time, it evolved into a global phenomenon with major events in key fashion capitals. These weeks now serve as economic drivers, media spectacles, and trendsetters for the entire fashion industry.

1943: The first official Fashion Week, known as 'Press Week,' was launched in New York by publicist Eleanor Lambert to promote American designers during WWII.
Paris Fashion Week: Though not called Fashion Week until later, Paris has hosted seasonal shows since 1910, making it the oldest continuous fashion showcase.
London Fashion Week: Debuted in 1984, it was established to elevate British design talent on the international stage.
Milan Fashion Week: Began in 1958, it highlights Italian luxury brands like Gucci, Prada, and Versace with high production value.
Global expansion: Over 80 cities now host their own Fashion Weeks, including emerging markets like Lagos, Manila, and Tbilisi.

How It Works

Fashion Week operates on a strict seasonal calendar, with shows scheduled months in advance to align with retail cycles and media coverage. Designers present runway collections that buyers and journalists use to forecast trends and place orders.

Seasonal Schedule: Events occur twice a year—February for Fall/Winter lines and September for Spring/Summer—ensuring collections reach stores 6–8 months later.
Big Four: The term refers to New York, London, Milan, and Paris, which host the most influential Fashion Weeks each season.
Runway Shows: Designers present 20–30 looks per show, often lasting under 10 minutes, with models walking in rapid succession.
Guest Lists: Attendees include editors from Vogue, Harper's Bazaar, and WWD, along with top-tier influencers and celebrity guests.
Backstage Teams: Each show involves 50–200 professionals, including stylists, makeup artists, and wardrobe assistants.
Digital Shift: Since 2020, over 60% of shows have incorporated livestreams or digital lookbooks due to the pandemic.

Comparison at a Glance

Major Fashion Weeks differ in style focus, economic impact, and cultural influence. The table below compares key details across the Big Four.

City	First Held	Seasons Held	Notable Brands	Attendance (Avg.)
New York	1943	Biannual	Calvin Klein, Tommy Hilfiger	100,000+
London	1984	Biannual	Burberry, Alexander McQueen	55,000
Milan	1958	Biannual	Prada, Armani, Versace	70,000
Paris	1910 (as shows)	Biannual	Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton	120,000
Tokyo	1957	Biannual	Comme des Garçons, Issey Miyake	30,000

Paris consistently draws the largest crowds and media coverage, while New York remains pivotal for commercial appeal. Each city emphasizes distinct aesthetics—London for avant-garde, Milan for luxury craftsmanship, and Paris for haute couture.

Why It Matters

Fashion Week is more than a display of clothing—it shapes global trends, drives billions in sales, and influences cultural norms. Its impact extends beyond runways into retail, media, and sustainability debates.

Economic impact: New York Fashion Week alone generates over $887 million annually for the city's economy.
Media coverage: The 2023 Paris shows reached over 1.2 billion social media impressions globally.
Sustainability: In 2022, 42% of designers incorporated eco-friendly materials or zero-waste designs.
Inclusivity: Recent seasons have seen a rise in diverse casting, with 35% of models being non-white in 2023.
Fast fashion: Trends from Fashion Week often appear in mass-market stores within 4–6 weeks, influencing consumer behavior.
Cultural diplomacy: National designers use the platform to project soft power, such as South Korea's rise in global fashion since 2015.

As digital innovation and ethical concerns reshape the industry, Fashion Week continues to adapt while maintaining its status as a cornerstone of global fashion culture.