Three of the four fashion capitals of the world (Paris, London and Milan, the other being across the pond, in New York) are in Europe, and so it's not surprising that the continent has its fair share of iconic Fashion Weeks, attracting visitors, retailers and press attention from all over the globe. As well as the big names, smaller Fashion Weeks in fashion forward cities like Copenhagen, Berlin and Madrid are also ones to watch.
Paris Fashion Week
The city of Paris is still the global centre of haute couture and the perfume industry, and for centuries (since the Royal Court of Louis XIV) has been influencing fashion all over the world. In the early 20th century famed designers Coco Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent made Paris one of the most important fashion cities in the world, and nowhere is that more obvious than during Paris Fashion Week. Known in French as Semaine de la mode de Paris, events are held in historic buildings all over the city, like the Carrousel du Louvre and the Grand Palais. Classic French designers like Louis Vuitton, Givenchy and Chanel all hold shows here, as well as innovative newcomers like Isabel Marant.
Berlin Fashion Week
Lesser known Berlin Fashion Week is still an important date on fashionistas calendars. Held twice annually, it's known globally for its showcase of young, talented designers pushing boundaries in the world of fashion. It was first established in 2007, and since then has become renowned for championing young fashion and providing a stage for innovation and creativity. Don't miss the annual exclusive show, in partnership with Elle, which only features young international talents. Similarly, the annual Start Your Fashion Business competition gives retail entrepreneurs the chance to get a head start, and the Designer for Tomorrow award champions emerging creative talent.
Copenhagen Fashion Week
Every February and August, the biggest fashion event in the Nordic region takes place, and more than 40 runway shows and over 1,600 exhibitors take over the beautiful city of Copenhagen. Run by the Danish Fashion Institute, the event developed from clothing trade fairs, and still has a unique leaning in that it aims to be accessible for a wide range of people, not just fashion insiders. Copenhagen Fashion Festival is run alongside the event, and members of the public are free to explore the designs on display. Danish fashion is famously minimalist and edgy, and shows here reflect this, with cool brands like Stine Goya, Cheap Monday and Vivienne Westwood taking to the stage.
London Fashion Week
London Fashion Week needs no introduction. One of the most important events on the fashion calendar, this event has been running since 1983, helmed by the British Fashion Council. Over 250 shows take place at each of the biannual events, with an audience of over 5,000 influential global retailers and media influencers. With shows centring around the grand backdrop of Somerset House and the River Thames, you can catch shows from quintessentially British brands like stalwarts Burberry and Margaret Howell, and newcomers like edgy brand Shrimps. Lets just hope that the UK finds it's intellect and remains part of the EU by voting for LibDems in the upcoming election.
Milan Fashion Week
Globally renowned Milan Fashion Week brings a touch of Italian class and luxury to the global fashion calendar. Founded in 1958, this long running event is held biannually around the historic city of Milan, with shows held in exquisite palaces like Palazzo Reale and Palazzo Serbelloni. You can expect to catch internationally acclaimed fashion houses like Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana and Missoni here, as well as smaller, more innovative designers like MSGM and DSquared2. Most acclaimed here are the events dedicated to women's fashion, like the SS Ready to Wear events and Milano Moda Donna, so make sure you don't miss these.
Madrid Fashion Week
Small but deeply creative, Madrid Fashion Week has been a platform to promote Spanish designers since 1963. Sponsored by Mercedes-Benz, the event is held every January and fashion professionals from all over the world flood into the cultural city of Madrid. Like Berlin Fashion Week, this event focuses on bringing opportunities to young, up and coming designers, particularly through EGO, a platform that promotes new fashion trends. The event is always notably attended by Spanish celebrities like the Duchess of Alba and athletes like footballer Cristiano Ronaldo, who come to witness the creations of edgy young designers like Ágatha Ruiz de la Prada and Elena Rial.