Fashion Week: Dreams in Fabric and Glamour
Hello fall, and more importantly, hello fashion week! For many of us who adore fashion, it’s like Christmas and your birthday rolled into one. Fashion Week is so much more than just an event – it’s a spectacle, a show, and a source of inspiration. But where did it all start, and what’s hot right now? Let’s dive in!
A Look At Its History
Did you know that the first Fashion Week took place in New York way back in 1943? It was called “Press Week” back then, and it wasn’t as glamorous as you might imagine. When it started, it was all about giving American designers more attention because during World War II, no one could travel to Paris (the world’s fashion capital at the time).
Since then, so much has changed. Paris, Milan, London, and New York are now the big four fashion capitals, blessing us twice a year with the latest trends. Each city has its own vibe: Paris is all about elegance, Milan is extravagant, London is experimental, and New York is the place to be to see cool streetwear looks. It’s fascinating how fashion moves from the runways to the streets of our cities. Often, you don’t even realize that the top you’re wearing had its start on Fashion Week months before.
The Evolution of Fashion Week's Audience
Fashion Week wasn’t always the global spectacle it is today. In its early days, the audience was very exclusive, mainly consisting of buyers, fashion editors, and a handful of wealthy clients. The shows were small, private affairs meant strictly for business. But over the decades, as fashion became more intertwined with pop culture, the audience began to change. Celebrities started attending, and suddenly, Fashion Week was about more than just selling clothes – it was about creating buzz and making headlines. The 1990s and early 2000s saw the rise of the “supermodel,” where models like Naomi Campbell and Kate Moss became as famous as the clothes they wore, drawing even more attention to the shows. Today, with influencers and bloggers in the front rows and live streams bringing the shows to millions worldwide, Fashion Week is more accessible than ever. It’s amazing to think how it’s transformed from a niche industry event to a global phenomenon that everyone can be a part of.
What’s Hot Right Now?
And now for the exciting part: What was the absolute hit at Fashion Week this year? Maybe you’ve already seen some pictures on Instagram or seen your favorite influencer while scrolling on TikTok. This year was really special because so many designers focused on sustainability. This is particularly exciting as fashion has a reputation for being one of the most damaging commercial industries. It’s so important to think about how fashion is produced and the impact it has on our planet.
Versace Spring/Summer 1993 from Vogue
One big trend that I love is the oversized look. Whether it’s blazers, pants, or even dresses – everything can be a few sizes too big. Then, you can pair it with slim accessories to keep the silhouette cool and feminine. Totally my thing! We saw a range of colors as well: Bold reds, deep blues, and – wait for it – neon! Yes, neon is back, and it’s big. Whether as accessories or a full outfit, these colors definitely make a statement.
The Influence of Street Style
One of the coolest things about Fashion Week is how it influences street style. It's not just the designers and models who make a statement – it's the people attending the shows, too. The streets outside the venues become runways themselves, with fashion lovers from all over the world showing off their most creative outfits. Sometimes, the looks you see outside the shows are even more daring and trendsetting than what’s on the runway! It’s a reminder that fashion isn’t just about high-end labels – it’s about self-expression, confidence, and having fun with what you wear. Honestly, scrolling through streetstyle photos from Fashion Week always gives me so much inspiration for my own wardrobe.
My Personal Highlights
There were so many amazing shows this year, but my absolute favorites were Prada and Balenciaga. Prada once again showed that they understand how to play with shapes and materials. The mix of futuristic cuts and classic fabrics was just wow! Balenciaga, on the other hand, blew me away with their super innovative use of technology. They did an entire digital fashion show – so cool and it felt like a glimpse into the future of fashion.
To wrap it up, I just have to say: I hope that one day I can experience it all live. It would be a dream to feel the atmosphere, the fashion, and the creativity up close. Do you want to share your own thoughts on Fashion Week? Do you have a favorite designer or a show that inspired you the most? Let us know @itgirlarchive_ and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram for more Fashion Week content!