Don't ask me where I've been; I have been hibernating. I'm just a girl who sometimes needs a coffin to rot in. BUT!!! Now I'm back, and Hii gorgeous, Let's dive right into the world of Fashion Week. Buckle up 'cause I'm about to spill all the deets on the year's hottest event! From the iconic runway moments to the exclusive after-parties, we're here to dish out the scoop on why Fashion Week is THE place to be. Ok, now go on, strike a pose! Here we go…
What's the Deal with Fashion Week?
Fashion Week is a special occasion where designers present their upcoming collections to the public for the first time. It's a presentation of things that will ultimately be sold in stores. Picture this: runway shows, paparazzi flashes, and major style inspo everywhere you look.
A Little History Lesson:
Okay, it's time to spill the tea on Fashion Week's origin story! So, waaay back in 1943, during World War II, they kicked things off as 'Press Week.' American fashionistas couldn't jet to Paris for the hottest shows, so NYC took the stage to flex its style game. Fast forward, 'Press Week' got a significant glow-up and morphed into the Fashion Week we know. Venues across NYC hosted the runway magic, but in '94, they upgraded to Bryant Park – close to the Garment District, making it runway heaven. Later on, the iconic 'tents' moved to Damrosch Park in 2010. It's like the fashion journey from grassroots glam to high-key runway royalty!
Fashion week? Fashion month? Year? What is it?
Ever wonder why Fashion Week feels like it's on a loop? Let's break it down: There are three flavours of Fashion Weeks: Haute Couture, Prêt-à-Porter (that's fancy for Ready-to-Wear), and Menswear.
Paris is the VIP spot for Haute Couture – like, legally protected trademark levels of fancy! It's all about those handmade, tailored vibes.
Then there's Ready-to-Wear, dropping those runway looks you can actually snag in stores a few months later. Think of it as the ultimate sneak peek into your future wardrobe.
And don't forget Menswear, making its debut in 2012. They're all about setting the trends for the fellas.
Now, brace yourself for the seasonal shuffle: Haute Couture struts its stuff twice a year. Ready-to-Wear hits the runway in February/March for the following fall/winter season and then again in September for spring/summer vibes.
Meanwhile, Menswear is about setting the style tone, dropping their fall/winter collections in January and spring/summer heat in June.
How long do shows last?
Usually, these shows start fashionably late, you know, because fashion waits for no one. And once they kick-off, you're in for a whirlwind of style that lasts around 10 to 20 minutes. But let me tell ya, it's the most intense 20 minutes of your life!
There's no rulebook on how many looks designers can serve up. It could be 20 or 100 – especially if they're doubling and showing off Menswear.
But what is the purpose?
Alright, let's break it down for you in fashion lingo! Fashion Week serves up different vibes depending on where you're at in the fashion game.
For designers, turning their wild ideas into runway reality is like the ultimate deadline. Months of late-night sketching and fabric swatching finally rock the catwalk.
Fashion journalists? They're on the hunt for the next big scoop, whether it's a diamond in the rough designer or the dramatic downfall of a once-loved celeb. But hey, sometimes they're just buttering up their industry pals or smoothing things with advertisers – it's all part of the game.
And then you've got the buyers who stock the racks at your fav stores. They're not just clicking away on their laptops but mingling with the scene. Because in this world, first impressions are everything, and Fashion Week leaves a lasting mark.
Where's the Party at??
So, first things first, when we talk about "the tents," we're not talking about camping gear – we're talking about the hottest spot in town during Fashion Week!
These tents are where all the major runway action goes down. Super lu and expansive structures complete with heating or air-conditioning – because, you know, fashionistas gotta stay comfy while they eat those looks up.
Not every designer is all about these tents. Some prefer to shake things up and go "off-site." That means they might ditch the tents for venues like art galleries, photo studios, or even iconic buildings like the New York Public Library.
What goes on in the main show?
Fashion Week is the ultimate star-studded event, where the paparazzi are going absolutely bananas, snapping pics of everyone from top editors to A-list celebs, social media sensations, and style influencers. And guess what? There might even be a DJ spinning some pre-show beats to get the vibe just right.
But wait, the real showstopper? The runway, of course! Models strutting their stuff in like thirty to forty fierce looks, each one more jaw-dropping than the last. And get this – you never know who might pop up on the catwalk! It could be your favourite supermodel or a fresh face making waves. But no matter what, the grand finale is always iconic – with all the models owning the runway before the designer makes their epic entrance for that final wave. And sometimes, just to keep things spicy, they'll throw in a short film or a surprise musical guest to keep you on your toes.
Is it all different from what you see in the stores?
What you see on the runway is like the designer's ultimate vision, their chance to go all out and create something totally astounding.
It's all about making a statement and setting the aura for the next season. But when those pieces hit the stores, they might get a little tweak here and there to make them more wearable for us regular folks. Imagine a super edgy see-through dress on the runway – major Instagram material, right? But in real life, they might add a little slip underneath to keep things PG. And let's not forget those crazy, out-there pieces that are just too wild for everyday wear, but man, do they make a splash on the runway!
So yeah, the runway collection is like the designer's masterpiece – bold, daring, and totally unforgettable. But they might dial it back just a tad when it comes to wearing IRL.
Who's in, Who's out?
I mean, who's actually scoring those golden tickets to Fashion Week? Let's break it down. If you're in the cool club, you're in.
We're talking fashion editors, retail big shots, bloggers with a lotta clout, influencers shaking up the scene, and the who's who of Hollywood.
Celebs either support their designer pals or get their brand promotion game on point. But you know what? If you're not on the VIP list, don't sweat it! You can still catch all the runway action without leaving your cosy spot on the couch. So whether you're rubbing elbows with the fashion elite or chilling with your crew, there's a place for everyone at Fashion Week – no special invite required.
Why is Fashion Week such a big deal, you ask?
Beyond the glitz and glam, it's actually a big work gig. Store buyers scout the latest looks to stock up their shops for the next season. Meanwhile, magazine editors are searching for the following significant trends to feature. It's like a crystal ball for predicting what's gonna be hot for the next six months. It may seem like one big par-tay, but it's low-key shaping the fashion world as we know it.
Fashion Week isn't just about the runway spectacle or the dazzling parties—it's a crucial moment where the fashion world converges to set the tone for the coming seasons. Designers unleash their wildest imaginations onto the runway. At the same time, fashion journalists hunt for the next big story, and buyers meticulously curate collections for stores worldwide. It's a whirlwind of creativity, influence, and trendsetting, shaping the very fabric of the fashion landscape. So, next time you catch a glimpse of Fashion Week fever, remember, it's not just a party—it's where the future of fashion takes its first steps onto the world stage.
Thanks for reading; I promise I'll try to be more consistent now that I took a three-month break (tomatoes burn the b!tch)
I'll catch you later, dearies. Lots of love, Mwah x.
I'll catch you later, dearies. Lots of love, Mwah x.
I'm S.C., and this is loretwentyfore.
