Weekly fashion calendar: Belgrade, Dubai, Niamey

Belgrade, Dubai, Niamey (Niger) -- the fashion week agenda doesn't get much more international than this. Coming up within the next four weeks: Hello Kitty's 35th birthday party, Jimmy Choo's big launch at H&M, and the prestigious Swiss Textiles Award.

Belgrade Fashion Week

October 22-29

The Eastern European fashion week ranks right behind the Moscow counterpart and has silently but steadily made a name for itself, previously attracting internationally reputed brands such as Adidas, Diesel, Costume National, Mango, and even Hugo Boss. This season's schedule is yet to be announced.

Belgrade/Serbia

Site: www.belgradefashionweek.com

Dubai Fashion Week

October 24-29

Taking place at its new venue, the InterContinental hotel, organizers say this season's event will be bigger and better than the last one in April, with the region's most popular designers such as Walid Atallah, Reem Ali Beljafla, Aly Fawaz or Salma Khan returning in addition to a number of first-timers. In total, 35 Middle-Eastern and Asian designers will present their collections.

Dubai/UAE

Site: www.dfw.ae

International Festival of African Fashion (FIMA)

October 25 - November 1

With recent developments such as the ARISE fashion collective and joint fashion weeks in South Africa as well as fashion shows by African designers in the international fashion capitals, the continent's fashion design is on the advance, but this festival was already started a decade ago and has proven to be a reliable indicator for Africa's brands. The organizers will also host an annual showcase for new designers, called 'L'Afrique est à la mode' ('Africa is in fashion'), with financial rewards at stake.

Niamey/Niger

Site: www.fima-africa.com

Ongoing fashion events

Russian Fashion Week

October 17-23

The most important fashion event in Eastern Europe, especially in terms of buying power, is hosting shows by Zandra Rhodes, Jenny Packham, Catherine Malandrino, and Francesco Smalto this season.

Moscow/Russia

Site: russianfashionweek.com

Toronto Fashion Week

October 19-24

Having announced a location move to the city's King West area in order to make space for more exhibiting brands, Toronto Fashion Week -- known for a more commercial, laid-back approach to fashion -- will host Barbie and Holt Renfrew events this season and host a screening of Vogue documentary, The September Issue.

Toronto/Canada

Site: www.lgfashionweek.ca

Japan Fashion Week

October 19-25

It is only the ninth edition of Japanese fashion week, but already, the event enjoys the acclaim of the international community. This season, there will be a collective of Danish designers exhibiting (among them Peter Jensen and Noir/Bllack Noir) as well as the most successful labels of the country such as House of the very Island.

Tokyo/Japan

Site: www.jfw.jp

Fashion events coming up in the next four weeks

Fashion Arabia

October 26-28

The Middle East's most exhaustive fashion trade fair will see brands present men's, women's and children's wear as well as lingerie, swimwear and uniforms to the international press and buyers.

Adnec/Abu Dhabi

Site: www.fashionarabiaexpo.com

Mid-East Watch & Jewellery Show

October 27-31

Expecting around 50,000 visitors from 30 countries, the 27th edition of the jewellery fair will showcase the latest designs and trends in watches, jewellery, gold, precious stones, gems and diamonds.

Sharjah, UAE

Site: www.mideastjewellery.com

Hello Kitty turns 35

November 1

Under the motto of "Hello Kitty Colors," the famous Japanese cartoon cat fetes its 35th anniversary. Celebrations already started in September, when specially themed collections hit Hello Kitty stores worldwide. November will see even more product launches (apparel, jewelry, collectibles), special offers and events.

Site: kitty35.com

Swiss Textiles Award

November 12

Worth 100,000, the Swiss Textiles Award (on the occasion of the Stella Contemporary Fashion Award) is one of the world's best-endowed fashion prizes for young designers. This year's nominees are Erdem, Alexis Mabille, Ohne Titel, Thakoon, Peter Pilotto, and
Alexander Wang.

Site: www.swisstextiles.ch

Jimmy Choo launches at H&M

November 14

Marking the first designer-shoe collaboration of the Swedish retailer, UK brand Jimmy Choo, one of the top three shoe labels in the world for prestige, will release ranges of shoes, bags and other accessories for women -- and men! -- on November 14 via H&M's network of stores.

Site: www.hm.com/us/fashion/jimmychooforhm__jc_preview.nhtml#/jc_preview