Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter Stay ahead of the trend in fashion and beyond with our free weekly Lifestyle Edit newsletter
To the uninitiated, fashion month might seem like a crazed cacophony of stomping stilettos, clinking champagne flutes, and roaring hairdryers. Well, it kind of is.
But underneath the veil of glamour and frivolity lies a very real and economic purpose: to showcase the latest contributions to a $385.7bn (£298bn) global industry.
Lasting four weeks, fashion month sees designers from around the world debut their latest collections in New York , London , Milan and Paris .
Each city has its own distinct identity and aesthetic. Where some uphold the establishment, such as Chanel and Louis Vuitton , whose collections have been showing in Paris for decades, others champion emerging talents, think Central Saint Martins graduate Matty Bovan , who now shows in London.
Here is everything you need to know about fashion month, from who attends and why it matters to what each of the cities are known for.
What is fashion month? Fashion month is a four-week period that happens twice a year in February and September, during which designers showcase their collections for the season ahead.
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street styleShow all 33 1 /33New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style Zebra print is swiftly taking over from leopard's longstanding reign in the animal print realm. Here, this guest wears hers on a tailored jacket paired with thigh-high black boots.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style This look is giving us all the 1980s feels. Slinky purple wrap dress? Tick. Oversized wide-brimmed hat? Tick. Overall retro excellence? Absolutely.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style This fashion week attendee encapsulated fashion's playful spirit in this look, consisting of full-length dungarees covered with eye motifs, which she wore over a sheer egg yolk yellow shirt.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style Flower power takes the lead in this retro fashion week look. Splashes of orange, green and burgundy are offset by this guest's white polo neck top and matching shades.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style All things bright and British was the thinking behind this fashion week guest's look. He paired his flag-covered suit with a white shirt and black brogues.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style Marigold continues its reign over the colour wheel this season, as this street styler demonstrates by wearing a flowing wrap dress in the yolk-coloured shade.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style Brazen tailoring is making a comeback this season, as seen here via this heavy-duty cheetah print suit, which this street styler accessorised with just a small slogan-covered handbag.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style This crimson co-ord wins all the style points thanks to the boxy cropped cut of the jacket and the flattering pinstripe detail.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style Mint green trousers are a rare sight among the street style crowd, but this fashion week guest makes them work by sharpening the silhouette with strappy black heels. The 1980s floral shirt helps too.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style The animal print fetish shows no signs of waning, as shown here with this silk tiger print midi skirt. The brash "Moschino" necklace might seem a bit OTT, but this street styler makes it work by pairing it with a simple white corset-style crop top.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style This guest paired her scarlet mum jeans with a sheer tie-up shirt black lace-up shoes and cat-eye shades.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style When the pattern is as eye-catching as this one, it's wise to strip back one's look in other areas, like this street styler has done by pairing her high-waisted trousers with a simple white crochet top and blazer. The yellow loop handle bag adds a splash of vibrancy.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style A classic black polo neck top is always going to be a sartorial winner, especially when it's tucked into high-waisted jeans and accessorised with simple silver jewellery.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style This fashion week reveller kept her stylish look simple - a pistachio green co-ord, paired with a black clutch bag. and groovy aviator sunglasses.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style You can never have too much pink in one look, particularly if the tailoring boasts a contrasting red accent, as seen here. This guest completed her look with a white roll neck top and chunky trainers.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style Just because the September skies are grey, that doesn’t mean your outfit has to match, as this guest demonstrated at NYFW. The stylish showgoer opted for a pair of white high-waisted jeans worn with matching trainers, a boxy yellow T-shirt and black YSL crossbody bag.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style What better way to stand out among the throng of striking fashion week outfits than by opting for an aqua blue jumpsuit. This attendee accessorised her look with a striped bumbag and sculptural heels.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style More is more when it comes to monochrome, as this street styler proves. The fashion week goer didn't hold back, wearing two-tone stripes on everything from her gown to her hat and sunglasses.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style This acid yellow outfit was perfectly accessorised with a black corset belt and matching heeled mules. The slicked-back hair gives the look the ultimate sophisticated finish.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style This guest made a colourful statement on the streets of New York by pairing a blue and orange checked skirt suit with a matching mini bag and specs.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style This guest embraced the spirit of the Nineties with her ensemble that consisted of pinstripe cycling shorts, a band T-shirt, baggy denim overshirt white socks and trainers combo. The street styler finished her look by wearing her hair in a super-high pony tail.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style If you’re going to attend one of the most coveted fashion events of the year, you might as well make a strong impression while doing so. That’s exactly what this guest did, turning up in a checked mini dress that featured a Victoriana-inspired ruffled neck and sleeves.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style Paired with a striking yellow head scarf, Louis Vuitton bag and flat sandals, this fashionista looked every inch a style queen in her striped midi dress.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style Dapper Dan opted for head-to-toe Gucci for the first day of shows at New York Fashion Week. The fashion designer wore a navy blazer, dress shirt and checked bow tie with burgundy trousers and matching brogues. He completed the look with a pair of oversized black-and-green sunglasses.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style This guest embodies the spirit of “off-duty model” style, wearing a black-and-white crop top, mini skirt and biker boots.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style This guest displayed the power of vintage styling with her NYFW look, opting for a pair of blue denim jeans worn with a graphic shirt, white socks and tan-coloured shoes.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style Leopard print is continuing to reign supreme in the fashion world. This guest donned a printed shirt with pinstripe trousers and brown loafers.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style This street style star offset a pair of printed wide-leg trousers with a navy tailored jacket, nude sandals and over-the-shoulder bag.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style This guest made a bold statement on the streets of New York in a python print two-piece. She was accompanied by a friend wearing a modish tailored jacket with capri pants and kitten heels.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style Neutral tones show no sign of going out of fashion and this is a sentiment clearly shared by this fashion expert. The guest paired a midi-length python-print skirt with tan-coloured boots and a cream bodysuit.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style Dressing in one colour simply never goes out of fashion when it’s done right. This guest proved just how to pull off a look that lacks colour, wearing white denim jeans with a matching vest top and studded belt.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style Leather looks continue to hold their own among the style set. Worn here in the form of an orange shirt dress, the material adds an unexpected touch to an otherwise girlish look. The guest completed the look with Fendi cowboy boots and sunglasses.
Getty Images
New York Fashion Week SS20: Best street style More is more when it comes to leopard, one of the most dynamic prints set to dominate in the season ahead. Paired here with black sunglasses and a pink bucket bag, there's no stopping this savvy street styler.
Getty Images
It began as a trade event in New York in 1943, but has since evolved into an all-encompassing sartorial spectacle that now involves celebrities, influencers and eye-watering budgets.
As per tradition, things routinely kick off in New York before moving onto London, Milan and Paris.
The clothes showcased at fashion week set the trend agenda for the following months.
Everything you see in fashion magazines and on the shelves of high street shops will, most likely, have been influenced by what was on display during the previous fashion month.
What's the difference between the February and September shows? In February, designers will debut their autumn/winter collections for that year, while spring/summer collections for the following year are showcased in September.
This is to give the buyers and editors in attendance enough time to choose what they want to purchase or feature before the clothes arrive in stores.
The shows themselves usually last no longer than 10 minutes, but presentations (which give guests the opportunity to peruse collections in an exhibition-like setting) can last a few hours
Who goes? Despite its stratospheric impact, fashion month remains an invite-only event.
The front row is usually made up of the most important editors, buyers and influencers, while other industry players typically fill up the rows behind.
But there are still plenty of parties, shop openings and events that people can buy tickets to. In London, for example, there's London Fashion Week Festival , which is organised by the British Fashion Council and takes place immediately after fashion week.
Catwalks, talks with industry insiders and exclusive shopping events are on offer, giving fashion fans an insight into what fashion week is all about.
New York Fashion Week This year, New York Fashion Week begins on Friday 6 September.
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019Show all 53 1 /53Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Cyndi Lauper The Girls Just Wanna Have Fun singer was pictured at the Libertine show wearing a white tailored suit covered in a mishmash of motifs.
Getty Images
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Paris Hilton The heiress wore a sprightly yellow shirt dress covered in colourful vases and bottles. Hilton was sat in the front row of the Libertine show alongside Lauper.
Getty Images
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Zendaya and H.E.R The Euphoria actor posed alongside musician H.E.R as they waited for the Vera Wang show to begin. Zendaya wore a mesh corset top while H.E.R chose a monochrome look accessorised with white sunglasses.
Getty Images
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Suki Waterhouse and Emily Ratajkowski The modelling duo wore similar sleeveless ensembles as they sat together in the front row at Proenza Schouler. Waterhouse's featured flashes of green and mustard while Ratajkowski's dress had bold sashes of tangerine.
Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Paris Hilton The American heiress and DJ attended Rihanna's Savage x Fenty show in a dusty blue ruffle mini dress that featured cut-outs at the side.
REUTERS
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Halsey The Sorry singer posed on the red carpet prior to performing at Rihanna's Savage X Fenty show wearing a silk burgundy co-ord and stilettos.
REUTERS
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Gigi Hadid The American model opted for a simple black corset and pale jeans look for the Rihanna Savage x Fenty show. Hadid spritzed up the casual ensemble with a pair of sparkly pointed high heels.
REUTERS
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Bella Hadid The model proudly showed off her black lace bralet for the Rihanna Savage x Fenty show, wearing just a loose-fitting emerald green suit over the top.
REUTERS
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Slick Woods The model made a colourful appearance ahead of the Rihanna Savage x Fenty show in this fluorescent green unitard, which she paired with lace gloves and red fluffy heels.
REUTERS
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Miley Cyrus The singer made a rare appearance at Fashion Week by turning up for Tom Ford's show wearing head-to-toe black. Cyrus paired her fluffy wide-brimmed hat with an ankle-grazing coat, silk cigarette trousers and a low-cut shirt.
Getty Images
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Joan Smalls The model's crimson ensemble matched the walls of the venue for Tom Ford's show. Smalls wore satin trousers whose bright hue was matched by a velvet blazer and peep-toe high heels.
Getty Images
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Amber Valletta The model and actor was photographed at the Tom Ford show in a double-breasted black suit that featured pale pink lapels.
Getty Images
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Anna Wintour The American Vogue editor wore a blue floral gown that featured intricate black and silver patterns. Of course, Wintour also wore her signature dark shades.
Getty Images
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Karlie Kloss The American model an entrepreneur posed ahead of the Carolina Hererra show, for which she wore a fiery orange one-shoulder gown accessorised with a black tie-up belt.
Getty Images
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Brittany Snow The American actor was photographed prior to taking her seat at the Jonathan Simkhai show wearing a double breasted checked blazer of a forest green lace dress.
Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Devon Windsor The model attended the Jonathan Simkhai show wearing a vibrant tangerine gown featuring draped detail and a thigh-high slit.
Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Karen Elson and Edward Enninful The model posed alongside British Vogue editor wearing a purple and scarlet gown while Enninful opted for a simple tailored look.
Getty Images NYFW: The Shows
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Adriana Lima The Victoria's Secret model was spotted at the Jason Wu Collection show wearing a slim-fitting scarlet gown with a pair of matching strappy stilettos and a black clutch.
Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Lucy Hale The American actor was pictured at the Jason Wu show in a sheer polka dot mini dress complete with a ruffled skirt and Victorian era-inspired sleeves.
Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Olivia Palermo The fashion influencer and former reality TV star posed for photographers before taking her seat at the Jason Wu show wearing a black and white checked shirt dress.
Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Linda Cardellini The Green Book star sat in the front row for the Jason Wu Collection show on Saturday wearing a black frock with a bardot neckline.
Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Bella and Gigi Hadid The model sisters posed together before walking the runway for the Tommy Hilfiger show on Saturday. Both women wore gunmetal grey outfits.
EPA
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Gigi Hadid and Irina Shayk The two models sat next to each other on the front row at Jeremy Scott’s runway show. While Hadid opted for a pair of logo-heavy denim dungarees and a matching bucket hat, Shayk wore a black tuxedo mini dress.
Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Kendall Jenner, Jean Cassegrain, Lila Moss, Kate Moss, and Julianne Moore Longchamp's front row was a star-studded affair with Kendall Jenner, Lila Moss, Kate Moss and Julianne Moore sitting alongside Jean Cassegrain, the brand's CEO.
Getty Images for Longchamp
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Ashley Graham Model Ashley Graham proudly showed off her baby bump at the Christian Siriano show wearing a black-and-white polka dot dress.
Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Katie Holmes The actor sat on the front row at the Elie Tahari show during New York Fashion Week wearing an ensemble created by the designer. The Batman Begins star combined a pair of black jeans with a denim shirt, a white cardigan and black, pointed boots.
Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Zendaya The Euphoria star showcased pieces from her collection with Tommy Hilfiger, taking inspiration from the 1970s with a matching burgundy power suit and flat cap.
AFP/Getty Images
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Sarah Michelle Gellar, Lucy Liu and Alicia Silverstone While actors Sarah Michelle Gellar and Lucy Liu kept things classic in all-black ensembles, Alicia Silverstone stood out from the crowd wearing a lilac-coloured gown.
Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Emma Roberts and Katherine Schwarzenegger Emma Roberts and Katherine Schwarzenegger both opted for patterned ensembles as they sat front row at Kate Spade. While Roberts opted for a monochrome shift dress and matching handbag, Schwarzenegger chose a colourful knitted co-ord.
Getty Images
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Jameela Jamil Activist and presenter Jameela Jamil attended the Jeremy Scott show wearing a red brocade two-piece suit designed by Preen by Thornton Bregazzi. Jamil accessorised the looks with black pointed heels, a swipe of pink lipstick and a bright yellow manicure.
Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Lily Aldridge Supermodel Lily Aldridge attended the Brandon Maxwell show wearing a black satin midi-dress with a waist belt and open-toe heels.
Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Yara Shahidi Actor and activist Shahidi brought a splash of colour to The Daily Front Row Fashion Media Awards in a vibrant pink, green and blue 1960s-esque dress by Prada.
AFP/Getty Images
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Sandra Shehab The former America's Next Top Model contestant attended the front row of Victoria Hayes' New York Fashion Week show wearing a pink, purple and orange patterned jumpsuit with an orange-yellow long-sleeved polo neck top and a pair of burnt orange ankle boots.
Getty Images For Victoria Hayes
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Heidi Klum The supermodel attended the Jeremy Scott show wearing for a black-and-white two-piece consisting of a satin overcoat and sheer dress with a feathered hem. Klum completed the look with a pair of white stiletto heels.
Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Kate Moss Moss displays her modelling chops at the Fashion Media Awards wearing a black sheer floor-length dress for the ceremony, where she received the 'Style Icon' award.
Getty Images for Daily Front Ro
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Saweetie and Nicole Sherzinger The US rapper and former Pussycat Doll twinned in matching black-and-red ensembles at Jeremy Scott’s show. While Saweetie opted for a red Moschino dress, leather choker and bat-shaped bag, Sherzinger wore a black tailored suit that was cinched at the waist with an oversized red satin belt.
Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Halima Aden The model wore a summery design by New Zealand-born fashion designer Emilia Wickstead at the E!, ELLE, and IMG New York Fashion Week kick-off party.
Getty Images for ELLE
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Danielle Macdonald Dumplin' star Danielle Macdonald opted for a floral two-piece suit as she sat front row at Kate Spade's show.
Getty Images
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Nikita Dragun YouTuber Nikita Dragun attended the Chromat show wearing a black-and-white houndstooth catsuit. She accessorised the look with knee-high boots and hoop earrings.
Getty Images for Chromat
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Miss J. Alexander The America's Next Top Model coach opted for a casual yet stylish look, wearing a pair of baggy, suede-looking trousers, a black, V-neck top, a dark grey cardigan and silver shoes.
Getty Images For Victoria Hayes
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Chanel Iman The former Victoria's Secret model demonstrated how to conquer maternity fashion in a blue, Elie Tahari knee-length dress and black boots.
Getty Images for Elie Tahari
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Meghan Trainor Singer Meghan Trainor attended the Christian Siriano show wearing a puff-sleeve top and matching skirt layered over white tailored trousers.
Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Delilah Belle Hamlin Hamlin went for a baggy look on the front row of Elie Tahari's fashion show, wearing a loose-fitting pair of Ellie Tahari jeans, a white blazer and a pair of tan heels.
Getty Images for Elie Tahari
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Halima Aden The model wore a dramatic, black ensemble as she is photographed at The Daily Front Row's seventh annual Fashion Media Awards, where she received the accolade for 'Breakthrough Model'.
Getty Images for Daily Front Ro
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Joey Bada$$ American rapper Joey Bada$$ wore a red denim co-ord as he sat front row at the Helmut Lang show. He finished the look with a black cap and matching sunglasses.
Getty Images
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Emily Ratajkowski The model and actor wore a black short and crop top ensemble by Maison Alaïa for The Daily Front Row Fashion Media Awards, where she was awarded the accolade for 'Fashion Entrepreneur'.
AFP/Getty Images
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Jasmine Sanders Sports Illustrated model Jasmine Sanders sat front row at Jeremy Scott wearing a gold three-piece that consisted of a leather-look bralet, mini skirt and jacket. Each piece was finished with a succession of crystals.
Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Jonathan Cheban Reality TV star Jonathan Cheban attended the Jeremy Scott show wearing a riot vest designed by vintage jacket label Dust of Gods. Cheban paired the top with black denim jeans, patent boots and a checked shirt tied around his waist.
Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Indya Moore Moore looked every inch a star in an Oscar de la Renta gown and Beads Byaree earrings at The Daily Front Row Fashion Media Awards, where the Pose actor accepted the award for 'Cover of the Year' alongside Nina Garcia for their appearance in Elle magazine.
AFP/Getty Images
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Romee Strijd The Dutch model stunned in a gold mini dress at the Fashion Media Awards, wearing a pair of matching gold, pointed heels.
AFP/Getty Images
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Jamie Chung The Once Upon a Time actor wore a patterned Ellie Tahari co-ord to the designer's runway show.
Getty Images for Elie Tahari
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Offset US rapper Offset sat on the front row at Jeremy Scott’s show wearing an all-black ensemble consisting of a T-shirt, trousers and bomber jacket. The look was finished with matching trainers, a gold buckle belt and layers of silver necklaces.
Getty Images for NYFW: The Shows
Best-dressed celebrities at New York Fashion Week, September 2019 Maye Musk The model wore a striking, royal blue power suit by Valery Kovalska, complete with a white belt and black headpiece.
AFP/Getty Images
It’s normally the longest out of all the fashion weeks, with a jam-packed schedule including highlights such as Ralph Lauren , Oscar de la Renta , Marc Jacobs and Coach .
There are, however, some notable absences this season. Calvin Klein , usually one of the most highly anticipated shows, staged its final runway show last year, and Derek Lam, who announced the closure of his main line in July.
Shows take place all around the city, but there is a central hub in Soho where there are regular shows happening throughout the week.
London Fashion Week London Fashion Week commences on Thursday 12 September.
Over the years, the event has become defined by its juxtaposition of established brands (Burberry , Roksanda, Erdem ) and up-and-coming names (Matty Bovan, Halpern , Richard Quinn ).
The majority of events used to take place at Somerset House, but LFW’s home has moved down the road to 180 Strand.
Though, like with New York, designers often choose to host their shows in various locations across the capital, leaving the hub a space reserved for hosting designer showrooms and a number of low-key shows.
Milan Fashion Week Milan offers some of the most elaborate and entertaining fashion shows around, with designers like Gucci , Dolce & Gabbana , Fendi , Versace and Prada putting all the stops out to contextualise their weird and wonderful sartorial visions.
It attracts a high calibre of spectators too, with recent attendees including Cate Blanchett , Julianne Moore and Cindy Crawford .
Milan Fashion Week 2018: Best Street StyleShow all 20 1 /20Milan Fashion Week 2018: Best Street Style Milan Fashion Week 2018: Best Street Style Two twinning guests celebrating their love of Prada before the show begins.
REUTERS
Milan Fashion Week 2018: Best Street Style Nothing says joy quite like a pair of fuchsia sunglasses, particularly when they're oversized and cat eye-shaped.
REUTERS
Milan Fashion Week 2018: Best Street Style What better way to warrant a street-side selfie than by running into a fellow fashion week attendee who just so happens to be wearing the same print as you?
REUTERS
Milan Fashion Week 2018: Best Street Style Fluttering by in a flurry of florals, this street styler gives her feminine outfit an opulent edge via gold ankle boots.
REUTERS
Milan Fashion Week 2018: Best Street Style Never has a shopping bag looked quite so chic and intentionally-placed than when positioned next to this fashion week attendee, whose trousers have more patterns than sense, which is no bad thing.
REUTERS
Milan Fashion Week 2018: Best Street Style The motorbike may be a source of transport, but with the colour matching its rider's jacket, it might as well be an accessory in its own right.
REUTERS
Milan Fashion Week 2018: Best Street Style Black and yellow might be a colour combination reserved for bumblebee costumes, but that's not to say it can't work wonders on a fur jacket worn with leather trousers and black biker boots.
REUTERS
Milan Fashion Week 2018: Best Street Style Fuchsia and red should be worn together more often. Bright, optimistic and eye-catching, these hues bring out the best in one another here.
REUTERS
Milan Fashion Week 2018: Best Street Style The white lace and tulle of this unusual ensemble could make for an avant-garde wedding dress.
REUTERS
Milan Fashion Week 2018: Best Street Style When the shoes are this seductive, who even needs to see the rest of the outfit?
REUTERS
Milan Fashion Week 2018: Best Street Style Wearing a puffa jacket off-the-shoulder might sound like an impractical choice, but this fashion week attendee proves it can also be a fairly stylish one.
REUTERS
Milan Fashion Week 2018: Best Street Style Proving that nobody needs colour to make an impact, this street styler keeps her ensemble entirely free from the fuss of gaudy hues.
REUTERS
Milan Fashion Week 2018: Best Street Style Tartan is a pattern that won't be dying out anytime soon, as this fashion week guest shows, wearing hers with a bright red cropped jumper and black stilettos.
REUTERS
Milan Fashion Week 2018: Best Street Style Black high-waisted trousers are no longer a sartorial staple reserved for corporate affairs. Here, it's clear they can be just as much of an essential item when worn out-of-office.
REUTERS
Milan Fashion Week 2018: Best Street Style Flared trousers are already a joyful addition to any outfit, here, their sunshine shade bring an elevated sense of optimism to the outfit.
REUTERS
Milan Fashion Week 2018: Best Street Style Sometimes all you need is a pair of denim shorts and a white cropped T-shirt. Worn underneath a black leather jacket, it's a simple, but effective look.
REUTERS
Milan Fashion Week 2018: Best Street Style Scarlet and lime green aren't most conventional of combinations, but at fashion week, anything goes - particularly when you match the shade of your lipstick to your dress.
REUTERS
Milan Fashion Week 2018: Best Street Style Gowns aren't usually seen on fashion week's busy streets, where the dress code is typically more casual. Paired with gold stiletto heels and opulent drop earrings, it's even more of an unconventional choice, but one that works against all odds.
REUTERS
Milan Fashion Week 2018: Best Street Style Comfort creatures can rejoice: kitten heels aren't going anywhere anytime soon. Here, a forest green pair of the feminine shoes give this patterned dress an added quirkiness.
REUTERS
Milan Fashion Week 2018: Best Street Style The double selfie is not a sight you see very often, but floral frocks most certainly are - and we have no doubt this combination would make for a very fetching photograph indeed.
REUTERS
The street style is also particularly eye-catching, often spawning a whole other set of agenda-setting trends.
This year, events begin on Tuesday 17 September.
Paris Fashion Week Everything comes to a head in Paris, which is by far the grandest of all the fashion weeks due to the calibre of brands who show there.
Dior , Louis Vuitton , and Chanel , are some of the oldest fashion houses in the business, and their runway shows reflect that, often paying homage to their rich histories and even richer aesthetics.
The front rows are always star-studded at Paris Fashion Week; Cara Delevingne sits alongside Pharrell Williams while Kristen Stewart mingles with Lily Rose Depp .
This year, it all starts on Monday 23 September.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies