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1. Fashion Week: The Luxury Fashion Event of the Year

Fashion Weeks are the backbone of the luxury fashion world. Held twice a year, usually in February and September, these events unveil the upcoming season’s collections and set the tone for what brands will bring to the market for months to come.

Paris Fashion Week: The crown jewel of the fashion calendar, Paris Fashion Week showcases top fashion houses like Chanel, Dior and Louis Vuitton. It’s known for couture-level craftsmanship, historic venues and unmatched prestige.

Milan Fashion Week: Italian elegance reigns in Milan, where heritage brands like Prada, Gucci and Versace unveil bold, opulent designs.

London Fashion Week: Known for its experimental edge and support for emerging designers, London gives us both established names like Burberry and new talents from local fashion and design schools.

New York Fashion Week: The most commercially driven of the four, New York Fashion Week offers a mix of high-end and ready-to-wear, spotlighting American designers like Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs and emerging streetwear labels.

Together, the “Big Four” cities form the fashion circuit that editors, buyers, celebrities and influencers follow religiously.

2. The Met Gala: Fashion’s Most Exclusive Night

Held annually on the first Monday in May, the Met Gala is a fundraising event for the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City. But for the fashion world, it’s much more than that.

Hosted by Vogue and spearheaded by Anna Wintour, Editor-in-Chief at Vogue, the Met Gala is famous for its extravagant red carpet looks inspired by a unique annual theme—from Heavenly Bodies to Superfine: Tailoring Black Style. Only the world’s biggest celebrities, designers and cultural figures make the guest list, and attendees are expected to push boundaries in high-concept fashion.

3. Cannes Film Festival: The Red Carpet Reimagined

While Cannes is first and foremost a film festival, it’s become a critical moment for luxury fashion thanks to its iconic red carpet. Held each May on the French Riviera, the fashion of Cannes Film Festival centers elegance and grandeur with couture gowns and jewelry from top houses like Chopard, Armani Privé and Valentino.

Cannes is where fashion meets cinema, with global stars debuting show-stopping ensembles that often rival those seen during Fashion Week. For designers, it’s a golden opportunity to dress Hollywood’s stars and showcase their artistry on an international stage.

4. Venice Film Festival: Old-World Glamour

Another cinematic event with major fashion credentials, the Venice Film Festival, held every August or September, offers a more refined, timeless elegance. With the glittering canals of Venice as the backdrop, this festival is an ideal platform for fashion brands seeking heritage prestige.

Actresses often wear haute couture or custom looks as they float up to premieres by boat, creating unforgettable photo moments that circulate across global media.

5. The CFDA Fashion Awards: Honouring American Excellence

The Council of Fashion Designers of America (CFDA) Fashion Awards are the Oscars of the US fashion industry. Held annually in New York, the event honours the year’s most innovative American designers, as well as emerging talent and influential figures from the broader creative world.

The red carpet is a celebration of individuality, with attendees typically dressed by top stylists in American fashion.

6. amfAR Gala Cannes: Where Fashion Meets Philanthropy

Held during the Cannes Film Festival, the amfAR Gala is a charity event supporting AIDS research. It’s renowned for its luxurious setting at the Hôtel du Cap-Eden-Roc and its extravagant runway shows curated by top designers.

Guests—typically famous actors, musicians and businesspeople—bid on fashion-related auction items while dressed in their best couture, making it one of the most philanthropic yet dazzling nights in the luxury fashion calendar.

These events are not just about clothes but about influence, identity and the evolution of culture. Whether you’re a student dreaming of entering the fashion industry or a devoted follower of style around the world, understanding these events provides insight into the power structures, artistry and innovation that shape the industry. Each event offers a unique perspective on what fashion can be—and where it’s going next.

Learn more about the global fashion industry with short courses at Vogue College of Fashion, offered in London and online.