The fashion calendar cycle begins in September and is often referred to as the “January” of the fashion industry, signifying the start of a new fashion season. It’s why the Vogue ‘September’ Issue is marked as the most important issue of the year; coinciding with the transition into the autumn/winter season in the northern hemisphere – although don’t be fooled, the showcases are Spring/Summer 2024. The four horsemen of fashion – New York, London, Milan, and Paris – also host their renowned Fashion Weeks throughout the month, showcasing collections that will set trends that will dominate the industry going forward. This means that the SS collections shown now will be bought (by buyers), produced and proliferated in time for the spring season next March and April. I know, it can be confusing. Everything in fashion is planned around September, marking the rejuvenation of the industry and influencing how people dress for the approaching seasons.

One of the most striking outcomes of the pandemic is the live streaming of fashion shows by brands and houses; almost all the shows are either IG streamed or on Youtube, or added very soon thereafter to the websites of your favourites. Below you will find a link to all the schedules; enjoy!

Fendi Menswear SS34 by Filippo Fior for Gorunway.com

NEW YORK /// FASHION’S COOL, QUEER YOUNGER SIBLING
SEPTEMBER 8th – 13th 
New York Fashion Week (NYFW), founded in 1943, emerged as a response to World War II’s disruption of Parisian fashion shows. It aimed to showcase American designers and establish New York as a global fashion hub and while it has taken a ‘backseat’ in recent years to London, Milan and Paris – brands like Collina Strada, Eckhaus Latta and Heron Preston are just some who have made NYFW an event that spotlights innovation, inclusivity and diversity in fashion. My recommendation is to catch up on Peter Do’s debut at Helmut Lang and bask in Cris Fragkou’s imagery from Collina Strada. 

Read NYFW Schedule HERE

LONDON /// FASHION’S QUIRKY, DIY COUSIN
SEPTEMBER 15th – 19th 
London Fashion Week (LFW) originated in 1984 and is organized by the British Fashion Council. Its goal was to promote British designers and brands on an international stage, particularly cult-school Central Saint Martins alumni before some of them headed to big European houses. LFW is known for fosters creativity, employing British tailoring and DIY attitudes and supporting emerging talent – like Lulu Kennedy’s ‘Fashion East’ that scouted talent like Kim Jones OBE, Simone Rocha, Maximilian Davis, Nensi Dojaka, Martine Rose, Wales Bonner, Charles Jeffrey Loverboy, per gotesson, JW Anderson, Mowalola, KNWLS and Supriya Lele to name a few…

Read LFW Schedule HERE

MILAN /// FASHION’S WEALTHY, CHILD-FREE AUNT
SEPTEMBER 19th – 25th
Milan Fashion Week (MFW) dates back to 1958 when it was initiated by Italian fashion houses. MFW aims to celebrate Italian craftsmanship, luxury, and excellence in fashion in one of the most historic fashion cities in the world. It’s all about Prada, Ferragamo, Bottega Veneta and more. Also, Milan Fashion Week has proven to be a close ally of South African fashion; with labels like Mmuso Maxwell, Viviers Studio, Rich Mnisi and more showcasing at the MFW trade show. Read more about Wanda Lephoto, Laanraani, Shweshwekini and Connade showing this year! 

Read MFW Schedule HERE

PARIS /// FASHION’S CEREBRAL, ARCHIVE-OBSESSED PARENT 
SEPTEMBER 25th – OCTOBER 3rd
Paris Fashion Week (PFW), with roots dating to the 19th century, has evolved into a global powerhouse. It emphasises haute couture, luxury and avant-garde designs; with Paris being considered the capital of fashion since the days of Marie Antoinette. Now, Paris welcomes many designers an opportunity to showcase in and amongst its traditional houses like Chanel and Yves Saint Laurent – like Acne Studios (Sweden), our very own Lukhanyo Mdingi and of course, the Japanese masters like Yohji Yamamoto, Junya Watanbe and Commes de Garçon. 

Read PFW Schedule HERE

For more news, visit the Connect Everything Collective homepage www.ceconline.co.za