Every year, the world’s most fashionable cities host Fashion Week – an exploration and celebration of the world of high fashion where top designers showcase their creations while setting the stage and the bar for the next season of style.
During September, couture powerhouse cities like London, New York, Paris and Milan all host their own Fashion Weeks for locals and internationals to experience what’s next in fashion. In honour of Fashion Week “month”, Expat Explore has curated a list of the most fashionable cities in the world and what to look out for when you’re there!
Explore the top fashion cities around the world:
London, England
Fashion week: Mid-September
Starting our list of fashionable cities is the ever-stylish and classic London. While you won’t necessarily find the craziest couture on our list in this location, this is a must-visit for fashionistas with a flair for classic lines, tailoring and timelessness.
However, with noteworthy avant-garde designer names like Vivienne Westwood, Alexander McQueen and Paul Smith as some of the most prominent coutouriers from the UK, this fashion capital will always have an edge! Explore both the classically elegant and underground punk aesthetics of London when you visit. And for the daring dressers, why not mix it all up into one iconic London look?
Related: While in London, visit these royal places!
New York City, New York
Fashion week: Mid-September
Next up on our best-dressed cities list is New York. The Big Apple, the city that never sleeps, and undeniably the home of street style! With so many diverse inhabitants and visitors, it’s difficult to pin down America’s signature style. Is it the everyday American charm of Michael Kors, the effortless silhouettes of Diane von Furstenberg or the fresh perspective of Thom Browne? For most New Yorkers, it’s something of a melting pot.
For the glitzy and glamorous side of NYC fashion, head to Manhattan for flagship stores, designer brands and lots of sparkles. However, if the downtown aesthetic is more your scene, be sure to check out SoHo for boutiques, thrifting and popular chains.
Related: Spend three nights in New York when you embark on our Eastern USA & Canada Escape (incl. New York)!
Paris, France
Fashion week: End of September
Parisian style is iconic. It’s the stuff of art, movies and, more recently, even popular series like Emily in Paris. What you won’t find on the runways of Paris Fashion Week, though, are berets, black and white stripes and red neck scarves. The world of Parisian glamour has much more to offer than that!
As the capital of haute couture, Paris is known as a shopping mecca. Its vast history also includes la mode, making it a paradise on earth for anyone with a love of vintage! Oh, and not to mention that France is home to Chanel and Hermes (the world’s oldest designer house), some of the biggest and most sought-after brands in the world. Trendy travellers will have a field day keeping their fingers on the pulse of fashion in this idyllic city.
Milan, Italy
Fashion week: Mid-September
Milan has become synonymous with fashion, and rightfully so! Italy has a distinct sense of style, and Milan is at the heart of it. So it’s no wonder why it’s the most popular clothing city in the world. If your high-fashion heart belongs to the likes of Prada, Versace and Valentino, then Milan is a must-visit!
But apart from the long list of the most recognisable couture houses in the world, Milan is also a shopper’s delight if you’re interested in cashmere and leather products. So scribble Milan onto your fashion bucket list, and be sure to travel light so you can shop your heart out!
Berlin, Germany
Fashion week: Early January
When it comes to clothing, Germans are about as good at constructing looks as they are at engineering. What makes the fashion in Germany, especially Berlin unique is the young people who bring along their out-of-the-box perspective on style.
This city is a must-visit for the boldest and bravest of fashionistas. A trip to Berlin will surely inspire, whether it’s because of the street art or street style. Stop by the hundreds of international boutiques and stores or explore local designers and their imaginative creations. If you’re a fan of all-black everything, Berlin is the spot for you!
Tokyo, Japan
Fashion week: End of August
If you’re looking for designs that steps away from American and European standards in breathtaking ways, Japan has to be on your travel checklist! With Tokyo plugged into the world and its technological advancements, its fashion is also on the cutting edge.
Are you ready to discover avant-garde style and unusual new trends? Then this is the city for you. Be sure to visit Harajuku for a colourful take on streetwear like you’ve never seen before, and take advantage of the city’s larger-than-life department stores!
Related: Discover what it’s like to tour Japan with Expat Explore!
Barcelona, Spain
Bridal fashion week: Mid-April
Last on our list but definitely not the least is Spain. While most of the other cities on our list focus on high fashion and famous brands, Barcelona is a fashionista’s new favourite for different reasons.
Firstly, Barcelona should be on any bride-to-be’s travel list since it hosts what’s considered the most important exhibition in the wedding couture industry – Barcelona Bridal Fashion Week. And if that’s not reason enough for Barcelona to make the best-dressed list, the city is also home to accessible clothing brands like Zara and Mango. Who said you only have to wear haute couture to be fashionable?
Related: A trip to Spain is incomplete without delicious Spanish tapas!
And just like that, you’re ready for the runway! Book a trip with Expat Explore, and get ready to showcase your style on the streets of the fashion world.