A fashion show (in French défilé de mode) is an event where fashion designers showcase clothes, shoes, and accessories for the upcoming seasons of spring/summer and fall/winter to the media and the general public.

The bulk of a fashion show consists of models walking on narrow platforms, also known as catwalks or runways, dressed in the designer's latest collection, presenting them to fashion critics, influencers, buyers, and media.

Fashion shows can be organized indoors or outdoors, usually accompanied by music, lights, visuals, colors, holograms, and video backdrops.

There are also static and theatrical fashion show installations, with models standing or walking silently or immersed in special effects.

What is the Point of Fashion Shows?

The role of a fashion show is to deliver the designer's vision and stylistic direction for the new collection.

Fashion shows allow designers to showcase their work to fashion critics and potential buyers.

Fashion shows also serve as networking events, where designers, buyers, retailers, and critics get together.

What is a Fashion Week?

Fashion Week is a yearly event organized in capital cities worldwide.

The Fashion Weeks organized in Paris, London, New York, and Milan (the Big 4 Fashion capital cities) are the largest and most important regarding fashion designers, media coverage, and sales.

As the ideal way for fashion designers to present and promote their latest creations, fashion shows are the foundation of Fashion Weeks.

The Origin of Fashion Shows

The first records of fashion shows appeared in the early 1800s as small private events assorted with canapés and tea where clothing designers displayed their creations.

Mostly home-bound parties, these minishows aimed to present and market the couturier’s latest creations to a handful of wealthy clients.

The audience paid little attention to the surrounding settings and more to the glamorous and extravagant garments.

Over time, these home-based exhibitions evolved into 'fashion parades' organized periodically in Paris and London's couture salons.