The Four Fashion Cities

The four fashion cities are New York, London, Milan ad Paris. The seasonal shows originated in New York as a trade only event which then progressed into a must see entertainment and media event which attracts people from all over the world. As known as one of the most populous cities in the United States and located in the East of North America, New York withholds a simplistic, commercial yet wearable style which has been presented throughout many years. Fashion designers such as Tommy Hilfiger, Zack Possen, Marc Jacobs and Calvin Klein are almost always showing in New York every season.

Paris Fashion Week is held semi-annually in Paris with Spring/Summer and Autumn/Winter events each year. The schedules of fashion week begins in New York which continues on to London, Milan and ends with a 'bang' in Paris. In addition to ready-to-wear shows, there are also menswear and Haute Couture shows held for the S/S and A/W seasons. Couture originates from Paris, which is one of the main reasons for its hand made, extravagant and expensive pieces. When Paris was first hosting fashion week, the designs and designers were strictly French couturiers however, French couture started to suffer in the 80's which was when the Chamre Syndicale invited designers from Hong Kong in order to boost marketing and buying as the Middle East came into money from the oil industries with the many clothing factories adding to this wealth.

London is the capital city of England and is situated in the South East Region of the UK. The city, like the fashion styles are described as fresh, creative and very well known for the edgy and avant-garde designs with artists such as Burberry, PPQ, Vivienne Westwood and Galiano who display this style immaculately. To be invited to display at London Fashion Week the critera is as follows:
- Have a collection of ready-to-wear womenswear
- Should have been in business for at least 3 years and have a minimum of 6 stockists, 1 of which must be a UK retailer.
(more information is found at www.britishfashioncouncil.com) Applications are reviewed by an advisory panel comprised of leading opinion formers, press and retail representatives.

Milan's shows involve OTT, stylish and sleek designs which match the modern and simplistic architecture featured around the city, which is found in the North West of Italy. The style in Milan has also been described as qualitilistic, flamboyant with that stylish and luxurious feel which represents the wealth of the church.

For a fashion designer to present their collection in New York Fashion Week, they have to go through the fashion board, The Council of Fashion Designers of America, a trade organisation which works with brands with an eye towards helping them to expand. Once they are accepted and invited by the CFDA, the houses/designers go through the process of organizing and paying for their venues, models etc.

An example of a fashion designers bill:
Venue: $15,000-$60,000
Styling: $8,000 (up to as much per day)
Production: $10,000-$20,000 (typically)
PR: $5,000-$15,000
Hair and Make-Up: $5,000-$15,000
Models: $150 (Per average model per day) $200-$500 (for bigger companies) and $800-$1,000 (for international brands)

Whilst also paying for Celebrities, Live Streaming and Disclaimer Contracts. Meaning the grand total, excluding celebs is averagely:
$200,000

It is rumored that Marc Jacobs' fall 2011 show cost at least $1000,000. Which is roughly $1750 per second. Can you believe it?