Summer is coming. For regular people, that means cocktails by the beach, for all of us in the fashion industry, it’s the time when fashion trade shows kick off. From the middle of May till the end of September, everyone in the business comes together to share their ideas of what fashion should look like.
There are loads of different fairs, and if you’re not the most seasoned player in the game, choosing which ones to go to, can be difficult. But don’t worry. We’re here to help. Here’s a collection of all the most important fashion weeks and trade shows happening in Europe this summer. We’ve sorted them by date, so pop open your calendar, and get planning.
Pulse, London, 13th – 15th of May
Pulse is the UK’s biggest trend-led trade show. Held at Olympia London, loads of independent fashion brands turn up annually to showcase and buy the latest trends. This is a major event, and a great start to the trade show season.
Pitti Immagine Uomo, Florence, 12th – 15th of June
Next up is the Pitti Immagine Uomo conference in Florence. This is easily one of the most important fairs when it comes to men’s clothing and accessories. The conference is only a few years away from celebrating its 50th anniversary — impressive in an industry as ever changing as fashion. If you’re in men’s fashion, this is a no brainer.
Berlin Fashion Week, 3rd – 5th of July
July is when things really get going. Berlin plays host to several different fairs, but the ones you should think about attending are Seek, Premium and Panorama. These are the three biggest fairs, and each represent a slice of the fashion market. Seek are experts in progressive, contemporary fashion. Premium is the home of advanced, high-end fashion, and Panorama is all about forward thinking casual and streetwear fashion.
Modefabriek, Amsterdam, 8th – 9th of July
Modefabriek is a big part of Amsterdam fashion week. Since 1996, it has been the place where forward thinking brands gather to show their creativity. With a unique mixture of music, art, food and most importantly, fashion, this is a big event in western Europe. A relaxed and friendly vibe usually permeates the whole event – and for good reason – as Modefabriek is usually a smash hit.
Paris Fashion Week, September
The Paris fashion week is generally considered the main event of worldwide fashion. You simply can’t mention Paris without mentioning the literal horde of high end, classic brands. The fairs you want to attend are Première Vision and Who’s Next. Who’s Next is up first, ranging from the 7th – 10th of September. Première Vision is a little later; from the 19th – 21st of September. Consider extending your stay for the haute couture-shows at the end of September and the beginning of October. That is, if you manage to get in.
Copenhagen Fashion Week, 7th – 10th of August
Copenhagen is the uncrowned king of Scandinavian fashion. The Danish capital, and Traede’s home turf, is filled with fashion in first days of August. The city has two fairs you should consider attending; CIFF and Revolver. They both run from the 8th – 10th of August, complimenting each other in displaying everything that nordic and international fashion has to offer. CIFF is the biggest and longest running show, whilst Revolver is newer, and smaller.
White Milano, Milan, 21st – 24th of September
Last but not least, Milan. A city that just rhymes with fashion. We recommend attending White Milano, one of Italy’s leading displays of women’s wear and accessories. Since 2002, this has been the first sight of many leading trends, and is now a must-go for every fashion brand specialising in women’s wear. Head to the north of Italy and cap off this year’s trade show season in style.
