: For those that enjoy nothing more than checking out the latest trends to hit the catwalk, not to mention the ever-changing styles of high-street fashion, travel is without a doubt the path best taken. Take to the seas or sky and breathe in the air of a different culture, shop ’til you drop on streets brimming with haute couture and be part of the heart and soul of fashion at its best. For those keen to see and experience contemporary fashion, take a look at our guide to the most popular fashion cities around the world and make sure you don’t miss out on some key travel destinations.
A top spot for those passionate about fashion is Paris. With a wide range of iconic brands taking centre stage, this theatrical event is steeped in history, with Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Dior all making substantial appearances.
Take a walk down Avenue Montaigne or Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honore and you’ll have a front row seat. Here, right by the Champs-Elysees Avenue, you’ll find yourself enveloped by shop after shop of elegant facades brimming with some of the most sensual fabrics and coveted designs in France and in the world. There are cheap flights to Paris from most UK airports, largely down to the number of low cost airlines that fly to France daily.
Deemed to be one of the most romantic cities in the world, Paris is a fashion collection in its own right, with many well known designers choosing to make world news by showing their work here. When visiting the city, take a trip to The Arts Decoratifs Museum, where you may be lucky enough to catch one of their famed fashion exhibitions. Or if you’re really keen, plan your visit to coincide with Paris fashion week. Shown a moment after shows in New York and Milan, only the best attend, with every possible seat filled with of A-listers, fashion designers, models and journalists.
If your heart belongs to the catwalk, then you’ll not want to miss out on what London has to offer. London Fashion Week is, after all, a major event in the fashion industry diary. This is where you’ll find both the most well known and reputable designers, as well as some of the most promising new designers ready to take the world by storm.
At London Fashion Week, only the strongest brands make the cut, with a range of designers on show from Burberry to Stella McCartney. Catch a glimpse of their latest designs, whilst sipping champagne and enjoying the sights and sounds unique to this famous and unique show.
As if the show isn’t enough, London provides famous brand names and a range of shops in which to enjoy stylish clothing, from the corsets and lace of Vivienne Westwood to the refined and understated tailoring of The Savile Row.
Take to Oxford Street and you’ll find yourself surrounded by similar designer labels and well known high street names. Gap, Miss Selfridge and Topshop stand side by side with Selfridges, Harrods and Fenwicks. Take your pick and enjoy fashion in all its guises and at a range of prices perfect for those with a set budget.
Across the water, head to America and the city of New York for a true glimpse of the glitz and glamour of the fashion industry. Not only are leading designers such as Vera Wang and Armani based here, but you’ll have access to some of the most famed department stores in the world.
At Bloomingdale’s you’ll find trendy American brands, all at reasonable prices. With designer labels ranging from DKNY and Calvin Klein to Oscar de la Rentano and Helmut Lang, no age group will miss out, making this the quintessential family department store. Down on Madison Avenue, the designer labels extend, with a haute strip showing fifteen glorious blocks of ‘celebrity designer shops’. Browse amongst Jean-Paul and Giorgio, with Prada and Chanel just around the corner.
In stark contrast, although proving a key destination for world fashion exclusives, is Hong Kong. With a high output of quality fabrics and a growing reputation for textile design, you will find unique prints, classic style and all with a touch of the oriental.
Described as the world’s second largest as well as Asia’s largest fashion industry event, Hong Kong’s fashion week provides a key overview of latest trends and styles. High end products and high street fashions blend effortlessly, whilst some of the world’s top designers show their best work.
Visit Hong Kong and you’ll have access to a broad range of designer fashion, including work by John Rocha, Henry Lau and Vivienne Tan. Elegant, pretty and chic, Hong Kong fashion has earnt its reputation and is set to continue to grow and develop well into the 21st century, making the city a major fashion hub for new designers.
Last but by no means least is trendy and fashion conscious Milan. Visit this city and you’ll experience the highest quality fabrics and latest designs, mixed with the cool elegance of a place that oozes glamour. Milan, associated with a long history based in the fashion and textiles industry, is now a popular and effervescent fashion centre, inspiring some of the worlds leading designers.
Home to Giorgio Armani, Versace, Prada and Dolce & Gabbana, to mention just a few, this is without a doubt a destination not to be missed. Whether you opt for a walk down the Piazza del Duomo or the Quadrilatero della Moda, you’ll find some of the best and most exclusive fashion boutiques.
With such an immense wealth of creative talent and dynamic style these cities each play a key part in bringing a joy and excitement to the catwalks. With so many of them easily accessible to us, why not add one of them to your next holiday abroad?