What to expect at the upcoming September 2024 Fashion Weeks

As we approach the much-anticipated September 2024 Fashion Weeks, this season promises to be a vibrant tapestry of innovation, nostalgia and groundbreaking creativity. Hill Choi Lee checks out the lineup that reflects the current zeitgeist of the fashion world

One of the biggest fashion surprises in 2024 has been the Paris Olympic uniforms where designers join this unspoken friendly competition of who came out with the most eye-catching ensemble. (It’s Mongolia.)

The unveiling of said uniforms has created a significant buzz in the fashion world, with viewers eagerly anticipating the designs and their cultural significance. This reaction highlighted the growing intersection between fashion and sports. Whether the interest in this longstanding trend rekindled during the Paris Olympics has fed into the upcoming collections remains to be seen.

The success of the 2024 Olympic uniforms underscores the growing popularity of athleisure and ath-couture, where functionality meets high style. Brands are increasingly blending sportswear with high fashion, creating contemporary trends that appeal to a wide range of consumers. The Adidas x Gucci collaboration, for example, which was first launched in 2022 combined the logos of both brands to create a stylish and sought-after collection.

Dates:

• Seoul Fashion Week: September 3 – 7, 2024
• New York Fashion Week: September 6 – 11, 2024
• London Fashion Week: September 13 – 17, 2024
• Milan Fashion Week: September 18 – 24, 2024
• Paris Fashion Week: September 25 – October 3, 2024

Seoul Fashion Week: Aiming to be Asia’s fashion capital

As the fashion world eagerly anticipates the upcoming Spring/Summer 2025 season, all eyes will be on Seoul Fashion Week, which precedes New York, London, Milan and Paris Fashion Weeks. The event, scheduled for September 3-7, 2024, will showcase the latest trends and innovations from South Korea’s top designers.

Seoul Fashion Week is a celebration of Korean fashion and culture. This series of fashion shows featuring leading Korean designers has become one of Korea’s most distinctive fashion events since its debut in 2000. The collection reflects the expansion and growth of the Korean fashion industry on a global scale.

This year, presentations and exhibitions will focus on sustainable fashion (eco-friendliness and recycling) with fashion shows from 21 brands, five fashion brands’ presentations and 92 trade shows at Dongdaemun Design Plaza.

And to make sure they have our attention, Seoul Metropolitan Government (SMG) announced that South Korean girl group NewJeans to be the ambassador of Seoul Fashion Week. The official promotional video, short-form content, interview and behind-the-scenes of Seoul Fashion Week can be viewed via YouTube (@SFW_official) and Instagram (@seoulfashionweek_official) ahead of the event.

New York Fashion Week: A fresh start

Kicking off on September 6, New York Fashion Week (NYFW) is set to be a spectacle. The return of iconic brands and the debut of new talents will create a dynamic atmosphere. Notably, Pieter Mulier will present his first collection for Alaïa, marking a significant moment in the house’s history, while Ralph Lauren will host a special show in the Hamptons on September 5, setting the stage for the week ahead.

This season, expect a strong emphasis on practicality and comfort, reflecting a broader cultural shift towards “real” fashion. Designers will showcase collections that embrace tactile materials and versatile daywear, moving away from the fantastical to celebrate the everyday. The trend of protective garments will continue, with styles that offer both warmth and a sense of security, echoing the emotional needs of a world in flux.

Check out the schedule here.

Also see: Paris Olympics team uniforms to check out

London, Milan, and Paris: The global stage

Following NYFW, London, Milan, and Paris will each host their own Fashion Weeks, featuring a mix of established houses and emerging designers. London will likely see a continuation of the avant-garde spirit, while Milan is expected to showcase the luxurious craftsmanship that the city is renowned for.

Check out LFW schedule here.

This edition of Milan Fashion Week marks an exciting evolution, as it has been extended by an extra day to accommodate a bustling calendar that typically includes over 200 events. The change aims to synchronise with other major fashion weeks and meet the growing demands of the industry.

Check out MFW schedule here.

Paris, however, will be the focal point, particularly with Alessandro Michele’s debut at Valentino, which is anticipated to be one of the highlights of the season.

The Paris schedule is particularly intriguing, with major houses like Chanel and Givenchy navigating transitions in creative leadership. This uncertainty may lead to surprises on the runway, as designers seek to redefine their identities in a rapidly changing industry.

Check out PFW schedule here.

Trends to watch

Key trends for the upcoming season include:

• Tactile fabrics: We expect an abundance of plush materials and cosy silhouettes that prioritise comfort without sacrificing style.
• Heritage inspirations: A nod to classic styles with modern twists, including tweeds and rich colour palettes that evoke a sense of nostalgia for simpler times.
• Bold statements: From extravagant collars to playful patterns, designers are embracing a sense of whimsy and individuality, encouraging fashion lovers to express themselves boldly.
• Sustainability and ethics: As the industry continues to grapple with its environmental impact, many brands will showcase sustainable practices and materials, appealing to an increasingly conscious consumer base.

Also see: The brat summer trend led by Charli XCX