Fashion Week in style: where haute couture meets French art de vivre

Fashion Week is the cornerstone of the global fashion calendar. Held twice a year in the world’s style capitals, it offers a first look at the upcoming season’s collections and trends, setting the tone for what the world will wear. Rooted in post-war Parisian salons and New York’s designer showcases of the 1940s, it has evolved into a glamorous global spectacle, where designers present their visions, and editors, collectors and creatives gather in celebration of style. 

“It’s the intimacy behind the grandeur that inspires us. The whispered fittings, the midnight sketches, the shared glances backstage.”

– Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg Concierge Team

There is a boldness about New York Fashion Week. Skyscrapers rise like exclamation points, designers challenge the rules and the city moves fast with unapologetic energy. Every corner becomes a canvas for self-expression, from sunlit studios in Tribeca and rooftop shows in SoHo to gallery after-parties in the Lower East Side.

Here, street style walks beside high fashion, and creativity pushes the edges of form and function. The runways reflect the city's rhythm – fast, fearless and ever-evolving – with names like Michael Kors, Tory Burch, Proenza Schouler and a new wave of emerging talent shaping what comes next.

Where to stay in New York for Fashion Week: Sofitel New York offers a serene oasis in Midtown, infused with French sophistication and Manhattan energy. Like what you see? Take a piece of Sofitel’s elegance home with you from our exclusive boutique.

London Fashion Week beats with raw, eclectic energy, where heritage collides with rebellion and creativity explodes on every street. From the stately halls of Somerset House to Shoreditch’s gritty warehouses, the city thrives on a fearless spirit that breaks rules and shatters norms. Burberry, Vivienne Westwood and the new wave of disruptors rewrite the playbook with unapologetic edge.

The runways here showcase sharp contrasts – sharp tailoring twisted with avant-garde audacity, street smarts fused with sleek polish. London Fashion Week is a playground for bold individuality, where every silhouette challenges convention and innovation rules the scene.

Where to stay in London for Fashion Week: Sofitel London St James offers refined British elegance infused with French savoir-faire, ideally situated between the West End’s theatrical buzz and the city’s historic grandeur.

Italian opulence meets artisanal precision at Milan Fashion Week. Expect high drama unfolding in rich, sumptuous fabrics: velvet that catches the light, intricate lacework and bold silhouettes that capture Italy's fearless style. Houses like Versace, Prada, and Dolce & Gabbana lead the way with bold femininity and unmistakable passion.

From the gilded salons of Via della Spiga to the quiet courtyards of Palazzo Reale, designers draw deeply from Italy's cultural soul. Think art, opera, cinema, perfume. Here, every show is more than a runway – it’s a carefully crafted performance, with fashion and emotion stitched into every seam.

In Paris, style is not just worn, it is lived. During Fashion Week, the city itself becomes a stage, where streets turn into catwalks, avenues into runways and every arrondissement feels part of a grand performance. From the ornate hôtels particuliers to the gilded halls of the Grand Palais Éphémère and Palais de Tokyo, this is where haute couture was born.

Whether attending a Givenchy couture fashion show, raising a glass at a Dior afterparty or wandering through a Chanel pop-up in vibrant Le Marais, the whole experience is immersive. Always a step ahead, Parisian fashion style is as timeless and poetic as the city itself.

Where to stay in Paris for Fashion Week: In the heart of the fashion district, Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg is just steps from the legendary boutiques of Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and the Champs-Élysées. With fashion photographs adorning the walls and exhibitions in the lobby, it's the perfect setting for your stay.

“During Fashion Week, the entire 8th arrondissement feels like a private salon. You hear inspiration in the air.”

– Front Office Manager, Sofitel Paris Le Faubourg

Beyond the Big Four, a new wave of international fashion capitals is stepping into the spotlight. Copenhagen captivates with its minimalist cool and eco-conscious design, while Miami heats things up with bold, resort-ready styles. Dallas adds a unique twist by blending high fashion with Southern flair and innovation. Meanwhile, Los Angeles offers a captivating fusion of Hollywood glamor and cutting-edge streetwear, and Chicago pulses with dynamic energy, combining urban edge with a rich cultural heritage.

At Sofitel, we celebrate this spirit of innovation by showcasing exclusive creations from emerging designers throughout our elegant lobbies and lounges.

Behind every breathtaking Fashion Week show lies an incredible amount of hard work, talent and creativity. Designers, artisans, makeup artists, stylists and models all collaborate seamlessly to bring a singular vision to life on the runway. Some Sofitel properties offer curated glimpses into this world. Behind-the-scenes previews. Conversations with designers-in-residence. Artisan showcases in our lounges. These exclusive moments often become the ones you remember most. As a Sofitel guest, you'll enjoy a dedicated concierge service to elevate every moment of your experience.

• VIP access & concierge perks: Our concierge teams can secure priority invitations, backstage tours or private showroom visits.
• Chic in-room styling: Some Sofitel locations offer wardrobe services, personal styling and packing/unpacking assistance during Fashion Week events.
• Gastronomic delights: Enjoy curated tasting menus inspired by fashion capitals – whether it’s caviar and Champagne in Paris or rooftop cocktails in Milan.
• Curated city excursions: Private gallery tours, perfume-making classes or luxury shopping walks.
• Runway to spa moments: After a day of fashion runways, unwind with a signature Sofitel spa treatment or an in-room wellness ritual.

Curating the perfect Fashion Week wardrobe is all about striking the balance between bold trends and timeless Parisian chic. Opt for statement pieces that showcase your personal style – tailored silhouettes, luxe fabrics and artful accessories – while keeping your look polished and sophisticated. Layer thoughtfully to transition effortlessly from runway shows to exclusive after-parties.

When it comes to etiquette, arrive punctually, dress respectfully for each event’s vibe, and engage graciously with fellow guests. Remember, confidence and courtesy are your best accessories, ensuring you make an impression both on and off the runway.

“Sometimes the most memorable part of Fashion Week isn’t the show. It’s the hour just after, sitting by the river, wearing something you love.”

– Guest, Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam

Fashion Weeks typically follow this calendar:

• February & September – Ready-to-Wear collections
• January & July – Haute Couture (Paris only)
• Resort/Cruise shows – Intermittent, global destinations

While most shows are invitation-only, many Fashion Week events now offer public access:

• Digital livestreams
• Ticketed experiences
• Fashion Week city passes
• Insider packages via Sofitel concierge services

Sofitel offers early access to exclusive Fashion Week packages. We recommend booking your accommodation four to six months in advance.

Fashion Week is more than fashion, it’s a celebration of beauty, identity, innovation and culture. And Sofitel is your ultimate hospitality partner on this glamorous journey. Whether you dream of sipping rosé on a London terrace between shows or indulging in Parisian elegance after a couture presentation, your story begins with where you stay.