New York, London, Milan and Paris: the order they run in, what makes each one different, and who shows where.
By Shreya S · Last reviewed 1 November 2026
What are the Big Four fashion weeks?
New York, London, Milan and Paris, the four most important ready-to-wear fashion weeks. They run back to back, in that order, twice a year: in February and March for Fall/Winter, and in September and October for Spring/Summer. Together they are known as “fashion month”.
How do the Big Four compare?
| City | Known for | Big names |
|---|---|---|
| New York | American sportswear, commerce and celebrity | Ralph Lauren, Michael Kors, Marc Jacobs |
| London | Young talent, art schools and rebellion | Burberry, Simone Rocha, Erdem |
| Milan | Italian craft, glamour and big houses | Prada, Gucci, Versace, Fendi |
| Paris | The most powerful and longest week; luxury and the avant-garde | Chanel, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent |
Which fashion week is the most important?
Paris. It is the longest, closes fashion month and hosts most of the biggest luxury houses, as well as the haute couture shows. Many designers from other countries, from Japan’s Comme des Garçons to America’s Thom Browne and Rick Owens, choose to show there.