Paris, Milan, New York: some cities are synonymous with fashion. If you’re passionate about fashion (or even if you just take a passing interest in it), visiting the fashion capitals of the world can be very exciting.
Great fashion travel destinations allow you get a glimpse into the high-end fashion industry at designer shows, learn about the history of fashion at specialized museums, and buy some unique pieces of clothing for yourself.
Here are the best fashion destinations around the world, perfect for a fashionista’s next holiday.
Paris
When you think of Paris, usually what comes to mind is effortlessly chic and fashionable Parisians. It is not surprising, therefore, that Paris is one of the fashion capitals of the world. The French capital is home to maybe the most coveted (and certainly the most stylish) fashion weeks, the Haute Couture Fashion Week held every year in June. To catch some fashion shows with clothes you might actually be able to afford, head to Women’s Fashion Week in September or October.
Paris is home to three large and magnificent department stores: Galleries LaFayette, Le Bon Marché and Printemps. Each of these has floors of fashion to browse, from top designers to more accessible brands. You’ll also find stores from top designers along Rue du Fauborg Saint Honore, or head to Colette for designer clothes and accessories at reduced prices.
For an all-rounded Paris fashion experience, visit the Musée des Arts Decoratifs, with extensive collections dedicated to fashion and textile. Or simply sit on the outside tables in front of one of the Champs-Elysees’ many cafes and watch the extremely fashionable Parisians pass by.
Milan
Milan has long been seen as a global fashion capital: this reputation dates back to the 16th century. Today, Women’s Fashion Week is held during September or October, when the top fashion houses showcase their spring and summer collections, and again in February or March for autumn and winter looks.
The northern Italian city is a top destination for shoppers, with a number of fashion flagships of high-end brands. The district known as the Quadrilatero d’Oro, which means the “Golden Rectangle” in Italian is perfect for browsing or window shopping. You’ll also find some great shops on the Corso Buenos Aires, a long street which also boasts stunning, historic architecture.
There is plenty of other attractions to take in while you’re in town. Be sure to get some Last Supper Milan tickets and see this iconic piece of religious art, visit the world-famous Milan cathedral, and see the Sforzesco Castle, a medieval fortress and art gallery.
New York
The first city to ever host a fashion week, New York City fashion week is one of the city’s biggest events, and that is saying something in a city of such big events! Year round, the Big Apple is home to designers, models, amazing shopping, and one of the best places in the world to spot the latest trends.
Head to Fifth Avenue and Madison Avenue for exclusive shopping, and to check out the latest fashion trends. The Lower East side is full of small boutiques offering stylish and unique finds and Bedford Avenue in Brooklyn for more low-key style.. The great strength of New York is its diversity: you’ll find everything from high fashion to vintage and unique, quirky pieces.
And, of course, there’s so much to see and do New York City, whether fashion-related or not. The Metropolitan Museum of Art (also known simply as the Met) is not to be missed, as well as icons such as the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building.
London
The UK capital has been a global fashion for some time, being home to some of the world’s most famous brands and designers, from Burberry to Vivienne Westwood to Stella McCartney. Furthermore, the London fashion scene is famed for being innovative, from edgy designers who push the limits of fashion (like Westwood, for example), as well as being the first city to invite the public to their annual fashion week.
The centre for shopping in London is Oxford Street, where fashionistas can lose themselves in over 300 stores. There is plenty of other great spots to shop for fashion items, from Knightsbridge and Carnaby Street to the Camden markets. In all places, you’ll find a great range of local and international brands.
Fashion history buffs will love the costume and textile exhibits on display at the Victoria and Albert, London’s museum for art and design. Accessory lovers also shouldn’t miss seeing the truly impressive Crown Jewels, on view at the Tower of London.
