Rock the Runway: Alternative Fashion Weeks Around the World
Many of us return home from a trip with expanded horizons, fond memories and special souvenirs. Almost half (47%)* of global travelers also come back with fresh inspiration to make changes to their personal style. According to our recent research, the thread linking fashion and travel is remarkably strong, with almost a third (31%)* of global travelers saying they travel specifically to explore local fashion trends. With that in mind and for the one in five travelers (19%)* that are keen to experience Fashion Week for themselves, we have hand-picked five fabulous destinations with some of the hottest up-and-coming Fashion Week runway shows in the world.
Chic fashion in Copenhagen
Copenhagen Fashion Week, known to be the largest in the Nordics, takes place twice a year. Next up, top designers from throughout the region will be showcasing the latest designs from their Spring/Summer 2020 collections from August 6 to 9. For passionate fashionistas and connoisseurs of art and design, the city of Copenhagen boasts a multitude of stylish boutiques and high-end designer shops, including from renowned Danish designer, Henrik Vibskov, famous for his colorful and eclectic, multicultural aesthetic. If something a bit more vintage chic is what you're looking for, there are numerous flea markets and second-hand shops throughout the city with spectacular deals on offer for dedicated designer bargain hunters. For a touch of artistic inspiration, plan a visit to the Danish Museum of Art and Design and check out the range of vibrant colors, patterns, fabrics and design techniques that go into creating the stunning items you'll see gracing the runway.
Where to stay: Just a short distance from the water, the sleek and stylish Cph Beach Apartments make for a relaxing respite from the hustle and bustle of Fashion Week. The design for each apartment has been inspired by the beautiful and bright Scandinavian summer nights, combined with a healthy dash of Danish coziness or “hygge”. The Instagram-worthy interiors make for the ideal backdrop as you take your outfit of the day (#OOTD) selfies and get ready for your Copenhagen Fashion Week debut.
Be bold in Bangalore
Explore bold, beautiful designs at Bangalore Fashion Week in India, from August 15-18, 2019. This Fashion Week consists of four days of fashion shows, workshops and seminars and features some of the best designers from India and across the globe. This vibrant destination has more to offer too, with many fashion exhibitions taking place at local galleries to coincide with Fashion Week. For further fashion inspiration, travelers can visit Fashonista-Nashi, an international fashion and accessories show or The Trousseau Show, a wedding, lifestyle and Diwali exhibition.
Where to stay: Surrounded by lush, tropical grounds, The Oberoi Bengaluru is a luxurious match to some of the garments being shown on the runway. This elegant, centrally-located hotel features beautiful gardens, pampering spa treatments, a personal butler and room service that is available 24 hours a day. If you are dressing to impress for Bangalore Fashion Week, you can even go the extra mile by visiting the hotel's own beauty salon for some additional pampering and preening before you depart.
New fashion in New Zealand
New Zealand Fashion Week is being held from August 26 to September 1 in Auckland this year, and is a fashion event and destination not to be missed. The New Zealand Fashion Museum is a pop-up exhibition where guests can explore the heritage, creativity and innovation behind New Zealand’s fashion industry. Style gurus can also add to their Fashion Week excitement by making sure they look the best in town by going on a shopping spree at iconic The Department Store or The Keep.
Where to stay: If you want to be close to all of the vibrant Fashion Week events and fabulous shopping amenities, the Swiss-Belsuites Victoria Park Auckland is the perfect option. This luxurious apartment combines comfort and style with a hint of urban finesse, offering breathtaking panoramic views of Auckland to make your fashion-inspired getaway even more unforgettable.
Couture in Canada
Canada offers a number of Fashion Weeks for fashionista travelers throughout the year. The next big Fashion Week this year is the Western Canada Fashion Week being held in Edmonton, from September 17-22, 2019. The Western Canada Fashion Week is the second largest Fashion Week in Canada (second to Toronto Fashion Week) and also hosts competitions for local designers to showcase their collections and designs. Travelers visiting Edmonton are bound to leave with a freshly inspired wardrobe, as the city offers some of the best boutiques and vintage thrift shops in the country.
Where to stay: The Coast Edmonton Plaza Hotel by APA is a chic option for you fashionista getaway to Edmonton. Just a short stroll from Edmonton City Centre Mall, this luxe escape offers plenty of room to stash all your shopping bags. If you need a little extra R&R after a day hitting the boutiques, a soak in the property's whirlpool hot tub or salt-water pool will be just the thing you need to unwind.
Adventurous fashion in Argentina
Just one of many prestigious fashion shows held in the country each year, Argentina Fashion Week doesn’t shy away from being compared to its iconic counterparts in Paris, New York and London. The next incredible runways shows will be held from March 11-18, 2020 in Buenos Aires, so there is plenty of time for glamorous globetrotters to prepare. And with something for every budget, Buenos Aires truly delights with its variety of shopping opportunities - from bargain hunting at local market Feria de Plaza Serrano to upmarket splurges at Galerias Pacifico.
Where to stay: Lcoated in the trendy Palermo neighborhood, Babel Soho is a convenient homebase for fashion fans visiting Buenos Aires, with the Museum of Latin American Art of Buenos Aires MALBA and Museo Nacional de Bellas Artes both just a short drive away. You can also party like a celebrity with your very own Fashion Week afterparty, as Palermo is one of the best spots to enjoy Buenos Aires' bumpin' nightlife.
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* Booking.com conducted research among 21,500 respondents in 29 markets globally (Australia, Germany, France, Spain, Italy, Japan, China, Brazil, India, United States, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Thailand, Russia, Argentina, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Hong Kong, Croatia, Indonesia, Taiwan, Mexico, Netherlands, Sweden, Singapore, Colombia, Israel, South Korea). The fieldwork was carried out from 18th June – 16th July 2018.