Think of American fashion and New York might come to mind first. While the east coast city does have one of the best fashion scenes in the country, it’s not the only place that’s producing innovative apparel. From Washington to Austin, Boston to Portland, the USA’s most creative cities are brimming with talented designers just waiting to be discovered.
Indie Fashion Week DC
Every October, Indie Fashion Week DC champions independent fashion brands in the Greater Washington DC area (in photo). The vibrant celebration of style features events like RENDEZVOUS, a pop-up shop and runway show which showcases local indie fashion labels and Resurrection, another runway event which hosts international designers like Stevie Boi. To discover up and coming labels before anyone else or to champion local designer-makers, Indie Fashion Week DC is a great weeklong fashion event worth making the trip for.
New York Fashion Week
North America’s most iconic fashion event, New York Fashion Week takes place every February in Manhattan. One of the "Big Four" fashion events in the world (joining Paris, London and Milan in centre stage,) the fashion week champions renowned New York designers both old and new, from Diane von Furstenberg and Michael Kors to Tibi and Self-Portrait. Launching new trends all over the world, this is the must-see event on the American fashion calendar.
Portland Fashion Week
It’s no surprise that hipster city Portland, Oregon is home to the most sustainably focused fashion week in America. And not only that, it’s also the only carbon-negative fashion week in the world. You’ll be able to see a myriad of up and coming fashion designers here - and it's proved its chops by producing as many Project Runway winners than LA and NYC combined. Taking place every October, over five days, the week is split up to focus on different areas of fashion - from ready to wear, couture and accessories, as well as having an entire day dedicated to sustainable apparel.
Boston Curvy Fashion Week
While Boston has been the host of one of America’s biggest fashion weeks since 1995, a new edition to the local fashion scene is Boston Curvy Fashion Week, which celebrates plus size women and promotes inclusive fashion brands. Launched in 2014, the annual event held every July was founded by ten curvy women who wanted to provide healthy and diverse role models for women across the city. From parties to a runway show, and previews of upcoming collections from plus size stores, you’ll be helping to promote inclusivity while having oodles of fun at the same time.
Fashion X Austin Fashion Week
It’s no surprise hip city Austin is home to one of the country's best fashion weeks - Fashion X Austin is now in its 11th year of operation. Taking place every February, this indie branch of Austin Fashion Week is the fourth largest fashion week concept in the United States. It focuses on emerging and independent designers and connects them with buyers and boutiques across the city. You’ll be treated to runway shows, pop up shops and events like Shop For Good, where brands make donations to local non-profit The Kindness Campaign, an anti-bullying charity, with every purchase you make.
Scottsdale Fashion Week
One of the best fashion events in Arizona, Scottdale Fashion Week uniquely combines fashion and music to create an unforgettable event. This festival of fashion makes full use of its runway to present runway shows and live music performances, often together. Taking place every March, they not only feature local designers, but also international heavyweights like Michael Kors and Zandra Rhodes. You’ll be joined at this star-studded event by the nation’s best buyers, stylists, celebrities and designers.