Italian fashionItaly is one of the leading countries in fashion design, alongside France, the United States and the United Kingdom. Fashion has always been an important part of the country's cultural life and society, and Italians are well known for their attention to dress; la bella figura, or good appearance, retains its traditional importance. Italian fashion became prominent during the 11th to 16th centuries, when artistic development in Italy was at its peak.
Fashion designFashion design is the creative process of assembling clothing and accessories by cutting, sewing, and adorning materials like textiles and leather with aesthetic elements like patterns, motifs, shapes, cuts, and colors from various cultures. Fashion design is the craft of fashion designers who create clothing, accessory, and jewelry for consumers, according to cultural and aesthetic influences, fashion styles, market trends, locations, seasons, and consumer segments.
French fashionFashion in France is an important subject in the culture and country's social life, as well, being an important part of its economy. Fashion design and production became prominent in France since 15th century. During the 17th century, fashion exploded into a rich industry, for exportation and local consumption. In the 19th century, fashion made a transition into specialisation for modern term haute couture, originated in the 1860s, bringing good taste to fashion argot.
Fashion weekA fashion week is a fashion industry event, lasting approximately one week, where fashion designers, brands or "houses" display their latest collections in runway fashion shows to buyers and the media. These events influence the upcoming fashion trends for the current and approaching seasons. The most prominent fashion weeks held in the fashion capitals of the world—in chronological order, New York City, London, Milan, and Paris, or the "Big Four", showcase exquisite creations from the most vaunted fashion designers and receive global media coverage.