New York, Paris, London, Milan are known as the big names in fashion cities to see the best of fashion world has to offer. In these fashion capitals shadows are emerging cities that are frequently overlooked by the masses, enabling them to develop truly forward-thinking creativity in bustling art communities, and perhaps most notably, the freshest in fashion. We choose the three most promising cities for a sneak peek of whats to come in the world of fashion.
Amsterdam, The Netherlands:
Some have called it the “Venice of the North.” Amsterdam is known worldwide for its tolerance and liberalism. This beautiful city also reflects these qualities in its eclectic and creative fashion sense. Big scarves, stripes, leather booties, and bright accessories rule both the streets and the ever-popular boutiques dotting the Dams zig-zagging narrow lanes. In July and January, the city becomes the backdrop for its red-hot International Fashion Week, and the AMFI Amsterdam Fashion Institute fosters the freshest faces in the industry year-round.
Cape Town, South Africa:
Cape Town is Africas most progressive fashion city. Known for its multicultural population and gorgeous oceanfront landscape, it might be hard to focus your attention on just one visual pleasure, but a quick trip to one of the citys many boutiques is sure to distract you. Cropped trousers, full skirts, body-con, tiered dresses, pleats, drapes, sheer, chiffon and lace are ruling styles from Cape Town designers and fashionistas, making for an interesting interplay between conservative and sensual.
A benefit for many travelers in Cape Town is the favorable exchange rate and comparatively low production costs, so giving in to that to-die-for garment becomes that much easier. A capital of goldsmiths and jewelry makers as well as textile producers, look for high-quality leather goods and inexpensive, luxurious accessories. Greenmarket Square and the Cape Quarter are two places to start your shopping explorations, and mid-August is the time to catch Cape Town Fashion Week.
Bali, Indonesia:
Bustling and vibrant, the archipelago city, though known perhaps more for its gorgeous textile supply than groundbreaking design, local fashion thought is on the upswing. Maybe the best place to explore grassroots style is at one of the many open-air markets in the city, with colorful prints and breezy fabrics begging to be worn on Pacific-tanned bodies. Local style as of late has been centered on retro dresses, defined waistlines, relaxed-fit trousers and show-stealing peeptoe pumps. The citys fashion week has been suspended since last few years due to international economic troubles, but Bali is back in our list of fashion cities regardless of big fashion events speaks volumes.
So, whether you are planning a fashion trip around the globe or exploring the new fashion designers, keep in mind that the world of fashion goes well beyond the traditional hubs.
