The fashion world has long prided itself on Paris and New York fashion statements, but when you are in search for the true cutting edge of fashion you must turn your eyes toward Milan. Known for its annual Fashion Week, Milan’s impact on the fashionistas of the world cannot be overlooked.

Milan Fashion Week

Milan Fashion Week is the crème de la crème event of the fashion world. Many top fashion industry experts suggest that it is in fact the “Showcase” of the fashion industry, growing bigger and better with each passing year. Milan Fashion Week is owned by Camera Nazionale del Moda Italiana, or the CNMI. The CNMI is responsible for coordinating the events and shows of the Milan Fashion Week. Over one hundred shows have been completed over the past 15 years and have showcased a wide variety of designers, including Cavalli, Max Mara, Missioni, Dolce & Gabbana and many more. The numbers of top models, journalists, designers and fashion photographers the event attracts is impressive.

Milan and the Rest of the Fashion World

Milan’s Fashion Week and the entire fashion world that exists in Milan greatly effects fashion in the rest of the world. And for the fashion designers, Milan provides an arena in which they can engage audiences with their own brand of style influence while they also may reveal those who influence then. Associated Press writer Daniela Petroff claims that “It’s all about pick and choose with designers displaying their talents in a myriad of styles.”

And what designers is Petroff referring to? Why Armani, of course, with his culottes, bustiers and mini-skirts. Or, designer Mariuccia Mandelli of Krizia who offers knits, clean shirts with tweed trousers, and more. Then there is Gucci, Dolce and Gabbana and countless others. The fashion shows in Milan forces designers to face their competition. They both inspire and are, in turn, inspired.

The Not-So-Stylish Side of Fashion

Still, there is a hidden dark side to the Milan fashion world. BBC News reported a story in 1999 purportedly uncovering the secrets of the fashion world. The story alleged tales of drugs and sex, and models who have had to use sex to get drugs. The story provoked an angry response from Milan, but left many wondering about the lifestyles of the fashion world’s rich and famous.