The fashion seasons
SPring/summer
The Spring/Summer (S/S) collections are showcased at fashion week between June and September of the previous year. Menswear is often presented before womenswear. The clothing shown is delivered to stores between January and March of the following year. These collections feature garments for warmer weather, typically made from light and airy fabrics. S/S collections are often more colourful compared to Autumn/Winter (A/W).
Autumn/winter - Fall/winter
Autumn/Winter (A/W), also known as Fall/Winter (F/W), collections are presented at fashion week in January, February, and March, depending on whether it’s menswear or womenswear. The clothing showcased is delivered to stores between July and September of the same year. These collections are designed for colder weather, featuring thicker and warmer fabrics. A/W collections typically use darker colours and are usually priced higher than Spring/Summer (S/S) collections.
Pre-fall
Pre-fall collections serve as a transitional line between Spring/Summer (S/S) and Autumn/Winter (A/W). They are presented shortly before the A/W collections and arrive in stores around May. Pre-fall collections may be showcased with or without a fashion show. They often feature clothing that incorporates elements from both S/S and A/W, focusing on the shift between the two seasons.
Resort
Resort, Cruise, and Pre-spring collections are considered vacation collections. These collections are showcased in May, with the clothing delivered to stores in November. They are not part of the official fashion week programs. Therefore, the fashion houses themselves organize shows to present these collections.
Historically, these collections were created to outfit the upper class when traveling to warmer destinations as temperatures dropped in their local areas at the end of the year. However, with air travel becoming more accessible, these collections now reach a broader audience.