Fashion from afar. Cross-cultural exchanges through international events

The interaction of various cultures in the fashion industry creates unique trends that emerge on runways across the globe – from Shanghai to São Paulo. International events serve as platforms for cross-cultural exchanges, where designers and stylists share their visions and highlight their cultural heritage. Whether it is Japanese minimalism, vibrant African prints or Latin American motifs, they not only inspire designers to create new collections, but also generally contribute to a fruitful dialog about culture, mutual respect and inclusiveness. Nevertheless, in the process of cross-cultural exchanges through international events, the industry faces important questions. Where is the line between cultural appropriation and exchange? How can superficial borrowing be avoided, ensuring that collections remain truly authentic? And finally, how do these exchanges affect local fashion industries – do international fashion events help small brands from developing countries to break into the global market?

1. How do international fashion events facilitate cross-cultural exchanges in the fashion industry?
2. Where is the line between cultural exchange and appropriation in fashion?
3. How do international events contribute to the development of local brands?