Defining Fashion: Fashion Week Seasons

What is SS27?

SS = Spring / Summer. Shown at fashion weeks in September this season of collections will showcase looks for the upcoming summer season. It is usually one year in advance, e.g. SS27 will show in September 2026.

So what does AW27 mean?

AW = Autumn/Winter. These shows take place in the September before their release showcasing winter collections by brands. For example, AW27 will show in February 2027 for release in September/October later that year.

Pre-Collection = This term covers any collection shown / released outside of the SS & AW seasons. A brand will release these interim collections for various reasons; to introduce transpersonal pieces, to introduce wearable pieces if their big collections tend to be more conceptual and less wearable, to keep shop floors stocked with fresh designs more regularly - and sometimes just to create an opportunity to make more money. The below terms are some examples of pre-collections that brand release regularly.

Resort/Cruise =  often used interchangeably this is a pre-spring collection focused on summer looks. The name comes from literal holiday cruises or resort get aways, and they often feature sandals, handbags, sunglasses, kaftans, etc.

Pre-Fall = as the name suggests this interim collection would land ahead of autumn, including items like light jumpers, versatile layers and mixed items (e.g. coats + dresses).

If you want to study fashion, or pursue a career in the industry, lock down these terms so that you know how to refer to big collections and moments in the fashion calendar.