Fashion Weeks: How Global Runways Became Cultural Powerhouses 

Fashion weeks were once closed-door trade events reserved for editors, buyers, and industry insiders. Today, they have transformed into global cultural spectacles, multi-platform marketing ecosystems that influence trends, consumer behavior, digital storytelling, and brand strategy at a scale never seen before. From the heritage maisons of Paris and Milan, to the experimental energy of London and New York, and the rising voices of new creative capitals across Asia, fashion weeks have become global stages where creativity meets commerce. 

In 2025, a fashion show is no longer just a presentation of garments; it is a strategic communication tool. Every model walk, every backstage conversation, every TikTok clip, and every AR-enhanced livestream becomes part of a broader narrative shaping how brands position themselves in culture. 

Fashion Weeks as Global Marketing Engines 

Modern fashion weeks operate as integrated communication platforms. They drive: 

• Brand Strategy: Designers use the runway to reset brand identity, unveil collaborations, or introduce new creative directions that ripple across media, retail, and pop culture. 

• Digital Amplification: With TikTok fashion creators, AI-driven styling tools, and real-time livestreaming, fashion week moments now reach millions, far beyond the front row. 

• Instant Retail Activation: Runway-to-retail cycles have shortened dramatically, with pre-orders, interactive lookbooks, and limited drops launched immediately after shows. 

• Cultural Narrative Building: Runways now serve as storytelling stages where designers address sustainability, craftsmanship, identity, politics, and technology, mirroring the concerns and aspirations of modern consumers. 

Whether haute couture or streetwear, brands understand that fashion week is no longer a seasonal ritual. It is an always-on marketing moment, accelerated by digital culture. 

Raffles: A Global Creative Force Across Fashion Weeks 

As fashion weeks evolve, they have become essential launchpads for future creative leaders, and Raffles continues to stand at the center of this movement. Across our global campuses, including Milan, Jakarta, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Bangkok, and beyond, Raffles students and alums consistently appear on prestigious stages, in competitions, and on professional runway events. Raffles Milan, located in one of the world’s most influential fashion capitals, plays a pivotal role in this ecosystem. Positioned at the intersection of luxury, craftsmanship, and innovation, the Milan campus gives students access to major fashion week activities, global brands, European industry networks, and a vibrant creative culture. At the same time, Raffles Jakarta and other campuses continue to shape Southeast Asia’s creative narrative, showing how a global education model empowers talent across borders. 

Spotlight on Global Achievements From the Raffles Network 

Our students and alums across the Raffles community are regularly recognized on both international and national stages. One of the most significant achievements comes from Christabell BELLINI, the only finalist from Southeast Asia at Mittelmoda in Milan, Italy, one of the world’s most respected global competitions for emerging designers. Her collection showcased the level of craftsmanship, innovation, and conceptual depth that Raffles nurtures [Read More Here]. 

Another remarkable milestone is Carolin Valentina’s victory at Lomba Perancang Mode (LPM) 2025 at Jakarta Fashion Week, where she impressed the audience with her collection, “Luruh: The Molting Forest,” a powerful narrative about environmental change [Read More Here].  

These achievements reflect a unified message: Raffles prepares global designers, regardless of campus, to compete, excel, and influence the international fashion landscape. 

Milan: The Epicenter of Fashion’s Cultural and Commercial Evolution 

Milan remains one of the most influential fashion cities in the world. It is home to luxury powerhouses such as Gucci, Prada, Versace, Armani, and Bottega Veneta, and a global hub where artisanship, culture, and commercial innovation intersect. 

Milan Fashion Week is not only a stage for iconic brands but also a magnet for new talent, global media, and creative experimentation. Its unique blend of Italian craftsmanship and modern innovation makes it the ideal environment for future designers to grow. 

This positions Raffles Milan as a strategic gateway for students entering the global fashion industry. 

Jakarta Fashion Week: A Growing Creative Power in Southeast Asia 

While Milan leads Europe’s luxury narrative, Jakarta Fashion Week (JFW) is increasingly recognized as Southeast Asia’s creative powerhouse. Its commitment to culture, storytelling, sustainability, and digital innovation makes it a global reference point for emerging markets. 

The rise of JFW demonstrates a global reality: creative excellence can emerge from anywhere, Milan, Jakarta, Shanghai, or beyond. 

And Raffles, with campuses in both established and emerging fashion capitals, plays a pivotal role in shaping this interconnected global talent ecosystem. 

The Raffles Experience: Where Education Meets Industry 

Regardless of whether a student studies in Milan, Jakarta, or any other Raffles campus, the learning experience is grounded in industry relevance. Across the Raffles network: 

• Fashion Design students learn advanced craftsmanship, cultural storytelling, and innovation-led design.
• Fashion Marketing students are trained to manage fashion weeks, brand communication, digital campaigns, event management, and trend forecasting.
• Students collaborate with brands, participate in shows, and build portfolios aligned with global professional standards.

At Raffles, classrooms are not just learning spaces; they are incubators for ideas that are ready for the runway. 

Start Your Fashion Journey With Raffles 

Whether your dream runway is in Milan, Jakarta, or anywhere in the world, Raffles gives you the global foundation to get there.  

Arman POUREISA 

Marketing Manager 

Raffles Indonesia