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The September Culture Guide

Fashion month transforms the world’s style capitals into epicenters of creativity and glamour that offer experiences beyond the runway.

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Suite 878 at Hôtel Plaza Athénee in Paris. Photo by Andrea Tamburrini featured in Plaza Athénee by Assouline.

September’s arrival inarguably sparks a global sense of renewal, bringing a refreshing change of pace across the world’s most dynamic cities. This month, we celebrate the great capitals, where the season’s transition creates the perfect backdrop for discovering cutting-edge style, transformative art, and vibrant scenes.

Photo featured in New York by New York by Assouline.

New York City

Fashion Week: September 11 - 16

Shows on our radar: Altuzarra, Khaite, Bibhu Mohapatra

What to see: Superfine: Tailoring Black Style at The Metropolitan Museum of Art's Costume Institute through October 26, traces Black fashion's cultural and historical narrative across 300 years.

Where to spend the day: The Brooklyn Book Festival (September 14-22) is New York City's largest free literary festival, offering a week-long celebration that brings readers and an array of local, national, and international authors and publishers together for readings, panels, and discussions throughout Brooklyn.

Neighborhood to explore: Chelsea offers an incredible mix of attractions, making it perfect for a day of exploration. Start with the High Line, an elevated park built on former railway tracks that features multiple art installations, then head to the Chelsea Market for diverse food vendors and shops in a historic building. 

Actress Gwendoline Christie and fashion designer Giles Deacon at the Wallace Collection. Photo by Mark Anthony Fox.

London

Fashion Week: September 18 - 22

Shows on our radar: Simone Rocha, Burberry, Marques'Almeida

What to see: Opening September 20, The Victoria and Albert Museum presents Marie Antoinette Style, tracing her enduring influence on fashion, examining how her legendary style has inspired over 250 years of creative expression through rare artifacts, costumes, and artwork.

Where to spend the day: The London Design Festival (September 13-21) transforms the city into a global design destination, showcasing London's dynamic ecosystem through exhibitions, installations, and collaborations.

Neighborhood To Explore: Offering a blend of London's best attractions, Piccadilly is the perfect area for visitors searching for history, shopping, and entertainment. At the heart lies the iconic Piccadilly Circus junction with its neon displays and the famous Eros statue, while Regent Street is the go-to spot for shopping at department stores like Liberty. Culture enthusiasts can explore the Royal Academy of Arts, visit the St James's Church, and step inside Maison Assouline, where Swans Bar welcomes guests for an afternoon cocktail.

Milan

Fashion Week: September 23 - 29

Shows on our radar: Gucci, Moschino, Alberta Ferretti

What to see: Located in Via Sant'Andrea of the Fashion Quadrilateral, Palazzo Morando is an ornate 18th-century palace featuring period furnishings and paintings alongside exhibits on Milanese fashion.

Where to spend the day: MITO SettembreMusica (September 3-18) unites Turin and Milan in a collaborative cultural celebration, highlighting both cities' musical traditions.

Neighborhood to explore: Brera, Milan's artistic heart and bohemian quarter, offers a blend of culture and charm with its cobblestone streets and elegant architecture. The district centers around the prestigious Pinacoteca di Brera, one of Italy's most important museums featuring masterpieces by Caravaggio and Raphael.

Photo by Prosper Assouline featured in Alaïa: Livre de Collection.

Paris

Fashion Week: September 29 - October 7 

Shows on our radar: Alaïa, Valentino, Thom Browne

What to see: Running through January 11, 2026, the Musée des Arts Décoratifs showcases Paul Poiret: Fashion Is A Feast, an exhibition that delves into the visionary couturier's dynamic universe, tracing his influence from the refined Belle Époque era to the spirited Jazz Age.

Where to spend the day: Maison & Objet fair at the Paris Nord Villepinte Exhibition Center (September 4-8), where the latest edition highlights rising creative talent spanning six specialized areas such as Cook & Share, Decor & Design, and Craft.

Neighborhood to explore: Paris's iconic bohemian quarter, Saint-Germain-des-Prés, offers a rich history and countless spots to discover, from medieval landmarks like the 6th-century church to sites such as the Cour du Commerce Saint-André. Contemporary attractions include Le Bon Marché, the newly expanded Assouline boutique, and numerous art galleries including Galerie de Buci and Galerie Roger-Viollet.

Our Fashion Month Picks

The Dior Series Dior by Christian Dior
$195 USD
The Legends Collection Burberry
$195 USD
The Legends Collection Valentino: At the Emperor's Table
$195 USD
The Ultimate Collection The Impossible Collection of Fashion
$1,200 USD

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