"How did fashion week start?"

That's a question I've asked myself in passing in the past, but I never quite got down to do the research and find out. I suppose I was too busy ogling all the fantastic, must-have, oh-so-beautiful garments, because I had only a vague idea until this article (it's in Romanian, proceed with care) jumped up on my iGoogle.

Ah, don't mind me, just sneaking in a wonderful Oscar de la Renta SS2012 look. 

For instance, did you ever wonder why New York comes first? It's no arbitrary, West-to-East thing. It was before the Second World War ended that a woman named Eleanor Lambert (bless her heart, where would we all be without her?!) organized an event she called "Press Week" and invited journalists from magazines and newspapers to see the newest creations by the newest designers who wanted to break out into the market.

Rodarte SS 2012

The war eventually ended and the world followed suit, giving birth to what we call "fashion capitals" (and rightly so, of course), the most established and influential in the industry, New York, London, Milan and Paris. Many other cities in the world organize Fashion Weeks, as well, thus creating the perfect environment for young designers to make a name for themselves and established ones to present to the public their latest creations.

Some very cool Diane von Furstenberg, for good measure.

What about you, did you know that?