Why do fashion designers hold fashion shows?

To showcase their upcoming line of clothing.

The contributor above has given a fine answer to the question of way fashion designers hold fashion shows. As a former fashion show photographer a few other items can be added to the answer.

Certainly fashion designers wish to display their latest designs, however, it goes a bit beyond that. Allow me to explain:

A. The fashion show is "designed" to sell the fashion designs to large retailers;

B. Normally retail buyers attend, for the purpose of buying bulk designs that can be sold at reasonable retail prices;

C. For upscale celebrities, a certain portion of the desiners's work will be the type of (as example) evening wear that can cost as much as $10,000;

D. The designer uses the showing as a convenient meeting place for other designers who are friends;

E. Fashion critics and fashion newspapers such as Women's Wear Daily are invited to provide objective opinions that the designer can use to refine his or her designs;and

F. If only for publicity purposes, the designer holds 2 shows a year so as not to fall off the fashion world's radar. This is because of the huge number of designers who are competitors.