Main Cities in F ashion
According to the Global Language Monitor, New York City came in first for five consecutive years; yet in 2009, it was beaten by Milan, Italy, before reclaiming the title of top fashion capital in 2010. Despite the fact that the fashion of these two cities concentrates more on economic and media success, rather than beauty and elegance, both these cities have longstanding traditions of excellence and creativity in design (especially Milan since it is the home of some of the most famous fashion artists in the world, such as Versace, Armani, Dolce e Gabbana and many others), and have both been important historical centers of artistic fashion design for many years. Milanese fashion is regarded as being practical, but elegant and highly refined at the same time, concentrating more on stylish ready-to-wear clothes, rather than extravagant haute couture. This applies similarly to New York. However, both cities also have upscale haute couture and high fashion shopping districts.
London and Paris are considered symbolic fashion centres of Europe due to them having long standing histories as centers of art and fashion, and being home to several highly prestigious fashion houses. The cities are perhaps best known for the prestige and elegance of their fashion designs, rather than for their practicality and economic success. (London-based fashion designs are known for their extravagant quirkiness, while Parisian designs are regarded for their elegant and formal nature)
The other main centers of fashion in the world are Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Rome, Sydney, Tokyo, Düsseldorf, Barcelona, Las Vegas, Toronto, Shanghai, and Dubai. In recent years, however, the importance of the fashion industry has grown in many other cities around the globe, such as Chicago, São Paulo and Sydney.