The“big four of fashion”refers to cities that are usually leaders in innovative designs and clothing. The termfashion capitalis nowadays used for the cities that holdfashion weeks.
What city is the capital of fashion? There are a number to choose from.
Paris, New York, London, and Milan are the most recognizablefashion capitals of the world, but sometimes Tokyo is also added to that list.
This is what put them on the map as the fashion capitals of the world.
Paris
What is the fashion capital of Europe?
It has to be Paris.
Fashion weekin Paris is one of the most anticipated and attended compared tofashion weeksheld in other cities. It hosts over 100 designers and designer brands every year, and not all of them are even based in Paris.
Paris has been considered the style andfashion capitalof the world since the 16th century, and it has been influential in the fashion world ever since.
The fashion industry is one of the most grossing industries in France and therefore, an integral part of its economy.
There are many reasons whyParisbecame thefashion capital. One of them is setting fashion trends. Namely, Haute Couture and the beginning of fashion publications are only the tips of the iceberg of what France gave to the world of fashion.
Moreover, notable French designers became household names in Paris and changed fashion forever. Two of them are Coco Chanel and Saint Lauren.
Read the article about beloved French designer Coco Chanel and her contribution to the world of fashion inthis post.
New York
What city is the fashion capital of the US? The trendsetters definitely reside in NY.
Paris is not the only trendsetting city in the world. Designers based inNew Yorkchallenged Parisian couture by introducing sportswear in the high fashion world back in the 1940s and 1950s.
New York became synonymous with a luxurious lifestyle, hustle culture, and big brands.
Fashion is an integral part of life for people living in New York.
This is also the city that was first to host thefashion week, and as such, made history. The event was supposed to shed some light on American designers, but no one could have predicted what would happen next.
They made history by kick-starting the largest and the most important event in the industry that occurs each year.
Milan
What Italian city is considered the fashion capital? Look no further than Milan.
Milanis also recognized as one of thebig fourin the fashion world. It might not have such a long history as cities like Paris, but the contribution of designers in the 20th century is what made this city afashion capital.
What’s more, Milan is the capital that features so-called Milan houses, luxurious boutiques, and workshops. There you can find fashionable garments and jewellery made by some of Italy’s finest designers.
Of course, Milan is also the host of its ownfashion week, one of the most important events for designers to showcase their work and make new trends.
London
Londonis another important city in the fashion world. The language barrier (or lack of it) plays a significant role in establishing cities such as New York and London as the global capitals in fashion.
Moreover, London is populated with people from all walks of life, and this multicultural aspect is what made designers who are based in London stand out.
This characteristic and the recognizable products, along with the sense of style, allows London to compete with the rest of the big fashion capitals. It is what put this city in the 21st century on the map of thefashion capitals.
London also hosts fashion week and has brands featuring some of the most influential designers of the century.
Should Other Cities Join in?
Historically, other cities were also consideredfashion capitals of the world.Some of them areFlorence, Venice, and Rome.
Cities such as Delhi are also on the list among the influentialfashion capitals. Still, their fashion week designs don’t get as much media coverage and hype as the capitals mentioned above.
The cities that host and are notable for being thefashion capitalsare located in the west. Namely, Tokyo has only recently been added to the list of fashion capitals as one of the big five in the world.
This might shed light on the bias towards the westernized fashion designers that dominated the fashion industry for a long time and Eurocentric beauty standards pushed by the modelling industry.
Whilst we’re starting to see inclusivity, there is still a long way to go for the fashion industry.
Final Word
Hosting fashion weekis not exclusive to the big four. Nevertheless, we only seem to talk about them as they feature the most notable designers, and the cities are exiting and bigger than life.
There is also a visible pattern of cities with shops and space for those who live luxuriously and can afford designer items.
Moreover, these cities have a special feeling to them, an identity, and a culture that we recognize as exclusively their own. That is also reflected in their clothing and designs.
As an enthusiast deeply immersed in the world of fashion, I can attest to the significance of the "big four of fashion" and their role as leaders in innovative designs and clothing. The term "fashion capital" has evolved to refer to cities hosting prominent fashion weeks, and I'm well-versed in the dynamics that position certain cities at the forefront of the global fashion industry.
Let's delve into the concepts discussed in the article:
Paris: The Epitome of Fashion
Paris stands as the fashion capital of Europe and has been a dominant force since the 16th century. Paris Fashion Week is highly anticipated and attended, hosting over 100 designers and brands each year. The city's historical influence, coupled with the contributions of iconic designers like Coco Chanel and Saint Laurent, solidifies Paris as a global fashion hub.
New York: A Trendsetting Powerhouse
New York is the fashion capital of the United States, known for challenging Parisian couture by introducing sportswear in the 1940s and 1950s. The city is synonymous with a luxurious lifestyle, hustle culture, and renowned brands. Hosting the first fashion week in history, New York has played a pivotal role in shaping the industry.
Milan: Italian Elegance and Design
Milan, recognized as one of the "big four," may not have Paris's historical depth, but its contributions in the 20th century elevated it to fashion capital status. Milan houses luxurious boutiques and workshops, showcasing garments and jewelry by Italy's finest designers. Milan Fashion Week is a key event for designers to showcase their work and set trends.
London: Multicultural Influence and Unique Style
London, with its multicultural population, has established itself as a global fashion capital. The lack of a language barrier, along with diverse influences, allows designers in London to stand out. London Fashion Week is a significant event, featuring influential designers and contributing to the city's recognition in the 21st-century fashion landscape.
Other Cities: Historical Significance
The article touches on other historically significant fashion capitals, such as Florence, Venice, Rome, and more recently, Tokyo. However, the focus remains on the "big four," highlighting the Western-centric bias in the fashion industry.
Inclusivity and the Future of Fashion
While inclusivity is becoming more evident, the article suggests a bias toward Westernized fashion designers and Eurocentric beauty standards. The emergence of Tokyo as one of the "big five" emphasizes a shift but also underscores the need for greater inclusivity in the fashion industry.
Final Thoughts
The concept of hosting fashion weeks extends beyond the big four, but the attention remains on these cities due to their cultural identity, recognizable designs, and the aura of exclusivity. The article hints at a pattern where these cities not only host notable designers but also exude a distinct cultural and fashionable identity.
