A fashion capital is a city that has a great influence on global fashion scene, and has a huge impact in world’s economy. Let’s delve into the history of New York, Paris, London and Milan—and find out what makes these big four cities the world’s fashion capitals.

Do you know that the World War II paved the way for New York to become a fashion capital?

During the war, the couture houses in Europe were closed, so the production of garments, along with making uniforms and parachutes for the war effort were moved to New York.

Back in the day, there weren’t many fashion designers in America, and fashion press and businessmen would travel to Paris just to see the latest designs.

Since the fashion professionals couldn’t travel to Paris for safety issues, they set up the first fashion week called as “Press Week”.

After American designers had previously been ignored in favor of Paris, the World War II gave the opportunity to take a closer look at local talents. Yes, New York was the first to host a fashion week.

The “Press Week” was created originally for American designers to showcase their work. Coming off as a success, they were showcased for the first time in Vogue, and the New York fashion industry flourished after the war.

Nowadays, New York is the home of top fashion magazines such as Vogue and GQ. It also plays home to brands such as Michael Kors, Calvin Klein, Coach, and Ralph Lauren.

According to an expert, for a city to be considered as a fashion capital, it needs to have an identity that comes from a mix of culture, commerce, and creativity.

A fashion capital must generate social representations reflecting its ideals, values, and lifestyle. Do you know what makes New York fashion different from Paris, Milan and London?

The easy practicality of the New York style reflects the lifestyle of the city.

On contrary to Paris couture, New York embraced the challenge of creating sportswear that became a practical option in the 1940s and 1950s, putting the city into the fashion map for the rest of the world to watch.

In fact, Levi Strauss symbolized the practicality of American fashion with its workwear style. Since the city’s style is all about comfort and practicality, think of our Modern Classic Backpack that will give you a New Yorker style in no time.

Some of the fashion designers like Ralph Lauren and Donna Karan incorporate an ease and practicality in their collection, giving more casual approach to their designs.

New York was always an important commercial center, but it became known in the supermodel era of the late 1980s.

Also, the presence of the cultural infrastructure such as museums, along with symbolic associations of glamour and modernity make the perfect atmosphere for a fashion city.

When it comes to commerce, do you know that New York Fashion Week contributes about $850 million a year to the NYC economy? Yes, the economic impact of the fashion industry is huge.

Do you even know that pop singer Jennifer Lopez, Mariah Carey, and Alicia Keys, along with famous actors Tom Cruise, Scarlett Johansson, and Lea Michele were born in New York City?

Do you know that French fashion dates back to the time of King Louis XIV, the ‘Sun King’ in the 17th century? Back in the day, the royals were the only ones who have access to luxury goods.

You’ll see the lavish taste of the king in the Palace of Versailles, as well as the way he dressed.

In fact, he brought a number of artistic industries under the control of the royal court, making France the source of the highest quality fabric and materials.

In the 1670s, the fashion press allowed the luxury goods to be mass produced for the public. In fact, there was a “sans culottes” movement during the French Revolution where culottes were a symbol of royalty and not wearing them will just prove that you were on the side of the people.

The World War II affected the fashion industry of Paris, causing many of the fashion houses to close—which also shifted the fashion spotlight to New York that wasn’t affected by the war.

After the war, French designers changed the view of fashion. One of them is Christian Dior, a French couturier, who released his “New Look” collection highlighting the curves of a woman by a nipped-in waist and an A-line skirt falling to mid-calf, on contrary to clothes silhouettes during the war.

Dior’s optimism was controversial at first since his designs required a great deal of fabric despite the ongoing shortages in the war’s aftermath. But he succeeded in reinstating Paris as the most fashionable city in the world.

The French fashion was dominated by constricting corsets, but Coco Chanel completely deconstructed women’s clothing by favoring loose free-flowing designs—most commonly known as “flapper style”.

Do you know that the couture style was criticized by many youths seeking for a more casual style?

‘Youth culture’ was rapidly developing in London, and British fashion designer Mary Quant introduced the daringly short mini-skirts that were adored by younger generations. Her designs were actually the opposite of the sophisticated Parisian style, which were appealing to the older generations.

It actually encouraged the development of Parisian ready-to-wear. In fact, the haute couture remained as a fashionable style in France until the 1960s when fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent introduced the concept of ready-to-wear or prêt-à-porter where fashion became more accessible for the public.

In fact, most couture houses nowadays create ready-to-wear collections, reaching global markets and various demographics of customers than the couture collections.

Also, Saint Laurent designed the ‘le smoking’ or ‘dinner jacket,’ transitioning of a number of men’s design into the women’s wardrobe.

French designers have created the most renowned and coveted luxury brands in the world. Some of them are Louis Vuitton, Hermès, Yves Saint Laurent, Givenchy, Dior, and Chanel, along with bold labels such as Rick Owens and Comme des Garçons.

Paris has the Golden Triangle—a shopping district dedicated to high fashion—where you’ll find prestige brand boutiques. If you’re looking for a classic handbag to complete your look, our Sunny Beach Business Bag will give you that Parisian je ne sais quoi effortlessly.

Emma Watson is a British actress most known in her ‘Hermione Granger’ role in the Harry Potter series, but do you know that she was born in Paris, France?

Indeed, fashion is deeply rooted in France’s culture and lifestyle, regardless of the considerable degree of competition with other fashion cities.

Do you know that the fashion history of London was deeply influenced by British monarchy? Back in the day, many commoners wanted to dress like the royalty.

In the 1700s, the loom—a device used to weave cloth—made advancements to the textile production in England. It was created for people to weave their own fabrics from yarn, so the middle and lower class will have access to clothing.

During the ‘Swinging London’ or the post-World War II era, plastics revolutionized the fashion industry where the mod fashion trend made a strong impact, and London established their fashion identity.

In the 1970s, the punk fashion became strong where designer Vivienne Westwood became known for her tartan prints and distressed clothing. In fact, it’s the time where London’s international fashion reputation flourished.

London has always been the fashion capital dream for designers—it nurtures an adventurous spirit, putting its name on the fashion map.

Mary Quant is a fashion designer known for bringing mod fashion like the miniskirt and hot pants, while Vivienne Westwood was born out of a rebellion against the hippie fashions of the Seventies.

She introduced her punk style featuring safety pins, rips and zips. Also, Alexander McQueen is also one of Britain’s most influential designers.

If your style is gravitated towards pop art and psychedelia, our Mod Inspired Messenger Bag will complete your trendy statement.

The influence of Britpop with a mix of Doc Martens became the distinctive style of London.

In the 1900s, iconic personalities such as model Twiggy and legendary bands like the Beatles contributed to the lively attitude of British designers.

One of the markers of a fashion capital is its strength in fashion education. London has systems that reflect creativity and innovation, which contributes to the city’s global reputation and British economy.

Soccer player David Beckham, supermodel Cara Delevingne, along with actors Robert Pattinson, Daniel Radcliffe, and Kate Beckinsale were born in London.

Italian fashion dates back to the Middle Ages with hitting its peak during the Renaissance.

However, Italian fashion wasn’t born in Milan but in Florence—thanks to the aristocratic Giovan Battista Giorgini who organized the first fashion parade.

Some years later, the strong partnership between the American and the Roman movie industry attracted Hollywood actors and actresses to film movies at Rome, which gave opportunities to Italian designers. Because of that, the center of fashion was moved to Rome.

Roman haute couture became popular all around the globe, making the Italian fashion the symbol of prestige and refinement.

Italian fashion entered a new period in the 70s, where designers were no longer considered to be luxury tailors but creators of a style that should be accessible for the masses, making the Milan the new capital of prêt-à-porter and big textile industries.

If the cosmopolitan city of Rome was the aristocratic capital of high fashion that inspired the dreams of the masses, Milan became the democratic capital of prêt-à-porter that dressed the masses.

Also, Milan offered all the comforts and convenience for business development, making it the ultimate fashion capital of Italy.

Every fashion capital has a long list of designers that adds to the credibility of the city, and attracts other fashion houses to build their boutiques there.

Italian fashion houses such as Dolce & Gabbana, Valentino, Versace, Prada, and Giorgio Armani are based in Milan even though they were actually founded in other cities in Italy.

In fact, Italian fashion designer Miuccia Prada was born in Milan.   

Milan takes pride in exquisite tailoring and grand textiles, and Italian fashion is known for being edgy and sexy on contrary to other fashion capitals’ style. In the 1990s, Prada gave Milan an additional edge when it comes to minimalism.

If you’re looking for an edgy yet sexy statement, our Crocodile Patterned Handbag will do the tricks for you.

Fashion capitals reflect the fashion culture in their street style and ateliers, along with a place dedicated to all things about fashion.

Milan’s main fashion district is ‘Quadrilatero della Moda’ or Via Montenapoleone—an upscale shopping area in the in the centre of the Italian city of Milan.

Cities like New York, Paris, London, and Milan have sustained their status as leading world fashion capitals for more than half a century, but other cities are now on the rise as fashion centers. Some of them are Sydney, Tokyo and Mexico City. Is it time to redraw the world’s fashion map?

Right now, designer It bags became a phenomenon—and fashion icons are wearing them now. If you’ve ever been curious about which designer is behind your favorite It bag, check our post on “The Top 10 Bag Creatives of All Time”.

Indeed, these cities have their own unique history when it comes to fashion, and their stories became an inspiration for other cities to become well-known in the fashion world too.