What do the United States, England, Italy and France have in common? They are the four countries that house the cities known as the “fashion capitals of the world.†New York City, London, Milan and Paris are famous worldwide for their lavish clothing displays during their highly anticipated fashion weeks, revered and followed around the world. Each of the four influential cities have their own history in the fashion market.
New York City was the first city to begin showing fashion week, which is why they are the first show each year. In America, textile and clothing production began with the Industrial Revolution, as this allowed for mass production of garments. New materials such as rayon and synthetic dyes were developed, helping to promote and sell a mass amount of clothing items. During World War II, the couture homes in Europe closed, and the production of military uniforms was moved to New York, which also became home to the garment district. New York was the first city to host a fashion week, which was originally called “press week,†where American designers could display their clothing in person. Designers were also showcased in Vogue magazine. Today, New York City promotes many famous designers, with 5th Avenue regarded as the high-end shopping district of New York.
London fashion has its start in the British monarchy, who often influenced public fashion. Many people aspired to be like the royals, imitating their style of dress. English fashion mimicked America, until the 1960s, when “Swinging London†became all the rage. Twiggy was the iconic model, sporting colorful neon clothing, miniskirts and frost lipsticks, and the mod fashion look caught on throughout Britain. In the 1970s, punk became a strong subculture in London. In 1984, London housed their own fashion week, which is now an annual event. Bond Street and Oxford Street are known as the shopping fashion district of London.
Italian fashion grew in popularity during the Renaissance period. In the 1950s and 1960s, Florence, Italy emerged as a fashion capital that specialized in couture for the rich and famous. In the 1970s and 1980s, Milan became the city where ready-to-wear clothing items were made. Since the clothing being produced in Milan was stylish and affordable, Milan became the fashion capital of Italy. Italian fashion has given us notable famous designers such as Gucci, Prada, Versace and Dolce & Gabbana. Fashion quadrilateral is the major shopping district of Milan.
Paris fashion had a strong influence on many French couture houses, such as Vionnet and Chanel during the 20th century. At the end of World War II, Dior released their New Look line, which brought in popular fashion that emphasized women’s bodies and curves. In the 1960s, Yves Saint Laurent introduced his own line of ready-to-wear clothing, which remained a growing industry in the 1970s and 1980s. In 1973, Paris fashion week began, allowing designers to display their fashion to the public. Avenue des Champ-Elysees is the famed shopping district in Paris.
For all fashion divas and clothes lovers, following annual fashion weeks in all four major cities throughout the globe is a thrill and a treat, showcasing styles, designs and designers. Fashion weeks are exciting and satisfy our worldwide fascination with glamour, style, fashion and beauty.
Nancy Mangano is an American beauty/fashion/style influencer, fashion journalist, screenwriter and author of the Natalie North murder mystery book series. Visit Nancy on her global online fashion/style/beauty magazine Strutting in Style! at https://nancymariemangano.com, her Facebook page Nancy Mangano at https://www.facebook.com/nancymmangano/ Twitter @https://twitter.com/nancymangano and her author website http://www.nancymangano.com
