Paris: The Fashion Capital

Paris, the fashion capital, an undeniable truth for many. Yet, other capitals are now eager to steal the spotlight. But Paris stands its ground. New York and London, its great rivals, seem unable to dim its allure among fashionistas worldwide. They continue to flock there each season to acquire those few quintessentially French chic pieces that will complete their wardrobes.

Paris, City of Fashion and Luxury

In 1858, British-born designer Charles-Frédéric Worth opened his fashion house in Paris. His designs, showcased for the first time on live models, were presented to an audience of wealthy clients. The designer’s talents extended beyond creation; he also revolutionized the marketing of his designs by inventing the first fashion shows and the concept of seasonal collections. Over the following decades, Paris gradually cemented its place as the fashion capital of the world. At the beginning of the 20th century, people from around the world flocked to Paris to purchase the latest designs from the twenty Haute Couture houses that now defined the capital. The number grew to nearly a hundred after World War II but dwindled to just fifteen by the early 21st century.

Paris and Its Great Designers

Paris thrives on the talent of great designers who have shaped Parisian fashion over the decades: Coco Chanel, Christian Dior, Yves Saint Laurent, and Jean-Paul Gaultier are among them. A century ago, Coco Chanel revolutionized women’s fashion by freeing the feminine silhouette with simple, practical clothing inspired by men’s wardrobes. After World War II, Christian Dior’s New Look marked a return to a more structured silhouette, featuring full, long skirts, a cinched waist, narrow shoulders, and an accentuated bust. In 1962, Yves Saint Laurent unveiled his first Haute Couture collection. The women’s wardrobe according to Saint Laurent welcomed the tuxedo suit, pantsuit, safari jacket, sheer blouse, and thigh-high boots. In the 1980s, Jean Paul Gaultier designed clothing for both sexes, embracing bold and daring creativity. In 1983, he transformed the classic sailor shirt into the emblematic piece of his brand. He made headlines again two years later by introducing a skirt for men.

Is Paris Still the Fashion Capital?

The title of fashion capital is highly sought after today. The latest ranking of the world’s most influential fashion cities, compiled by Global Language Monitor in 2017, placed New York ahead of Paris. The two leading cities are followed by Barcelona, Milan, Rome, London, Amsterdam, Berlin, Las Vegas, and Dubai. This marks a slight reshuffling of the deck, as since 2011, the top of the ranking had consistently been dominated by the same trio: New York, Paris, and London, each city taking turns at the number one spot.

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