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Global Style Destinations: Top 5 Fashion Capitals of the World

Kajori Sheryl Paul

Reading is my passion, and writing is my compulsion. I started reading from a very early age. Since then, I have not stopped. I have garnered this addiction from my father. I have always loved reading his books. As you can see, books are my world. I escape this world to traverse the world of my books. Naturally, I have an affinity to create worlds of my own. There are thoughts constantly swirling in my head. These are the thoughts that I jot down. Sometimes, they become poems while sometimes stories. More often than not, they are just reviews of the plethora of books I read and the things I do.

photo of woman wearing sunglasses

“Fashion is not something that exists in dresses only. Fashion is in the sky, in the street; fashion has to do with ideas, the way we live, what is happening.”

– Coco Chanel

Fashion is much more than our clothes, shoes, and accessories. It gives us a sense of style and bestows us upon us a rare confidence, ready to face the world head-on. There are a lot of questions when it comes to fashion the first and foremost, is how do we know what is in vogue? The latest fashion trends originate from the fashion capitals of the world. Now, you may ask what are fashion capitals?

Fashion capitals are cities that have a tremendous influence on the international fashion scene. They hold the biggest fashion weeks, fashion awards, exhibitions, and trade fairs. Fashion capitals are the homes of the most famous fashion houses, designers, fashion magazines, and fashion schools. The population in these cities has an incredible interest in all things related to fashion and welcomes the latest trends with open minds.

In the 21st century, when it comes to fashion capitals, the Big Five come to our minds almost instantaneously. These are the cities that everyone remotely interested in fashion dreams of traveling to. If you are a fashion-forward soul, the Big Five are the cities that are must-adds in your ideal travel destinations.

Without further ado, let us go on a journey of fashion and explore the Big Five fashion capitals of the world.

Paris

When we think of fashion, the first city that comes to mind is Paris. Ever since the reign of Louis XIV in the 16th century, Paris has been a powerful force in the fashion industry. It was France that saw the beginning of fashion publications. Haute Couture, the pinnacle of custom dressmaking emerged in France itself. Most of the fashion trends that we see today have their beginning in Paris even today. It comes as no surprise as Paris is the home of some of the most revolutionary designers the world has ever seen like Coco Chanel, Yves Saint Laurent, Christian Dior, Louis Vuitton, and Jean Paul Gaultier, among many others. The Paris Fashion Week is undoubtedly one of the most anticipated fashion weeks in the world. It showcases more than a hundred designers and brands from all over the world. The first organized fashion week in Paris was held in 1973. Since then, it has been organized twice every year. Divided into three categories aka menswear, ready-to-wear, and haute couture, the shows and events are held in myriad locations around the city. If you are a fashionista, then Paris must be in your travel plans. Do visit the Palais Galliera and the Yves Saint Laurent Museum to view their iconic exhibitions. If you are a shopaholic, take a trip through the Champs-Elysees, the Golden Triangle, Fanny Miami, and Episode. You would most definitely not be disappointed.

New York

New York is the city that held the first of the many iconic fashion weeks. In 1943, the latest and trendiest fashion could no longer be imported from Paris. The Second World War made it impossible. So, what did the highly fashion-conscious people of New York do? They kick-started one of the most important events of today’s fashion world. The promotional director of the New York Dress Institute, Eleanor Lambert, hosted the first New York Fashion Week in 1943. The aim was to showcase the offerings of homegrown American designers and fashion houses. Presently, New York Fashion Week takes place twice a year. The spring/summer collection is showcased in September and the fall/winter collection is released in February. Since then, New York City has been a major influence on international fashion trends. In fact, New Yorkers challenged Parisian couture with the introduction of sportswear in high fashion way back in the 1940s and 1950s. It is undeniable that fashion is an integral part of the lives of the people living in New York. The city is synonymous with big brands, a hustle culture, and a luxurious lifestyle. If you are planning to visit New York, do keep the iconic Costume Institute at The Met and the Museum at the Fashion Institute of Technology in your itinerary.  

London

Ever since the Elizabethan times, London has been one of the world’s foremost fashion capitals. Due to its long colonial past, London is home to people from all walks of life. It is the hub of multiculturalism. Naturally, London-based designers are edgy and have a unique style. Their designs stand out and are one of a kind. Stella McCartney and Alexander McQueen are only a couple of the many renowned designers London has produced. Just like the New York Fashion Week, the London Fashion Week is held biannually, the first being organized in a West London car park in 1984 by The British Fashion Council. In the past, the London Fashion Show was held in Somerset House, Central London. Presently, the location of the iconic fashion week keeps on changing every year so that the attendees have a chance to take in various London sights. If you are planning a fashion holiday in London, do visit Camden Market, the London College of Fashion’s Fashion Space Gallery, Brick Lane Vintage Market, and Shoreditch Box Park.

Milan

Italy was the cultural capital of Europe during the Renaissance. Italian aesthetics exudes authenticity, luxury, and intricate craftsmanship. Milan is the Italian city that has emerged as a fashion capital in the 21st century. Today, it has around 12,000 fashion houses, 800 showrooms, and 6,000 sales outlets. Milan’s fashion scene is known for its use of high-quality materials and exquisite handcrafted workmanship. Milanese fashion is elegantly creative and vintage. It is rightly deemed as high art. The contributions of eminent designers like Giorgio Armani, Roberto Cavalli, Attico, and Dolce & Gabbana, among many others, have made the city an enduring presence in the international fashion scene. Founded in 1958, Milan Fashion Week is held twice every year. Interestingly, many of the shows are held on the cobblestoned streets of Milan, highlighting the outdoor landmarks and historic sights. If you are a history buff with the soul of a fashionista and are planning to visit the city, do visit the historic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, considered to be the oldest mall by many, the Vicolungo Style Outlets, home to name-brand stores, Fox Town Outlet, an ideal place for shopaholics, the Armani/Silos, and the 18th century fashion museum Palazzo Morando.

Tokyo

Tokyo is the fashion capital of Asia. Though it is a new arrival to the international fashion scene, it is here to stay. Tokyo is fashion-forward and in a way quite different from the other fashion capitals. The city’s fashion scene is eclectic and vibrantly diverse. Both heritage culture and street fashion are given equal importance. Yohji Yamamoto, Rei Kawakubo, Kenzo Takada, and Issey Miyake are only some of the many Japanese fashion designers who have propelled Japanese fashion into international fame. The biannually held Tokyo Fashion Week is the ideal place to see the best of Tokyo’s fashion season. Interestingly, fashion parades are held regularly yet unannounced on the streets of Tokyo. Happening upon a parade like this is one in a life kind of experience. If you are in Tokyo, do hop in the Sugino Gukuen Costume Museum, Bunka Gakuen Costume Museum, and the Kobe Fashion Museum.   

Conclusion

Each and every place in the world has its own rare charm. They inspire people in their own ways. However, very few cities are able to emerge as the fashion capitals of the whole world. It takes a long history of culture and heritage infused with fashion to get the coveted spot. These cities are the leaders of fashion, styles, and trends. The people living in these cities are inherently fashion-forward as well.

Do comment and share your thoughts about the Big Five of the world of fashion.

Note: This article also appears in the debut Spotlyts Magazine print and digital edition dedicated to fashion. Read below for further details.

Spotlyts Spotlights Fashion

The moment is finally here!

The inaugural issue of Spotlyts Magazine has been officially launched, shining a light on the transformative trends sweeping the fashion industry. Themed “Fashion Forward: Celebrating Diversity, Sustainability, and Innovation,” this edition explores the dynamic changes redefining the sector and features the stories and perspectives driving its evolution.

Gracing the cover is Alexis “Lexy” Silverstein, a champion of sustainable fashion, who embodies the magazine’s mission to highlight individuals, organizations, and initiatives promoting positive change.

This edition features exclusive interviews with notable figures, including:

  • Ann Chikahisa, Designer and Owner of Chikahisa Studio, who discusses the impact of fashion and the significance of talismanic jewelry.
  • Raegan Kerr, Founder and CEO of The Garde, who shares insights into the concept of elegant athleticism.
  • Sylvie Blum-Reid, Professor at the University of Florida, who explores the intersection of women, fashion, and film.
  • Emma Medeiros, President of Medeiros Fashion PR, who talks about inclusivity and innovation in fashion.
  • Deon Day, Owner of The Eyeshadow Pad, who addresses the revolution in cruelty-free makeup.
  • Diana Stelin, TEDx speaker and Owner of Gallerista Fashion, who discusses the artistry in fashion.
  • Elizabeth Wissinger, Professor at City University of New York, who offers insights on biodesign, glamour, and wearable technology.

Additional features highlight sustainable fashion, beauty revolutions, and the latest trends, with contributions from:

“Spotlyts Magazine Issue 1 – June 2024” celebrates the transformative power of fashion, offering inspiration and insight into a more inclusive, sustainable, and innovative future.

A version of this article also appears on Google News.

Several other versions appear in hundreds of websites across the globe including FOX, CBS, ABC, and NBC affiliates plus more.

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Secure your coffee-table-worthy print and digital copies through the following links:

Spotlyts Magazine Issue 01 June 2024 Edition

By ALPJ and Sons Team in Spotlyts Magazine

130 pages, published 4/17/2025

Here now is the most-awaited Spotlyts Magazine inaugural edition dedicated to the transformative forces reshaping the world of fashion. Themed “Fashion Forward: Celebrating Diversity, Sustainability, and Innovation,” this issue explores the dynamic evolution within the industry and spotlights voices and stories that define its future.

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One response to “Global Style Destinations: Top 5 Fashion Capitals of the World”

  1. Andrea Fernández

    Tokyo is the one that impresses me the most. Not only is it not a “traditional” fashion capital here in the West but also I love the idea of walking through the streets and running into an impromptu fashion show.

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