Fashion Capitals: What Does That Mean?

In the past few months, I have visited the "Big Four" fashion capitals of the world: New York City, Milan, Paris, and London. All four cities have different personalities and different definitions of a "fashion capital," at least from what I could tell. In my opinion, the distinguished character of each city deserves just as much recognition as the next. Although they can all be put under the umbrella of iconic fashion leaders, it is worth it to get to know each city for the personal flare they bring into the industry.

Paris: Living in Paris has provided me with an introspective into the excitement and culture that exuberates from its streets. The idea of Parisian style has been looked up to for ages and it has fared well against time and everchanging trend cycles. Paris blends class with effortless style and appreciation for true beauty. Skincare is more important than makeup, sustainability is more important than trends and personal style is deciphered down to the accessories. Paris streets bring elegance to the industry, yet do so with great simplicity.

Milan: Milan's status as an entertainment capital thoroughly blends into its influence in the fashion world. This city is home to all the Italian brands we admire for a fun twist on sophistication: Dolce & Gabbana, Armani, Bottega Veneta, Etro, Missoni, Miu Miu, Moschino, Prada, Valentino, and Versace to name a few. Smart-casual is prevalent on the streets of Milan. There are subtle sexy pieces as well as classics that have been in style for ages.

London: In London, I viewed an abundance of classic looks. Most outfits were pulled together with a few pieces that hardly strayed from neutrals. Here we see the purest form of classy chic. They are practical and put together. London has long been a city we can look up to for chic looks that can span from the office to the bars. They utilize tall black boots, jeans, flats, and the little black dress to name a few. Although, each classic piece is intentionally chosen to add flare to the outfit in order to adjust with the times.

New York City: NYC is often perceived as more casual. In general, the United States has lower standards for streetwear. It is common to see leggings, workout tank tops, and sneakers no matter the time of day or activity. Nonetheless, New York City still holds a great impact on the fashion industry. This casual flare leads to a more contemporary form of streetwear. It's edgy, it's fun and it's chic all the while being comfortable.

Overall, I think it is important to recognize the different aspects of the industry and how they play into personal style. We can't give a single glance at the streetwear of one city and decipher the upcoming trends and styles. Instead, we should holistically view fashion and establish a unique sense of personal style that will effortlessly blend into any city.

Xoxo,

layne