Catwalk Queen: Is Paris really the most fashionable city on the world?

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Is Paris really the most fashionable city on the world?

I must admit when I think of Paris, fashion isn't too far behind that thought; as the birthplace of haute couture admittedly the thought is rather an obvious one. Then again I am Australian and grew up believing that anywhere in Europe instantly equalled style and sophistication. Having travelled throughout much of Europe in the past twelve months, those beliefs have somewhat changed however and yet Paris being voted the most fashionable city in the world still comes as no great surprise.

According to a new survey conducted by the Wall Street Journal Europe, 36% of Europeans from 18 nations agree that Paris is the hub of fashion, while 18% voted for Milan and 8% for London. My very British-proud boss firmly believes this is wrong. Are Britains really more favourable to French style?

I've lived in London for over a year and am constantly surprised by the wealth of fashion talent we have lurking around. This was only confirmed further by my involvement with Graduate Fashion Week where I was blown away by the level of creativity and workmanship.

I love the fact that we're not simply restricted by one form of shopping - even on the high-street. London has markets, department stores, sample sales, chic boutiques, high-street chains, charity shops, clothes fairs, swap parties, e-boutiques, vintage stores and clearance outlets. Even our supermarkets are now stocking their own brand of clothing. This diversity in shopping and in its people is what makes London are wonderfully fashionable to be and be seen. Of course it is different from Paris and Milan, after all if it was the same then that would be boring.

Perhaps Paris is the most fashionable city in the world but as a pseudo-Brit I can't say that I'm in any way more inclined towards French style than Italian or American or even Australian. Yes, even Australians have their own style. How about you?

Tell us which European city you think is the most fashionable and why?

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Posted by Kimberley Foster on June 29, 2007 2:41 PM in
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Milan and Paris. It is not only about quantity of clothes you can buy and in how many places, but about the quality of the make and cut. Italians come number one in both clothes and shoes. No on other clothes/shoes fit as well as the ones made in Italy. France is great for that chic style. Britain is more about edgy, sounds banal, but so true.

Posted by: arelya | June 29, 2007 2:50 PM

Very true Arelya, but what about Saville Row? A tailored men's suit from there is far superior to anything from anywhere else in the world.

Posted by: Gemma | June 29, 2007 4:04 PM

Yes, but here you have to pay crazy money for a good fit. Where as Italian clothes genrally fit well regardless of the price.

Posted by: arelya | June 29, 2007 5:35 PM

As a foreigner and knowing both cities pretty well, and now living in London, I think London is much much better, the variety is amazing, people are much more daring. Londoners breath fashion and are not afraid of change. London is buzzing and it's always interesting. There's no comparation.

I absolutly love Paris, but being a continental european myself,I think their style does not differ much from other european countries, they are quite conservative and everything they have we also have in triple. Its a very sleepy city in terms of innovation, I think those votes go for the history that it has in fashion.
Yes the quality is brilliant, better than in London, but in my opinion that does not make the city more stylish, and i have to admit since I started living In London, I stopped buying clothes in other cities, there's no point at all. we have EVERYTHING.

Posted by: doris | June 29, 2007 6:12 PM

I have always been puzzled by the reputation of French women, and Parisiennes in particular, for being goddesses of style.

What struck me, when I was younger, was that I could spend extended periods of time in Paris without seeing a single person I wanted to imitate. At that time, people on the street were one of my main sources of inspiration, but I wasn't getting inspired there. I got a lot more from seeing passers-by in London. I agree with observations that Paris dresses extremely conservatively, which is the opposite of my taste, so it could be that I'm just not sophisticated enough to see it.

However, IMO it's like everywhere else: a few of them look outstanding, a few of them are a mess, most look okay.

Posted by: H. | June 30, 2007 11:36 PM

I have to say London.

Maybe the French are more classic, but I think Londoners create so many trends globally.

Also, they're creative, daring and fun and that's what fashion is about to me!

Posted by: Lot | July 1, 2007 6:53 PM

I'm American and having visited France and London, I'd have to say the LDN. Not only is there good quality clothing, but there is more creativity as well. Parisians are so "classic" it's annoying.

Posted by: Ada | July 3, 2007 6:48 AM

stockholm and copenhagen

Posted by: d | July 3, 2007 11:56 AM

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