Of all the stylish cities across the globe, four are considered the big players in the world of fashion. Paris, London, Milan and New York each have a pivotal role to play in inspiring designers and consumers alike, in their street style, clothing culture, and overall fashion character. This year, the Global Language Monitor, which measures trends around the world, announced London had knocked New York from its long-running perch and claiming the crown for Fashion Capital of the World. Yet nobody can deny that New York's role in the fashion consciousness is as strong as ever.
Prada NY by Christopher Macsurak
The proof will be in the pudding when New York Fashion Week hits town this month at the city's Lincoln Centre. New York hotels will be packed with fashion editors and style junkies, all clamouring for a glimpse of what's to come next season. Some of the big fashion hitters being showcased include Jason Wu, Helmut Lang, Donna Karan, and Herve Lerger.
One of the most pivotal success stories for the New York fashion world was TV series and film franchise Sex and the City (SATC). The show helped transform New York from a city of style into the headquarters of forward fashion. As Sarah Jessica Parker and co-stars brought their characters to life, it was the clothes which eventually took centre stage. Manolo Blahnik, Christian Dior, and Jimmy Choo were among many labels which featured as the city of Manhattan became the coolest catwalk for global fashion houses. Such is the power of the New York fashion presence, when Carrie stepped out in a giant corsage, it immediately became the accessory du jour. People wanted to capture bit of that New York style.
This style-savvy footing soon saw trips to the Big Apple become focused on shopping, and harnessing the kooky, daring and fashion-fabulous style from the show. Many people from all over the world will head to New York for the sole purpose of shopping - clearly, such is the strength of the city's style, it's worth booking hotels and flights for. Many head to New York's Fifth Avenue for the ultimate luxury retail experience; Gucci, Prada, Tiffany's, Louis Vuitton, and Saks Fifth Avenue are just some of the brands you'll find here. Alternatively do some vintage browsing in SoHo and West Houston Street, or explore the bohemian stores of Greenwich Village. Even the city's "thrift stores" offer some amazing second-hand finds, and tourists and locals alike flock to the New York sample sales, where designer digs can be found for a fraction of the price.
More extravagant than London; more quirky than Paris; more laid back than Milan; New York definitely has its own style personality. Famous New York designers include Marc Jacobs, Calvin Klein, Ralph Lauren, Isaac Mizrahi and Vera Wang - big names who have made a mark on a global scale, and inspired many young minds in their wake. With several major fashion colleges in New York, including The Art Institutes and the Academy of Art University, there is a steady stream of new talent in the Big Apple, ensuring the New York fashion world continues to stay fresh, interesting, and fabulous.