Fashion

Top 10 Fashion Capitals Named 
Former backwaters emerge on global scene

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San Diego. August 1, 2007. (Updated) The Top Fashion Cities of 2007 have been named by the Global Language Monitor in its annual global survey. Topping the list for 2007 are New York, Rome, Paris, London, Milan, Tokyo, Los Angeles, Hong Kong, Las Vegas, and Singapore. Breaking into the Top 25 were Berlin (No. 11), Shanghai (No, 14), Moscow (No. 16) and Dubai (No. 24). Other notable rankings included Shanghai at No. 14, Sydney and Melbourne at Nos. 12 and 15 respectively, and the Fashion Quartet of South America: Santiago, Rio de Janeiro, Sao Palo, and Buenos Aires. No. 25 was Krakow making the ranking apparently because of it emerging status as center of neo-Bohemian influence.

New York replaced Paris as the Fashion Capital of the world four years ago.

“The ranking is surprising in a number of ways, most of which relate to the changing nature of the Global Fashion Industry, said Millie Lorenzo Payack, Fashion Correspondent and Director of the Global Language Monitor. “Cities that recently would have been considered fashion backwaters – or worse, are now emerging as significant regional hubs.” This exclusive ranking is based upon GLM’s Predictive Quantities Index, a proprietary algorithm, that tracks words and phrases in the print and electronic media, on the Internet and throughout the blogosphere. The words and phrases are tracked in relation to their frequency, contextual usage and appearance in global media outlets.

Rank
1.  New York -- Far and away No.1 by every index
2.  Rome -- Beats out Paris, London and Milan
3.  Paris -- Heartbeat of the fashion world
4.  London -- Pulsing with creative energy
5.  Milan -- Perennial contender for No. 1
6. Tokyo -- Gaining global influence
7. Los Angeles -- Will Posh Spice impact Ranking?
8. Hong Kong -- No. 1 in South Asia
9. Las Vegas -- Emerging as vibrant fashion center
10. Singapore -- Strong regional hub
11. Berlin -- Big fashion push & its working
12. Sydney -- OZ scores two in the Top 20
13. Barcelona -- Regional center grows in stature
14. Shanghai -- China breaks into the Big Time
15. Melbourne -- Gold Coast is golden for fashion
16. Moscow -- Lenin would not be amused
17. Bangkok -- Realizing its dream
18. Mumbai -- Indian fashion influences globe
19. Santiago -- Major strides for a proud nation
20. Rio de Janeiro -- More than Carnivale and Ipanema
21. Sao Paolo -- Money and fashion DO mix
22. Buenos Aires -- Seat of Classic Beauty returns
23. Johannesburg -- A first for Africa
24. Dubai Dubai? -- Yes, Dubai,
25. Krakow -- Neo-Bohemia thrives

The 'Skirt With No Name' Challenges Linguists -- and the Fashion Elite

Preliminary analysis using the Global Language Monitors proprietary Predictive Quantities Indicator (PQI), have come up with the top names used to describe the apparel.  Using this analysis, 'tiered' seems to have settled in as the most popular description followed by 'peasant', 'gypsy,' and 'flouncy'. The PQI tracks specified words and phrases in the global print and electronic media and on the Internet. The words and phrases are tracked in relation to their frequency, contextual usage and appearance.

Apparently the skirt is selling well around the globe. It has been suggested that the skirt originated in Mexico, was inspired by the burgeoning Bollywood studios, is a throwback to California '60s Hippie Culture, or the sudden 'coolness' of all things Gypsy.

"There has been a global groundswell of demand for The Nameless Skirt, after having been by-passed on the runways of Milano, Paris and New York," said Millie Lorenzo Payack, Director and Fashion Correspondent of The Global Language Monitor, "And the fact that the 'tiered skirt' comes in such an unusually large number of variations that might be worn to work, dinner or dancing seems to account for the wide variation of names accorded the product".

The complete list of names, and commentary, associated with the skirt follow.

1. Tiered -- Though it's not always tiered only adds to the confusion surrounding the name.

2. Peasant (sometimes Pioneer) -- Throwback to California '60s Hippie Culture.

3. Gypsy -- A tribute to the current popularity of All Things Gypsy.

4. Flouncy -- A favorite of teenage girls who favor the short, circle cut (from 'flounce' meaning fringe, frill, trim, edging, and furbelow).

5. Boho -- The 'Oh so cool' description (from Bohemian).

6. Crinkled -- Actually meaning 'crinkle' as in 'wrinkle'.

7. Voile -- Many 'high-end' shops favor the French mystique.

8. Gauze -- A thin or transparent fabric with a loose, open weave.

9. Bollywood -- As in 'Hollywood,' the Mumbai-based film industry in India.

10. Indian -- As in Bollywood, though some associate with a Native American influence.

Read:  The Gypsy Boho Phenomenon (UK)

Oh So! au courant Fashion Buzzwords

• Boho
• Bollywood
• Fashionista
• Juicy
• Confection
• The New Black
• Artisanal
• Fashion faux paux
• Flouncy
• Vintage
• Harajutu
• Atelier
• Rag trade
• Gypsy
• Sassy
• Who are you wearing?
• [Email us your favorites!] 

Wardrobe Malfunction Selected 'HollyWORD' of the Year in Banner Year for Hollywood Impact on Language

Read All About 'Wardrobe Malfunction' in the Wikiverse World of Knowledge

• Parley Hollywood:  Keira Invents aNew language (Sunday Mail:  UK)
• Linguists Comb Stars for New Hollywood Phrases (Scripps Wire)
• New Words Hollywood Gave the English language (India)
• Wardrobe Malfunction Enters the Lexicon (Canadian Broadcasting)

Names From the Fashion Capitals

Names:  Celebrities' Fashion Forays

Diddy -- Other than being a performer, owner of Bad Boy Records, acting and producing his own reality shows, Diddy has established a flourishing clothing line as well. Sean Jean.  The purveyor of hip, urban menswear is available at Nordstroms, Macys and other major label retailers worldwide.

Stella McCartney -- Though she is the daughter of former Beatle Paul McCartney, Stella is now creating her own fab invasion.  After graduating from Londons St. Martins College of Art and Design, McCartney became chief designer for the British luxury  fashion retailer Chloe, leaving in 2001 to create her own label with Gucci.

Mary Kate and Ashley Olson -- Many may recognize MK's personal style as a major proponent of boho chic, but the Olsons have delved into fashion as part of their uber-successful entrepreneurial outfit, Dualstar Entertainment Group, as well.  Starting the mary-kateandashley brand, available online at their website (www.marykateandashley.com) and also available at Wal-Mart and Target stores throughout the US, the twins have bolstered their success by clothing young girls of America.

Names:  For the Budget Conscious

H&M -- H&M retailers are available throughout the East Coast, most notably in New York City and Boston, as well as recently turning up in the Mid-West (Chicago and Indianapolis).  H&M focuses on replicating the latest styles using quality goods, whole also at a reduced price more accessible to the hoi polloi.

Fred Segal --  Fred Segal, in Los Angeles and Santa Monica, houses an impressive collection of fashions from desirable boutique retailers all under on roof.  The convenient set up allows for one quick trip to find great deals and stock up on your seasonal wardrobe.

Outlets -- More high end retailers are turning to outlets where they can sell their traditionally steeply priced products for a reduction in the cost.  Barneys, BCGBs, Calvin Klein, Kenneth Cole and Tommy Hilfiger are just a few retailers looking to hock their goods for somewhat less glamourous prices.

Small Artisan boutiques -- Creative boutiques offer one of a kind, unique ensembles.  Fashions in boutiques can range from extremely pricey to quite a steal. 

Online -- Online auction sites, like eBay, are a wonderful way to trade wares and wears.  Buying used name brands decreases the expense while still adding a splash of style to your wardrobe.