There are many fashion capitals in this world, but if you have seen one, then you have seen them all. The original capitals include Paris, London, Milan, and New York City. Now there are about 30 other capitals including but not limited to Tokyo, Beijing, Prague, Melbourne, Beunos Aires, and many more in very different locations. Due to the current cost of airfare, you might not be able to travel to the more distant locations anytime soon, but be assured that you are not missing much.
Big designers and high fashion companies belong to large conglomerate companies. These large companies are therefore monopolizing the fashion industry globally. Companies like Pinault-Printemps-Redoute (PPR) own large names including Yves Saint Laurent, Gucci, Stella McCartney, and just under a hundred other subsidiaries. The other conglomerates, Louis Vuitton Moët Hennessy (LVMH) and Richmond, own all of the other brands out there.
All three of these great companies deal with distributing American and European designers. High fashion mostly remained in these continents, but in recent years it is becoming more prominent in other major cities in Asia, South America, and Australia.
In order to catch up in this field, major cities created fashion districts and invested in these giant conglomerates. Buying into a conglomerate is like buying fifty high fashion designers at one time. Cities like Tokyo, Hong Kong, and Melbourne were able to develop their fashion districts almost instantly after investing. They ultimately rose to earn a fashion capital title like the original four.
Unfortunately, this quick rise to power has created all fashion capitals equal. They all carry the same names, brands, and designers. It is hard to find a high fashion designer that is native to any of the Asian or South American cities. In Tokyo, you would go to Ginza for high fashion, but all you see are the European-American conglomerate stores. There are some moderately popular brands, but none of them are distributed worldwide.
The giant conglomerate companies are monopolizing the fashion industry around the globe. Keep in mind that everything that you find in a foreign fashion capital can be found closer than you think. Walking into a Saks Fifth Avenue or taking a stroll down Newbury Street costs a lot less than a plane ticket. No offense to the giants in fashion, but it is just not worth it to travel to foreign and exotic countries for a new wardrobe.
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