Austin, Texas. July 20, 2009.  Milan has upended New York after a five year reign as the Top Fashion Capital in the Global Language Monitor’s annual global survey. Topping the list for 2009 were Milan, New York, Paris, Rome and London follow. Other top movers included Hong Kong and Sao Paulo, who broke into the Top 10, while Barcelona and Miami surged. In the ever-tightening battle for the Subcontinent Mumbai outdistanced Delhi, while Sydney further outdistanced Melbourne.

“The global economic restructuring has affected the fashion industry just as it has touched everything else,” said Millie L. Payack, director and fashion correspondent for the Global Language Monitor. “The catwalks were still crowded though with the lights dimmer, the hype a bit more restrained, and ‘recessionistas,’ of course, thriving”.

Though Milan dethroning New York, the Big Five (Milan, New York, Paris, Rome, and London) continued their domination of global fashion. The world ‘rag’ business is estimated to be over three trillion USD. Regional rankings are provided below.

This exclusive ranking is based upon GLM’s Predictive Quantities Index, a proprietary algorithm that tracks words and phrases in 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.

The Top Thirty Fashion Capitals, change from 2008 ranking, and commentary follow.
1. Milano (+3) – Not only overtakes New York but also Rome and Paris.
2. New York (-1) – Knocked out of Top Spot by Milano after a five-year run.
3. Paris (0) – No 1. in our hearts but No. 3 in the media.
4. Rome (-2) – The Eternal City still reigns strong.
5. London (0) – London remains the laggard of the Fashion Elite.
6. Los Angeles (0) – Holding its own at No. 6.
7. Hong Kong (+4) – Leaps over Sydney and Tokyo to seize the lead in Asia/Pacific.
8. Sao Paulo (+25) – A remarkable rise, now dominating the Latin-American scene.
9. Sydney (-2) – Solidly in the Top 10 while Melbourne sinks.
10. Las Vegas (-2) – Intense media spotlight ensures a top ranking.
11. Dubai (+1) – An unlimited budget continually exceeded.
12. Tokyo (-2) – Loses a bit of luster as it slips out of the Top 10.
13. Miami (+13) – Driven by its dominance in swimwear.
14. Barcelona (+11) – Takes the Iberian spotlight.
15. Shanghai (-2) – Now third in the China/Japan rivalry.
16. Mumbai (+6) – In neck-and-neck race for primacy on the Subcontinent.
17. New Delhi (+7) – Both Delhi and Mumbai break into Top 20.
18. Rio de Janeiro (+12) – Comes on strong but Sao Paulo is stronger.
19. Berlin (-10) – Hurt by weak showing in the ‘haute’ category.
20. Singapore (-6) – Fashion infrastructure strong, but hurt by the economy.
21. Madrid (-6) – Barcelona takes the Iberian crown.
22. Moscow (-6) – Remains strong as it drops out of the Top 20.
23. Santiago (-6) – Now third behind Sao Paulo and Rio in Latin America.
24. Buenos Aires (-4) – Strong in new interpretations of classic fashion.
25. Melbourne (-7) – Slips out of Top 20 as Sydney strives ahead.
26. Stockholm (-7) – Tops in Scandinavia with Copenhagen No. 2.
27. Bangkok (+7) – Breaks into the top tier of Asian Fashion.
28. Krakow (-1) – Hold an increasingly intriguing niche in Middle Europe.
29. Prague (-1) – Strengthening its position as a fashion capitol.
30. Mexico City (Not Listed) – First time on the list.

Others in the ranking in order: Dallas, Toronto, Montreal, Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Johannesburg, Cape Town, Atlanta

Regional Rankings:
Asia and Oceania: Hong Kong, Sydney, Tokyo, Shanghai, Singapore, Melbourne, Bangkok
Europe: Milano, Paris, Rome, London, Barcelona, Berlin, Madrid, Stockholm, (Copenhagen, Amsterdam, Frankfurt)
India: Mumbai, New Delhi
Latin America: Sao Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, Santiago, Buenos Aries, Mexico City
Middle and Eastern Europe: Moscow, Krakow, Prague
Middle East and Africa: Dubai, (Johannesburg, Cape Town)
North America: New York, LA, Las Vegas, Miami, (Dallas, Toronto, Montreal, Atlanta)

About the Global Language Monitor  - Austin, Texas-based Global Language Monitor analyzes and catalogues the latest trends in word usage and word choices, and their impact on the various aspects of culture. GLM’s staff and a global network of academics, professional wordsmiths and bibliophiles, monitor the latest trends in the evolution of language, word usage and word choices. Payack’s latest book is A Million Words and Counting: How the English Language is Rewriting the World (Kensington: New York, 2008).


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Source: www.LanguageMonitor.com