Battle of America's fashion capitals: New York City or Los Angeles (2024)

The East Coast and the West Coast of the United States have always beencompared whether in terms of lifestyle or most notably in popularculture-from hip hop to films. In fashion, it is no different that the twocities are the top destinations for professionals looking to work in theAmerican fashion industry.

As one of the “Big Four” global fashion capitals, New York City is hometo luxury conglomerates such as LVMH Moët Hennessy Louis Vuitton as well asmedia giant Condé Nast. Los Angeles, on the other hand, is quickly becominga platform for emerging designers and homegrown brands that manufacturetheir products all within the state. Celebrity founded brands are alsoshaking up the industry, an example is the LA-based lingerie disruptor, Savage x Fenty by Rihanna.FashionUnited breaks down the deciding factors that affects most of us whenmaking the move-from career opportunities, cost of living, income and eventhe fashion style between NYC and LA.

Career: Global fashion headquarters, publishing houses versus homegrownmanufacturers and emerging designers

900 fashion businesses have their headquarters in New York City and thefashion industry employs 6 percent of the city’s workforce. It’salso home to a pool of the world’s top creative talent-from renownedphotographers to stylists and major fashion publishers such as Vogue andHarper’s Bazaar. On the other coast, Los Angeles is becoming a fashion hubin its own right due to content driven e-commerce platforms such as Revolveand celebrity brands Good American and Fabletics.

Major brands are now planting their showrooms and seeking localmanufacturers in the City of Angels. Los Angeles Fashion Week now serves asa platform for emerging designers from around the worldto showcase their collection. As more and more influentialdesigners such as Tom Ford, Hedi Slimane have come to call Los Angeleshome, designers are also choosing to show their collection in this growingfashion hub over others.

Fashion style: Timeless business chic versus effortless cool

New Yorkers are well aware that one’s fashion style is a reflection ofwho you are. In a busy city where people are always running to the nextmeeting, your outfit needs to make a good impression at all times. Thetimeless business look, a structured bag (which doubles as your ‘car’) andan overall chic aesthetic rules the streets of Manhattan and Brooklyn.Black is also the unofficial uniform of New York’s fashion scene.

The sun always shines in LA and the SoCal beach culture is all around.Angelenos like to dress up, but being cosy, laid back and effortless is thetheme of this city’s style. Looking healthy and enjoying what theCalifornian outdoors has to offer has made athleisure and fitness wearstaples and even everyday business attire. A pulled-together look thatdoesn’t seem like you’re trying too hard is what LA fashionistas standby.

Lifestyle: A New York minute versus a health-conscious lifestyle

There comes a time for every adopted New Yorker when they start to yearnfor more temperate weather, a garden and a slower paced lifestyle. Aturbulent city where time is money, life in New York can make strides for ayoung person’s career, but tough on health and the sacrifices on thefundamental qualities of life are high. Therefore, many New Yorkers arewilling to trade in the subway commute and the tiny apartment for morecloset space while being stuck in LA traffic.

According to Whitney Eaton (Director of Brand Relations) who called NYChome for a decade, “a major difference is the importance that Los Angelesplaces on wellness and leisure. It’s a big part of the LA lifestyle andalso affects our clients’ showrooms. For example, it's entirely possiblefor me to just pop by for a store visit without prior appointment. Also, asmost people living in LA would like to avoid traffic, working late in theoffice is not usually much of an option for most.”

New York City:

  • Fashion companies: LVMH, Condé Nast, Rent theRunway, Outdoor Voices
  • Rent for a one bedroom: $2,299
  • Business lunch: $20
  • Average income for a fashion designer:$73,167

Los Angeles:

  • Fashion companies: Lucky Brand, Nordstromrack.com,Nasty Gal, Revolve
  • Rent for a one bedroom: $2,293
  • Business lunch: $17
  • Average income for a fashion designer:$69,638

What fashion professionals say:

“New York is a window to the world – most of the companies have anoffice here. Editors, photographers, stylists are based here; there is acontinuous movement in the industry.” --Carmen Castiñeira, CommunicationsManager at Derek Lam

“I enjoy the diversity of food, people and especially the fashion of NewYork City! On my walk to work, I’m always looking to see how women aredressing. I get most of my ideas from observing what people wear and thenincorporating that into my own style.”--Johanna Ante, HR Business Partnerat Calzedonia

“There definitely is a fashion hub here as all the major brands haveshowrooms in LA and there are also many manufacturers. However, if it’shigh fashion or major publications and photographers you’re looking for,then New York City is still the place to be. It really depends on what kindof fashion hub one wants to be part of, and the facet of the industry theyare most passionate about.” --Whitney Eaton, Director of Brand Relations atAmbassador Retail

“If America is a melting pot, Los Angeles feels like the melting pot offashion. There appears to be a level of freedom in terms of what peoplewill wear—perhaps that's due to the weather and we can wear anythinganytime. While there are definitely certain aesthetics that stand out, likestreetwear, bohemian-inspired pieces, I feel like there's a really broadsense of fashion here—and I love it because it feels more creative.” --DaleArden Chong, Freelance Fashion Writer and Editor at FashionUnited, The ZoeReport, Who What Wear

This article was created with information collected from Glassdoor andBuilt In to promote working in fashion.

Apply for jobs in fashion on FashionUnited:

Photos: Michał Ludwiczak from Pexels, Public Co from Pixabay

Battle of America's fashion capitals: New York City or Los Angeles (2024)

FAQs

Where are the 4 fashion capitals? ›

Called the "Big Four", the most prominent fashion capitals of the world—in chronological order of their eponymous fashion weeks, are New York, London, Milan, and Paris, which receive the majority of press coverage.

Is New York City the fashion capital of the world? ›

New York City is home to one of the best and largest pools of creative talent, retail space in high-traffic areas, some of the top manufacturers and ateliers, fashion schools, and more headquarters of fashion brands and retailers than any other city in the country.

What are the 5 major fashion capitals? ›

Paris, New York, London, and Milan are the most recognizable fashion capitals of the world, but sometimes Tokyo is also added to that list. This is what put them on the map as the fashion capitals of the world.

Why is New York city the fashion capital? ›

New York City is the center of fashion, and offers world-class creative talent, retail space in highly-populated locations, best-in-class production companies and fashion and design schools. NYC is also home to more headquarters of fashion designers and fashion retailers than any other city in the United States.

Is Los Angeles a fashion capital? ›

While manufacturing ready-to-wear at scale remains a challenge, it does feel that LA has once-and-for-all cemented its place as the world's fifth fashion capital, providing a fertile ecosystem for those who would like to call the city home.

What city is known as the US fashion capital? ›

New York City, and to a lesser extent Los Angeles, are the centers of America's fashion industry. They are considered leading fashion capitals. New York City is considered to be one of the "big four" global fashion capitals, along with Paris, Milan, and London.

Is NYC or LA better for fashion? ›

It all comes down to preference. New York City is generally considered the traditional route for a career in fashion; it has the top fashion schools, top fashion designers and brands, and a variety of specialized careers (plus, you may find the highest paying fashion jobs in NYC).

Which city is known as fashion city in the world? ›

Milan is officially named the fashion capital of the world.

What city in the US has the best fashion? ›

New York City

What are the 3 types of fashion? ›

There are five primary types of fashion design:
  • Haute Couture.
  • Luxury Fashion.
  • Ready-to-wear Fashion.
  • Economy Fashion.
  • Fast Fashion.
Jul 12, 2022

What are the 3 key influences on fashion? ›

Fashion Designing Basics: Factors Influencing Popular Fashion
  • Fashion Forecast (Colour & Fabric) Deciding the colour, fabric and look for the upcoming season is something that every designer works on. ...
  • Movies & Music. The entertainment world is a major influencer of fashion. ...
  • Fashion Stylist. ...
  • Economy of a Country.
Dec 20, 2017

What part of New York is known for fashion? ›

The Garment District, also known as the Garment Center, the Fashion District, or the Fashion Center, is a neighborhood located in the borough of Manhattan in New York City. The dense concentration of fashion-related uses give the neighborhood its name.

What is the number 1 fashion capital in the world? ›

London. England was the first industrialized country in the world and it was the number one country in all areas for a long long time, mainly due to its imperialistic politics. London can be said to be the first fashion capital of the world even as far as the Elizabethan era. It has maintained this position to this day ...

When did New York become fashion capital? ›

By 1960 75% of all women's and children's clothes sold in America was manufactured here. Fashion icons like Ralph Lauren, Calvin Klein, and Donna Karan all got their start here in the 1960s. All of them Jewish-Americans from NYC. Then designers coming from other cities came to Seventh Avenue like Oscar De La Renta.

Do people wear jeans in LA? ›

Denim is an everyday staple, sneakers and flip flops are normal, and the way these items are worn will vary from person to person. Knowing what to pack for Los Angeles can be complicated. The city is spread out, with plenty to see, do, and experience.

Is Los Angeles known for fashion? ›

Los Angeles beats out New York City for U.S.'s most fashionable city. Although New York is typically known for its high fashion and street style elements, it's not entirely surprising that L.A. would beat the Big Apple out.

What is Los Angeles known for? ›

Hollywood stars, the TV & movie industries, and gorgeous beaches all make LA a famous city and a popular vacation spot.

What state is known for fashion? ›

A new study reveals that New York is the most fashion-obsessed state in America. In research by fashion expert Karen Millen who examined Google GOOG -0.7% trends data frequently used by people interested in fashion.

What city is the home of fashion? ›

London is officially the fashion capital of the world

London also has its fair share of fashion designers either hailing from the city or having a large presence there. Vivienne Westwood is the ultimate British fashion designer.

Which city has the biggest fashion week? ›

New York Fashion Week takes place twice a year: in February and September, in our beloved New York City. The event is considered to be one of the four major fashion weeks in the world. It goes next to London, Milan, and Paris, also known as the “Big Four”– but don't worry we will also talk about them in this post.

Is air quality worse in LA or NYC? ›

According to IQAir, in 2021, Los Angeles was the city with the most pollution. Researchers measured aerosol particles that can harm human health, also known as PM 2.5 levels. L.A. reached 13.7 micrograms, more than twice the acceptable level.

Is New York City or LA more expensive? ›

Cost of living in New York City (United States) is 29% more expensive than in Los Angeles, California (United States)

Which city is richer LA or NYC? ›

There were six US cities in the top 20: New York (1), Chicago (6), Los Angeles (6), Houston (13), and Dallas (14). New York led the wealth category, which measures the number of UHNWIs (net worth of more than $30 million) and HNWIs (net worth more than $1 million).

Which city is best for clothes? ›

Of Fabrics & Fashion: These 10 Destinations In India Offer The Best Textiles
  • Banaras, Uttar Pradesh. Varanasi. ...
  • Aurangabad, Maharashtra. Aurangabad. ...
  • Tamil Nadu. Tamil Nadu. ...
  • Madhya Pradesh. Madhya Pradesh. ...
  • Andhra Pradesh. Andhra Pradesh, Andra Pradesh. ...
  • Jaipur. Jaipur. ...
  • Kota, Rajasthan. Kota. See On Map. ...
  • Karnataka. Karnataka. See On Map.

Which city has the most fashionable people? ›

Paris, France

Considered as one of the most fashionable cities in the world, it is a home to couture and many of the iconic fashion labels like Dior, Hermès, Chanel and Louis Vuitton.

Who has the best fashion in the world? ›

  • Italy. #1 in Fashionable. #14 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • France. #2 in Fashionable. #9 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • Spain. #3 in Fashionable. #16 in Best Countries Overall. ...
  • United States. #4 in Fashionable. ...
  • United Kingdom. #5 in Fashionable. ...
  • Switzerland. #6 in Fashionable. ...
  • South Korea. #7 in Fashionable. ...
  • Singapore. #8 in Fashionable.

What is the #1 fashion school in the US? ›

A. The Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), New York, NY is the top fashion school in the US. The school offers 48 degree programs in fashion and other creative and business professions and is consistently ranked as one of the best fashion schools.

Which US city is most beautiful? ›

1. Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston is by far one of the most beautiful cities in the US. Pastel-painted houses line the cobblestone streets, while colossal oak trees with Spanish moss set the scene.

What clothing is in style 2022? ›

2022 Fashion Trend: Voluminous Silhouettes

From oversize shirting to ballooned silhouettes and a continuation of the puff sleeve trend, dresses and tops will retain their volume through the end of the year. If anything, the latter will spice up all the soft pants you'll probably still be rocking on the bottom.

What are the 5 elements of fashion? ›

5 Important Elements of Fashion Design
  • Colour.
  • Silhouettes.
  • Fabric.
  • Body Shape.
  • Balance and Rhythm.
Jan 6, 2021

What are the 4 levels of fashion? ›

The fashion industry consists of four levels: the production of raw materials, principally fibres and textiles but also leather and fur; the production of fashion goods by designers, manufacturers, contractors, and others; retail sales; and various forms of advertising and promotion.

What are the 5 stages of the fashion cycle? ›

A fashion trend's life cycle can be divided into five stages, generally speaking: introduction, rise, peak, decline, and obsolescence. The life cycles of fashion trends today have changed; technology and social media have rendered them much shorter and less predictable than in the past.

What affects fashion trends? ›

A trend is a transitory style that is not necessarily determined by the seasons when the fashion brands release collections. Several variables impact fashion trends, including films, climate, creative explorations, political, economic, social, and technical influences.

What factors affect fashion? ›

Factors That Influence Fashion
  • Psychological Factor.
  • Social Factor.
  • Economic Factor.
  • Cultural Factor.
  • Political Factor.
  • Environmental Factor.
  • Physiological Factor.
Oct 13, 2022

Can you wear jeans in Italy? ›

Are jeans appropriate to wear in Italy? While Europeans tend to dress up more than Americans, you still can wear jeans in Italy. However, avoid acid wash and extremely distressed denim and opt for medium-dark blues and blacks. Black skinny jeans always look chic in Europe!

What country is best dressed? ›

Italy has been ranked No. 1 on the list of the 20 most fashionable countries in the world for 2019, according to a new study out by the CEOWORLD magazine, France placed second on the list, followed by the UK at No. 3.

Is it OK to wear leggings in New York? ›

Here in NYC, it's against the letter of the law for a woman to be on the street wearing “body hugging clothing.” So no yoga pants, no spandex, no Lycra, no booty shorts, no co*cktail dresses…

Is there a dress code for York? ›

While the only formal dress code at York (within the bounds of decency) is that in the County Stand gentlemen are required to wear a jacket, collared shirt and tie, many racegoers like to dress up and step out in style for a day at York Racecourse.

Can you wear a dress in New York? ›

Ladies, skirts, sundresses, or your favorite travel dress will be just fine. Aim for something simple that moves seamlessly from day to night with the addition of an accessory or two. Other than that, the only rule for summer in New York is simple: don't wear sandals.

Who is the No 1 fashion designer in the world? ›

1. Coco Chanel. Born Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, “Coco” was an exquisite French fashion designer and founder of the well-known CHANEL brand.

What are the top 7 fashion capitals of the world? ›

The World's Most Fashionable Cities For 2021
  1. New York, USA. New York is recognized as the official capital of US fashion. ...
  2. London, UK. Home of Jimmy Choo, Galliano, and many other famous designers, London is undoubtedly one of the world's fashion capitals. ...
  3. Paris, France. ...
  4. Milan, Italy. ...
  5. Los Angeles, USA.

Who is the king of fashion in world? ›

Designer Paul Poiret (1879 – 1944) led the fashion world in the first decade of the 20th century. This extract from his 1931 autobiography, 'King of Fashion', tells of his meteoric rise to fame, designing dresses for the esteemed Parisian couturier, House of Worth.

Which city had the first Fashion Week in History? ›

Initially called Press Week, Fashion Week began in New York City in 1943.

Who started fashion first? ›

An Englishman living in Paris, Charles Frederick Worth (1825 - 1905) is regarded as the first designer in the modern sense of the term, with a large business employing many largely anonymous tailors and seamstresses.

When was America's first fashion? ›

The first American fashion show likely took place in 1903 in the New York City store of the Ehrlich Brothers. By 1910, large department stores such as Wanamaker's in Manhattan and Philadelphia were also staging fashion shows.

What are the 4 main fashion weeks? ›

Paris Fashion Week, New York Fashion Week, London Fashion Week and Milan Fashion Week are the most known Fashion Weeks around the world, attracting buyers, the media, celebrities, top models and designers who proudly present their latest collections.

What are the 4 fashion cycles? ›

A fashion trend's life cycle can be divided into five stages, generally speaking: introduction, rise, peak, decline, and obsolescence. The life cycles of fashion trends today have changed; technology and social media have rendered them much shorter and less predictable than in the past.

What will be in fashion 2023? ›

Lots of shapes coming in the form of oversized pockets, large blazers, and flowing capes, as well romantic silhouettes in lacey textiles and daring looks in the form of denim and leather are most popular. The style trends vary with something for every style. Here are the trends that will define 2023 in fashion.

What is the rule of 4 in fashion? ›

Kelly shared her Rule of Four lesson publicly when signups were open for the May course, so some of you may have seen it. The goal is to have at least four accessories or points of interest to every outfit.

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