Compared to the fashion capitals of the world (Paris, Milan, New York, and London,) Los Angeles falls behind in the realm of modeling agencies, couture designers, media, and fashion weeks. Every city has their own niche. While Paris is known for its haute couture, Milan is regarded for its practical ready-to-wear collections.
Other cities have become more prominent on the global fashion scene as of late, such as Tokyo, Sao Paolo, Sydney, and Rome. Los Angeles, should be placed atop these up-and-coming fashion centers, but is not due to what seems to be a couple of factors. Los Angeles' proximity to other fashion capitals is far, making it difficult to communicate and do business. Los Angeles is known for its blockbuster movie stars, as opposed to its fashion models, allowing celebrity to trump beauty. Although Los Angeles does have a 90-block fashion district downtown and many factories, the fashion coming out of the city is lagging behind that of Paris and New York.
I believe Los Angeles, despite its reputation, or lack thereof, in fashion, could reinvent itself as a fashion capital. Critics have speculated that due to the recession, haute couture and ready-to-wear may have trouble regenerating itself enough to give buyers a reason to spend thousands on a piece of clothing. Known for its laid back and casual attitude, Los Angeles has the ability to redefine fashion in these times. Los Angeles should start by focusing less on sewing bodies and more on sewing garments.
