How Paris became the fashion capital of the world
Paris. Even the name sounds très chic.
Long synonymous with fashion, the French capital and the country of France itself has been the epicentre of all that is stylish for hundreds of years.
So how did Paris, France, become the fashion capital of the world and why is it so important to the fashion industry?
Let's take a look at France's fashion history.
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Some examples of French fashion at the time of the French Revolution, from 1795-1803. Universal Images Group via Getty
Fashion design and production first began to become prominent in France in the 1600s during the reign of King Louis XIV.
The creation of the fashion press in the early 1670s is crucial to how France became famous for fashion, as it marked the beginning of mass production of fabric and clothing, and the start of fashion seasons.
Between 1700 and 1780, France's gross domestic product increased by eight per cent, largely attributed to the textile industry, which is why France became the centre of fashion in the 18th century.
The French love of fashion started in this period, with the lower classes purchasing dupes of luxury items worn by the elite.
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Paris began to emerge as the capital of fashion in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images
You can see how French fashion influenced the world from as early as the late 1700s.
One of the first French fashion 'looks' has its origins in this period, with sans-culottes worn by working class peasants who fought during the French Revolution.
France became the centre of fashion from around 1860, when the words 'haute couture' were first used, which literally meant 'high fashion'.
The great couture houses were founded from 1860-1960. This period also marked the start of the early fashion shows.
The first Parisian couturier house has been traced to an Englishman, Charles Frederick Worth, who dominated the industry from 1858–1895.
Paris began to emerge as the capital of fashion in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
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The emergence of fashion houses like Chanel in Paris helped seal the city's stylish status. Gamma-Keystone via Getty Images
As the fashion industry expanded, numerous Parisian fashion houses emerged.
One of the most well-known is Chanel, which was founded by Coco Chanel in 1909, but really began to rise to prominence in 1925 thanks to her innovative yet understated designs.
Her clothes were designed to suit her own "boyish" figure.
The French influence on the fashion world can be seen in many of her own designs, from horizontal striped shirts, bell-bottom pants, crewneck sweaters and espadrille shoes.
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Coco Chanel, pictured in 1931, had a huge impact on fashion in France, which then rippled out to the rest of the world. Bettmann Archive
Yves Saint Laurent initially worked for Christian Dior before starting his eponymous label in 1962. He is pictured in 1965. Getty
The early 1900s also saw the emergence of the French luxury brand. Prada was founded in 1913, while Hermès, which started out making harnesses and bridles, produced its first women's handbag in 1922.
Louis Vuitton was founded in 1854 and started off making trunks and luggage in its distinctive designs before moving into handbags and clothing.
Vogue France printed its first publication in 1920, bringing fashion to the masses.
World War II was a difficult time for the French fashion industry.
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The Louis Vuitton store on Place Vendome in Paris; the label has been hugely popular since 1854. Getty
Many fashion houses were forced to close during the French occupation, while wartime shortages and rationing affected supply of fabric and leather.
Nina Ricci was one of the only fashion houses to launch during the war, while Balmain opened in 1945, followed by Dior in 1946.
Post-war fashion in France was led by Christian Dior, who designed a collection of dresses with tiny waists, large bustlines and full skirts cascading from small bodices.
Givenchy opened in 1952, and the French fashion magazine Elle produced its first edition in 1945.
French fashion house Hermès' Birkin bag has been a status symbol for decades. Getty
The 60s saw fashion houses Valentino and Yves St Laurent emerge, the latter launching the first 'prêt-à-porter' or 'ready-to-wear' line, which marked the start of mass production and the use of sewing machines.
During the 1960s, the Paris fashion industry saw competition from international cities such as London, New York, Milan and even Tokyo.
Around this time fashion designers such as Karl Lagerfeld became celebrities in their own rights.
Later, fashion houses Paco Rabanne and Pierre Cardin brought innovation and a more youthful market.
Paris Fashion Week is one of the biggest style events on the global calendar each year. Graphic: Polly Hanning
Thierry Mugler, Jean-Paul Gaultier and Christian Lacroix emerged in the 1970s and 80s, bringing cutting-edge designs.
Paris Fashion Week, which is held twice a year, started in 1973 and sees the world's top celebrities vying for the front row at fashion shows.
Today, fashion in France is big business. The French government reports France's luxury and fashion industry saw a turnover of $263 billion in 2022 alone.
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