Textiles and Dress

French fashion

Fashion in France is an important subject in the culture and country's social life, as well as being an important part of its economy. Fashion design and production became prominent in France since 15th century. During the 17th century, fashion exploded into a rich industry, for exportation and local consumption. In the 19th century, fashion made a transition into specialisation for modern term haute couture, originated in the 1860s, bringing good taste to fashion argot. The term prêt-à-porter was born in the 1960s, reacting against the traditional notions of fashion and garment-making process, satisfying the needs of pop culture and mass media. Paris acts as the center of the fashion industry and holds the name of global fashion capital. The city is home to many prime designers, including Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy, Balmain, Christian Louboutin, Pierre Cardin, Yves Saint Laurent, Roger Vivier, Thierry Mugler, Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, Hermès, Lanvin, Chloé, Rochas, and Céline. As the French fashion industry expanded beyond Paris, cities including Lyon, Marseille, Bordeaux, Toulouse, Lille and Strasbourg developed their own retail and fashion districts. Île-de-France, Manosque, La Gacilly and Vichy are associated with major cosmetics companies and brands, including L'Oréal, Lancôme, Guerlain, Clarins, Yves Rocher, L'Occitane and Vichy. Cities on the French Riviera, including Nice, Cannes and St. Tropez, are also associated with luxury retail, tourism and high-profile events.

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See also

• ▸Culture of West Bengal
• ▸1834 in birding and ornithology
• ▸Brussels tapestry

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