London is the FASHION capital of the world

Kate Middleton

UNITED KINGDOM, London - London has been ranked as the top fashion capital of the world for the second time running.  The ranking was carried out by designers, buyers, models, stylists and fashion lovers who converged on the Big Apple for the start of the glamorous New York Fashion Week. The show which attracts 116,000 people shows off
designer catalogs.  New York was placed second followed by Barcelona, Paris and Madrid.

The annual ranking was compiled by analyzing interest on the Internet, in the media, blogosphere, and the top 175,000 print and electronic global media and as well as other sources to see which cities garner the most interest and coverage.  

Paul Payack, the president of the Global Language Monitor (GLM), which compiles the annual results, said Kate Middleton and the 2012 Summer Olympics helped London retain the title for the second consecutive year. "Kate Middleton has proved to be incredibly influential on the British fashion brand," said Payack, adding that a recent survey showed her influence has contributed to millions of pounds/dollars in sales this year.

Here are the fashion hotspots:

Paris was in third place overall but was No. 1 in haute couture but not influential in the media.
Spain had two cities, Barcelona and Madrid  in the top five. 
Brazil was the pacesetter for Latin fashion and came in 7th position globally.
Hong Kong was in 12th place drooping six places from last year and is the fashion capital of Asia. 
Johannesburg was the only African country in the top 20 cities in the charts coming in at 18th position.
 Dubaiwas in the 28the position and is the fashion centre of the Middle East. 
Vancouver, at No. 31 is the top Canadian city.
Seoul, came in at No. 34.
Milan,the fasionistas favourtite dropped four places to No. 8.

New York Fashion Week is based at Lincoln Center and showcases shows around the city. It kicks off the global fashion season and is followed by fashion shows in London, Paris and Milan.