Rome has been embroiled in an epic battle with Paris for the title of top fashion producer for decades now. Most industry insiders agree that the bloodless war began during the 1950s, when the City of Lights began to assert itself more fashionably, sorry, more passionately.

Before that time, the Eternal City was the unquestioned leader when it came to fashion. Many of Italy\\\'s top fashion houses were founded in Rome, including Fendi and Valentino. These were the houses that were famous for the trend-setting fashions of haute couture, while the Italian city of Milan was known for prêt-a-porter (ready-to-wear) fashions.

Who is winning? Though Rome remains a fashion capital because of its history and influence, it is no longer a world leader when it comes to cash. A recent report found that Rome came in fourth after Milan, New York, and Paris. What about

Rome was demoted from its post as the fashion capital due to the success of popular fashion houses that were founded in Milan...not Paris! These include world famous brands like Armani, Prada, and Versace. And as influential as Rome still is in the world of fashion, it does not have any brands that can compete with the aforementioned.

It is hard to say if Rome will ever regain its title from Italy's second largest city. But one thing is for sure, Rome will remain one of the most influential centres of fashion in the world.