Forbes Shares World's Most Stylish Cities

New York City, Paris and London are tops in fashion, according to Forbes.com.

But Paris and NYC have a long way to go if they want to match London's cosmopolitan nature. Over 30 percent of the city's population was born outside of Britain, meaning a great mix of culture, cuisine, fashion and style. These contribute to the city's title of World's Most Stylish.

"The only downside to London is its safety and expense," said Simon Anholt, editor of the journal Place Branding and Public Diplomacy and author of the 2008 City Brands Index survey on which the rankings are based.

The Anholt City Brand Index surveyed 18,000 people from 18 countries. Cities were judged on attractiveness, buzz, lifestyle, multiculturalism and cultural life. Respondents were asked how important a city's contribution to the world had been over the last 30 years and how welcoming the citizens of each city would be, among other questions.

"The smarter governments have always looked at their city as a brand that needs to be marketed," said Anholt. "But one of the effects of globalization is that competition has become incredibly intense between cities for tourists, investors, business [and] major events, so proper attention to reputation is now mandatory in a way it never was before."

London's position of top city is gained partially because nearly one-third of the world's population has ties to the British Commonwealth and many consider London to be the fashion, music and financial capital of the world. London's past leaders haven't hurt its image either. Prime Minister Tony Blair launched a campaign which positioned London as a cool and happening place by promoting "Brit pop" bands like Oasis.

Even though Paris received second place, the city has done little to promote its cool factor. No new, notable buildings have been erected in the last 20 years and there are few new crowd-pleasing events or happenings. Paris is simply riding on its reputation, much like Rome and Milan.

"It's almost cliché that Paris is one of the most stylish cities," said Anholt. "It's burned into the global, popular culture. Particularly in developing countries, people expect that in Paris they'll get the best food and fashion as well as a chic lifestyle. It could turn into an awful place for many years and it still wouldn't lose that reputation."

Paris, though it lacks recent cultural significance, is rated as very attractive by 50 percent of respondents; compared to a 46 percent vote for Rome, 29 percent for New York City and a mere 5 percent for Beijing.

Milan was selected as the city that made the most important fashion contribution to the world, but scored 15th place. Washington D.C. was ranked as having the greatest political contribution, Madrid contributed with culture and Tokyo led for technology.

Every city has an image and reputation to maintain. While some governments make efforts to portray safety and cleanliness, others, like London, aim for the cool factor.

"Holland is viewed as solid, reliable, efficient, wealthy and boring, but Amsterdam is considered much more stylish ... it's all about sex, drugs and rock 'n' roll, and the city governments want it to keep that edgy, cool appeal," said Anholt.

Sydney ranked third place, ahead of New York, Rome and Barcelona. See photos of the top cities.

"Everyone loves Australia," said Anholt. "It's a fantastic brand, and it basically all comes down to Crocodile Dundee. That film did wonders for the image of Australian cities. It's had so much airtime all over the world and Australia is now perceived as the perfect country: warm, rich, welcoming and civilized."

Most Fashionable Cities

• Madrid, Spain
• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Berlin, Germany
• Melbourne, Australia
• Barcelona, Spain
• Rome, Italy
• New York, New York
• Sydney, Australia
• Paris, France
• London, England